Timberjack Parts Case Study

Question: 1

The above mentioned table represents the evaluation criteria and weights assigned to each factor related to the software. The table was basically developed to help out the managers in identifying and selecting the most appropriate and relevant software for the Timerjack company. in the beginning team (that was appointed to select the software from available 6 bids) visited, and collected information about all software, while now in this section comparison is made in only two short listed software that was going to meet the requirements of the company and its team. In accordance to the above mentioned table, total evaluation score was 160, from which score obtained by the QAD is 115 and the score of Oracle is 130. Thus according to this winning company for the project is Oracle. Basically, winning company was selected on the basis of the above mentioned criteria in which importance was given to the functionality, integration, flexibility and support system provided by the companies. Considering this if we take a brief overview we can say that Oracle was providing more flexibility to the company as compared to the QAD. in accordance to the case study a number of modifications in the operating system of the QAD were required but QAD was not offering that required modification flexibility, while opposite to this Oracle was providing flags and switches through which changes could be made in the software without making changes in the programming. Smart client technology was used in the Oracle that was allowing the customers to make changes and customize screen layouts. All these features of flexibility are not available in the QAD that lead the Oracle to win the competition with a high score of 20 out of 20.  While the integration system of the software was also important for the company as without integration of all software timberjack cannot perform well. The thorough analysis of the information provided for both software it is analyzed and concluded that the integration system of the oracle was many times better as compared to the QAD. Therefore QAD is given only 20 while Oracle is given 25 out of 30. Now the most important scores are support factor scores. The company gave a weighted of 30 to the support that shows the importance of the support system. Case study Analysis presents that for the initial installations of the software and implementation system, QAD was requiring 6 month duration while Oracle was requiring a year. Oracle Company claimed that they do not want to provide only solution and methods to the customers but in fact they take time to understand the business and operations of the customer company and then they provide full support regarding that solution, therefore, they take time. Considering this total weightage assigned to the Oracle for the support is 18 and QAD 19 out of 20. Even in a number of factors, QAD is better than Oracle but in overall score and most concerning factors of the company, Oracle was leading, therefore, Oracle is declared as the winning company in the competition. Timberjack can select the Oracle company to get benefits in the future as future prospects of the Oracle is more bright than QAD.          

Question: 2

The above mentioned table elaborate that how efficient and successful Timberjack Parts Procurement Process if we evaluate the various dimensions and areas of management. In the above table time management, resources management, and procurement integration are given relatively 1, 2, 3 scores because of weakness and inefficiency in these areas of management. While the categories as cost management, quality management, risk management, communication, and scope management are given the scores between the ranges of 4 to 5 that are the highest/best scores. Basically, if we take comprehensive analysis we will find out that throughout in the case study main emphasis of the timberjack parts procurement process was on the cost management and scope management. While selecting for the team of the software timberjack team was concerned to select the low cost but high quality software. 

Timberjack Parts Procurement Process pay enough attention to the quality management as quality can draw long term impact on the performance of the business. While risk management was also important concerning point for the management of the company as in the internal operations (manufacturing, inventory management) and in the external operations (as distribution and warehouses inventory management).  In the case study, the team of Timberjack Company was searching for the software that could also help out them in managing the resources as investor handling.

While in the Timberjack Parts Procurement Process communication was also strong therefore highest score is given to the communication. As if we take the example of the team searching for the software for the Timberjack and their communication with the companies while investigating the weaknesses and strengths of the software we can say that team of Timberjack Company was really strong as they asked the most relevant information in the short time duration. However, other than that time management of the company was not as good as the total time spends on the investigation and selection of the software was almost a year long. Even a major reason of such issues was complicated information and conflict among the team but the time could be managed by making timetables and planning in advance.

Question: 3

There are several areas in the Timberjack Parts Procurement Process that require improvement. While at the same time there are a number of areas in the Timberjack Parts Procurement Process that were showing strength therefore in that areas changes and modifications are not required. However, before going to take the analysis of the Timberjack Parts Procurement Process we must have to identify the key steps that are an important part of the Procurement Processes. According to the case study, important parts of Timberjack Parts Procurement Process were the identification and specification of the need, identification of the sources, prices, and purchasing orders. Considering all the information presented in the case study into mind the strength and weakness identified from the Timberjack Parts Procurement Process are mentioned below.  

Strength

In the Timberjack Parts Procurement Process, major strengths are related to the identification of the relevant software that meets the requirements of the company and cost factors. Timberjack Parts Procurement Process provided attention to the each and every area of the software functionality, installation, and implementation. Several types of software were rejected because of lack of ability to get the adjustment in the Timberjack Company. Timberjack Parts Procurement Process paid attention to the flexibility of the software and to understand the real working or functionality of the software they visited the companies in which software was being implemented.  As in accordance with the case study, vendors visit were a good choice to gain maximum and understanding of the details.

While in the Timberjack Parts Procurement Process they also took the presentation from each short-listed vendor to understand the quality, flexibility, support, and functionality of the software through the demonstration of the company.  In accordance with their analysis, the number of vendors was unable to provide proper support. some software was lacking the excellence in the purchasing/ planning area while opposite to this some software was really expensive for the company. The emphasis of the Procurement Process on the recommendation of the companies in which software implementations were already made was a good step taken by the company. Thus cost-effectiveness and concern on the future impact were key factors that make the Timberjack Parts Procurement Process strong. The areas of strength do not need to change however improvement can ensure better results in the future.

Weakness

Weakness can be controlled and ensure success if treated as opportunities for the improvement. Even the Timberjack Parts Procurement Process did well in accordance with the information discussed in the case study but still, there are some areas that need changes and improvement. For instance, the Timberjack Parts Procurement Process require time management. Timberjack Parts Procurement Process took a long time that definitely increased the cost and expense. Therefore extra time spent on the process is a weakness that needs to be controlled to show better performance for the next time. However, the financial area also requires more improvement as in accordance with the case study overhead was not comprehensively discussed. Overhead and indirect expense is really important that should not be ignored to get the right estimation of the financial resources spent on an activity, proper planning, and detailed information can be used to overcome on the issue.

Question: 4

In accordance to the “Placing Procurements into Generic Categories” of the “Project Procurement Management (Fleming)” Timberjack parts procurement falls in the category of “Minor (low-risk) complexity procurements __ to the seller’s Product Specification”. Procurement was requiring the product (software) that was already in existing form as many sellers QAD, Oracle and other software selling companies were offering different types of software that was required by the company. Procurement falls in this category because the software was commercially available, but require long lead time in delivery. Procurement are critical for the overall success of the projects and functionality of the company (Fleming, 2016). While the overall risk for the procurements that falls in this category are usually low as in the Timberjack parts procurement case company was not requiring the software implementation immediately however long delay could cause risk. Therefore, we can say that there was a moderate risk associated with the procurement of Timberjack parts. The third main thing is "relationship" of the buyers and sellers. Software implementation was required at least 6 months to 1 year relationship between buyer and seller for installation and proper implementation. Timberjack procurement process was requiring existing software, but that could give them a high level of satisfaction and value that indicate that Timberjack parts procurement process falls in this category.

References OF Timberjack Parts Case Study