Apple and Iphone4 Quality systems management

Please see files attached for brief and additional info. Assignment BRIEF: iPhone 4 is a smartphone developed by Apple. It is the fourth generation of iPhone, and successor to the iPhone 3GS. It is particularly marketed for video calling, consumption of media such as books and periodicals, movies, music, and games, and for general web and e-mail access. It was announced on 7 June 2010, and was released to consumer markets on 24 June 2010 in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan. The iPhone 4 runs Apple's iOS operating system, the same operating system as used on previous iPhones, the iPad, and the iPod Touch. It is primarily controlled by a user's fingertips on the multi-touch display, which is sensitive to fingertip contact. The most noticeable difference between the iPhone 4 and its predecessors is the new design, which incorporates an uninsulated stainless steel frame that acts as the device's antenna. The internal components of the device are situated between two panels of chemically strengthened aluminosilicate glass. Some iPhone 4 buyers have reported signal reduction when the phone is held in certain ways, especially in the left hand, as the antenna problem is in the bottom left corner of the phone's side casing. The company has offered customers a free case until 30 September, 2010, or a refund within 30 days of purchase, as cases have been shown to correct this antenna problem. Assume that you have been hired by Apple as consultant. Hence, your senior managers have acknowledged the need for immediate action and want you to investigate the antenna problem. They would like to see more up to date systems being used in the organisation at all levels. They have shown a keen interest in Quality Systems employed in various areas of the business. The resulting effect of this move must be to the benefit of all stakeholders including staff, customers and other stakeholders. Hence, you as a consultant have to investigate the antenna problem in the context of the operations and quality procedures of the company. Your task is to make appropriate proposals based on contemporary Quality Systems tools. SECTION 1 Carry out research into the strategic objectives of operations management and apply that research to the current needs of Apple company. 1. Carry out research into Apple's effective operations management. You need to look into the strategic objectives that Apple set to achieve during managing operations. Evaluate the success of operations objectives in meeting the operational objectives of the organisation. 2. Using evidence and illustrations from the research, describe and explain how Apple could improve their operations by having clear and strategic objectives. 3. Clearly evaluate how Apple could meet their organisational objectives if they manage to get their operations objectives right. Make effective judgements and provide evidence how operational objectives lead to the achievement of the strategic objectives The outcome of this section should be in the form of a detailed and structured report addressed to the directors of Apple. +++++++++++ SECTION 2 Having produced initial data from your research in task 1, you need to explore the systems that are necessary to support business processes in Apple. 1. Discuss how the EFQM Excellence Model (SEE FILE EFQM UPLOAD) would support Apple's business process. You must support your discussion with the utilisation of various resources and systems for Apple. 2. Discuss various quality systems/practices that Apple should consider to adopt in monitoring its quality. 3. Discuss how quality can be embedded in Apple so that there is continuous monitoring and development of the processes. USE QUALITY SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT TOOLS The outcome of this section is an extension of the report from section 1. All assumptions should be clearly stated and the must be referenced. +++++++++++++ SECTION 3 SCENARIO: The Directors of Apple have read your report and are happy to move to the third stage in operations and quality management. Their aim is to improve organisational performance at all levels. 1. Extend your research to include areas of good practice and systems used in improving organisational performance. The research should enable collection of evidence of how problems were resolved in the improvement of organisational performance. 2. Using information given in the case study and materials from section 1 and section 2, conduct a detailed analysis on the operational problems faced by Apple. Using suitable QUALITY CONTROL tools and techniques, describe the improvements that could be brought to the organisation's operations in order to meet its objectives. 3. Develop appropriate systems and procedures that would result in change at Apple. Make appropriate recommendations to ensure that the organisational objectives are in line with customers' and other stakeholders' needs. 4. Finally, implement the changes that you have developed and recommended. Using illustrations from your research, carry out an evaluation of the changes. The outcome of this task is an extension of your report from section 1 and section 2. TOOLS THAT MUST BE USED: DMAIC(T) SIX SIGMA METHODOLOGY