Analytical Tools For Dell

Which company implemented the project?

Dell, Inc.

* What was the goal of the project?

To accommodate a twofold production increase in their existing facility,

` even with an anticipation of reduced production capabilities (i.e Maximize production)

* Which quantitative technique did the company use?

1.)A product-scheduling algorithm, using a problem-solving technique in which the most appropriate solution of several found by alternative methods is selected at successive stages of a program for use in the next step of the program (Heuristic component, focusing on optimization of production with current capacity)

* Was the goal of the project achieved?

yes

* How was project success measured?

Dell was able to accommodate the twofold increase in product variety, as well as an effective production-volume increase of over 35 percent Furthermore, Dell realized a conservative cost avoidance of more than $1 million annually, primarily because it saved overtime costs that it would have required, if this solution had not been implemented, to handle the increases in production volume and product variety. This solution has been in operation at the once challenged flagship facility for 4 years now.

* Why did you choose the topic?

Though new to this class and management science, this case effectively conveys the benefits of the quantitative techniques and their ability to solve complex operational issues.

* What did you learn from the project?

Management science not only works from the start up aspect, but it is effective in reactively