Question: Discuss how process design of Benihana fit into the financial advantages of the restaurant.

24 Feb 2023,4:38 PM

 

You are required to conduct a 2750-word report based on the ‘Benihana of Tokyo’ case study and the accompanying simulation ‘Benihana V2’ to address the following questions

 

Introduction - 125 words

 

Question 1: (OM) - 750 words

 

Discuss how process design of Benihana fit into the financial advantages of the restaurant. (LO3, 4, 5)

 

In your discussion, consider the following points:

 

- What is a typical process flow on a busy night? Construct a detailed process flow diagram/ process map to illustrate the process.

 

- What are the differences between the Benihana production process and that of the chosen restaurant in your group presentation?

 

- Examine the production system in detail using the operations management concepts such as input, output, inventory or storage, capacity, throughput time, batching, batch of lot size, cycle time, bottle neck, setup time, run time.

 

- Explain the major design choices which generate operating efficiency of the restaurant.

 

Question 2: (MM) - 750 words

 

Critically examine Benihana’s unique marketing and service concept. (LO 4,5)

 

In your discussion, consider the following points:

 

- Using 4Ps/7Ps framework to discuss the restaurant concept.

- How Benihana uses the 4Ps/7Ps to gain competitive advantage.

- What are the differences between the marketing concept of Benihana restaurant and the chosen restaurant in your group assessment?

 

Question 3: (OM and MM) - 1000 words

 

Using the Benihana simulation and the case study, suggest the best strategy for maximizing Benihana profit. Critically discuss the interrelationship between the operations and marketing management for the optimal strategy. (LO3,4,5)

 

In your discussion, consider the following points:

 

- Critically analyse the concept of throughput capacity, demand variability and capacity utilization and service time concepts.

- Explain which functions (i.e., operations, marketing) are responsible for demand variability and process variability.

- Discuss the operational responses that a Benihana restaurant can use to respond to demand variability.

- Explain how the complexity of demand can be managed

- Discuss the linkage between demand variability and process variability.