Critical Thinking Case Study
Case Study: Operation Optimize
Introduction
AcuScan, Inc faces several challenges as it tries to launch iScanner, a new retinal-scanning product, designed specifically for the retail industry. Assuming the role of Vice President of Operational Development for AcuScan, Miranda must evaluate all arguments and provide alternative solutions.
Cliff
Cliff O'Connor, Chief Executive Officer, deem extreme measures to be the best option for the company to revive its financial health and reposition itself as an industry leader. The company must re-establish its leadership position by creating a new highly technological product, which will enable the company to be more competitive in the market. Due to economic slowdown and necessary reduction in force the previous year, AcuScan is forced to trim the budget by 15% in every department except for Sales and Marketing, the company's main revenue generators. Based on the recommendations of the Vice President of Product Development and the Director of Marketing, O'Connor believes the budget cut is reasonable. He believes the company can still develop the iScanner product under the conditions of smaller staff, reduced product and operational budgets. O'Connor argues that although AcuScan has posted an impressive profit in the previous year, major changes are necessary to ensure the company's continued success. O'Connor's line of reasoning is a logical, sound argument. The company cannot rely on the previous year's performance since its success may be attributed to several factors such as cost-saving measures within the company, such as budgets, reduced workforce, etc. AcuScan cannot exclusively give credit to improved sales and service revenue for the record profit. Trim ...