Questions and answers 1. In what ways are Sheena's customers most likely to judge the quality of her lawn care service? ANSWER: This judgment varies from customer to customer. As one Customer may probably judge the previous services of Sheena. And the newbie customer may consider the availability of Sheena. But the proper way is to communicate with Sheen's previous customers. 2. Sheena is the operations manager of her business. Among her responsibilities are forecasting, inventory management, scheduling, quality assurance, and maintenance. A. What kinds of things would likely require forecasts? ANSWER: For fertilizing the lawns, weeding the garden and mowing the lawns weather,time and material price forecasting are necessary. B. What inventory items does Sheena probably have? Name one inventory decision she has to make periodically. ANSWER: Seed, fertilizer, rope. Bamboo, mower mower may be the inventory of Sheena's business. The major inventory decision of Sheena may be: "Whether Sheena will hold more inventory of fertilizer for the next period or not?" C. What scheduling must she do? What things might occur to disrupt schedules and cause Sheena to reschedule? ANSWER: Sheena has to make time schedule for mowing and fertilizing, Natural disaster, customer demand may disrupt schedule. D. How important is quality assurance to Sheena's business? Explain. ANSWER: Quality assurance is must for Sheena's business because customer satisfaction mainly depends on the service quality. So if Sheena can ensure a better quality then market demand will skyrocket in upward direction. E. What kinds of maintenance must be performed? ANSWER: Mainly equipment maintenance is necessary for Sheena's business. These Equipments are mower, scythe, tractor etc. 3. What are some of the trade-offs that Sheena probably considered relative to: a) Working for a company instead of for herself? b) Expanding the business? If she works in a company then she have to work under others but if she expand her business then she will be her own boss. Getting a job in company is very tough but starting a business is way easier yet riskier In company she has to improve her quality, but in her business she has to improve her business quality 4. The town is considering an ordinance that would prohibit putting grass clippings at the curb for pickup because local landfills cannot handle the volume. What options might Sheena consider if the ordinance is passed? Name two advantages and two drawbacks of each option. ANSWER: Option 1: Sheena can use a personal carrying van Advantage More capacity. No legal problem. Disadvantage: High cost for buying a van. High maintenance cost. Option 2: Sheena can use it as animal food. Advantage: No investment is needed. Extra income may be generated. Disadvantage: Unavailability of animal. Time consuming.