Role Playing scenarios for Operations students
Role-playing scenarios can make MBA operations management classes highly engaging and
insightful. These scenarios not only provide hands-on learning experiences but also help
students develop problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making skills essential for
successful careers in operations management. Below are some interactive and realistic
scenarios tailored for operations students:
Scenario 1: Supply Chain Disruption Management
Context: You are a supply chain manager at a global consumer electronics company.
A critical supplier in China has suddenly halted operations due to a natural disaster.
Objective:
Work with your team to:
1. Identify alternative suppliers.
2. Prioritize the most critical components to source.
3. Develop a communication plan to inform stakeholders.
Roles:
- Supply Chain Manager
- Procurement Specialist
- Logistics Head
- Production Manager
Outcome: Students should present their mitigation plan, including a timeline, costs, and risks.
Scenario 2: Warehouse Optimization
Context: You are tasked with optimizing warehouse operations for a leading e-commerce
company. Complaints about delayed shipments and misplaced items are rising.
Objective:
1. Redesign the warehouse layout for efficiency.
2. Suggest technology interventions (e.g., AI, RFID, robotics).
3. Propose a plan to train warehouse staff.
Roles:
- Operations Manager
- Technology Consultant
- HR Manager
- Financial Analyst
Outcome: Teams should provide a visual layout and a step-by-step improvement plan
with cost estimates.
Scenario 3: Inventory Management Crisis
Context: A retail chain is experiencing excess inventory for seasonal products while facing
stockouts for high-demand items.
Objective:
1. Analyze sales and inventory data.
2. Propose an AI-based inventory optimization model.
3. Suggest promotional strategies to clear excess stock.
Roles:
- Inventory Manager
- Data Analyst
- Marketing Manager
- Store Manager
Outcome: Present a data-driven inventory management strategy and marketing plan.
Scenario 4: Lean Operations in Manufacturing
Context: A car manufacturing plant is suffering from high lead times and increased waste.
You need to implement lean principles to enhance productivity.
Objective:
1. Identify waste areas (overproduction, defects, delays, etc.).
2. Propose lean tools like Kaizen, Kanban, or 5S.
3. Develop an implementation timeline.
Roles:
- Plant Manager
- Quality Control Head
- Process Engineer
- Operations Consultant
Outcome: Teams should present a roadmap with measurable KPIs for lean improvements.
Scenario 5: Omni-Channel Retail Strategy
Context: A fashion retailer wants to implement an omni-channel strategy to seamlessly
integrate its physical stores and e-commerce platform.
Objective:
1. Design a unified inventory and order management system.
2. Propose solutions for real-time customer interaction across channels.
3. Develop a training program for staff on new processes.
Roles:
- Retail Operations Manager
- IT Specialist
- Customer Experience Manager
- Marketing Head
Outcome: Students should present an integrated strategy with customer experience
enhancements.
Scenario 6: Quality Assurance in Service Operations
Context: A luxury hotel chain faces complaints about inconsistent service quality across
its properties.
Objective:
1. Identify causes of quality lapses.
2. Propose a quality assurance framework.
3. Recommend training modules and monitoring tools.
Roles:
- Hotel Manager
- Training Specialist
- Quality Control Consultant
- Customer Relations Head
Outcome:
Teams should present a comprehensive plan for ensuring consistent service quality.
Scenario 7: Crisis Management in Logistics
Context: A leading logistics company is dealing with a nationwide transport strike that
disrupts last-mile delivery.
Objective:
1. Develop a contingency plan to minimize delivery delays.
2. Identify alternative modes of transport.
3. Propose a communication plan for customers.
Roles:
- Logistics Manager
- Customer Support Head
- Operations Planner
- PR Manager
Outcome: Teams present a crisis management plan with immediate, short-term, and
long-term actions.
Scenario 8: Sustainability in Operations
Context: An FMCG company wants to make its operations more sustainable by reducing
waste and energy consumption.
Objective:
1. Identify areas to implement circular economy practices.
2. Develop strategies for reducing carbon footprints.
3. Propose a plan for engaging suppliers and customers in sustainability efforts.
Roles:
- Sustainability Consultant
- Operations Manager
- Supplier Relations Specialist
- Marketing Head
Outcome: Teams present a sustainability strategy, including measurable environmental
and business benefits.
Scenario 9: Retail Store Layout Planning
Context: A supermarket chain plans to redesign its store layout to improve sales and
customer experience.
Objective:
1. Analyze customer behavior patterns.
2. Propose a new store layout using principles of retail design.
3. Justify the placement of key products.
Roles:
- Retail Operations Manager
- Customer Insights Analyst
- Store Design Specialist
- Financial Analyst
Outcome: Students present a blueprint of the redesigned layout and expected benefits.
Scenario 10: AI-Driven Operations Management
Context: A food delivery startup is experiencing delays in order processing and delivery
during peak hours.
Objective:
1. Use AI tools to optimize delivery routes and order batching.
2. Develop predictive models to manage peak-hour demand.
3. Propose a dashboard for real-time monitoring.
Roles:
- Data Scientist
- Operations Manager
- Delivery Coordinator
- Customer Support Head
Outcome: Teams demonstrate how AI improves operational efficiency and customer
satisfaction.
Enjoy great role playing and learning..
