Manufacturing and Svc Process Structures

Impact of Wage Increase for California Fast Food Workers

Governor Newsom signed into law a rapid pay hike for fast food workers, increasing their minimum wage from an average of around $16/hour, to $20/hour, effective on April 1, 2024.

While some workers may be happy, the $20/hour rate is predicted to wreak havoc on the restaurants that must pay it.

Video Spotlight:

California McDonald’s franchisee group expresses concern over states new wage bill (Sept 15, 2023, CNBC Television)
Newsom signs law to raise minimum […]

By Lisa M. Spencer|2023-11-20T07:10:09+00:00November 26, 2023|Tags: automation, minimum wage, productivity, robotics, supply chain|

Direct-to-Consumer Caskets Disrupt Traditional Business Model

The old saying “there’s nothing certain in life except death and taxes” may still be true, but more options now exist regarding the cost of burying a loved one.

Traditionally in the United States, a family purchases a casket upon the death of their loved one, as part of the arrangements made with a funeral home. Funeral homes provide both tangible products (such as a casket) and intangible services (such as preparing the body for viewing and burial). The combined total […]

By James Kirby Easterling|2023-11-12T10:46:29+00:00November 12, 2023|Tags: direct-to-consumer, inventory, inventory management, online shopping, process selection, quality, supply chain disruption, total cost of ownership|

House of Prime Rib: Quality, Not Variety

Most restaurants offer a variety of entrees. But the House of Prime Rib gives you only one choice—prime rib.

It has been open since 1949, serving only the one entrée. The House of Prime Rib meticulously selects only the best beef ribs, and prepares them to perfection using a 28-day dry age. The ribs are cooked in salt to ensure that all of the juices and favors are sealed in.

This dedication to producing the finest prime rib has led to success […]

By Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.|2023-10-18T03:54:33+00:00October 18, 2023|Tags: process design, process layout, product design, quality, standardization|

Resale of Fast Fashion? Mother Earth Is Not Impressed

Contrary to early expectations, the resale of fast-fashion items has done little to reduce carbon emissions.

A recent study shows that the resale efforts might be misplaced because, in the end, few people want to buy clothes that were trendy last season, but have now lost their appeal. Business empires have been built on fast fashion. Yet, as shoppers become increasingly concerned about the environment, fast-fashion retailers face the challenge of keeping their cash cows while adopting new […]

By Corinne M. Karuppan, Ph.D.|2023-10-14T14:32:56+00:00October 15, 2023|Tags: carbon footprint, inventory management, process selection, product design, sustainability|