Briefly explain five elements of operational plan.

Question

Accepted Answer

Five elements of an operational plan: (i) Routing - the process of determining the exact route or path that a product or service follows from raw material to finished product; it establishes the exact route of each item, part or assembly, ensuring an orderly flow of materials. (ii) Scheduling - fixing the time, day and date when each operation has to be commenced and completed, and determining the time required for each operation; it sets the starting and finishing dates for each assignment or work. (iii) Dispatching - the process of initiating production in accordance with the preconceived production plan by issuing the necessary orders, instructions and guidelines to give practical shape to the plan. (iv) Follow-Up - relates to the evaluation and appraisal of the work performed; it helps in detecting errors and defects, reviewing the situation regarding materials, work-in-progress and finished goods, expediting the performance of lagging departments and removing production obstacles by suggesting remedial measures. (v) Inspection - comparing materials, products or performance with established standards; it helps set up laboratories or strategies to ensure the predetermined quality of products.