Syllabus Topic
HSC topic: Operations
operations strategies
performance objectives - quality, speed, dependability, flexibility, customisation, cost
Performance objectives are crucial in guiding business strategies and enabling companies to reach their goals. These include quality, speed, dependability, flexibility, customisation, and cost—each essential to success. Companies adjust their focus on these objectives based on their industry and customer needs. Achieving a balance is key for sustained competitiveness. Here are examples from recent business practices:
Striving for Quality: Apple Inc. and the iPhone 16
Quality is the foundation of Apple’s success, especially with their iPhone 16 lineup. In 2024, Apple continued to set industry standards with the iPhone 16, offering top-tier build quality, cutting-edge camera technology, and software integration. Apple’s focus on user experience and premium design has solidified its market leadership and brand loyalty. Their emphasis on quality also extends to services like AppleCare, which ensures customer satisfaction long after the sale.
The Need for Speed: Amazon Prime's Same-Day Delivery
In 2024, Amazon’s ability to deliver products within hours, not just days, has set a new bar for e-commerce. Through innovations like drones and robotic warehouses, Amazon Prime continues to redefine speed in product delivery. For customers, the guarantee of quick delivery significantly enhances convenience and satisfaction, driving Amazon’s continued dominance in global retail.
Dependability as a Core Value: Toyota’s Hybrid Innovation and Reliability
Toyota remains a prime example of dependability, especially with its expanding hybrid and electric vehicle lineup. In 2024, Toyota moved to selling 100% hybrid models on its most popular cars and SUVs and announced they were no longer going to sell petrol-only variants where hybrids were available. The company’s commitment to quality and dependable technology is a major reason why customers continue to trust the brand, even as new players enter the EV market.
Mastering Customisation: Starbucks’ Personalisation Through AI
Starbucks has embraced customisation at an unprecedented level, using AI to personalize customer experiences. In 2024, Starbucks deployed more advanced machine learning algorithms in its app to recommend drinks based on individual preferences and past orders. This personalized touch enhances customer satisfaction and strengthens brand loyalty in the competitive coffeehouse market.
Balancing Cost: IKEA's Sustainability and Affordability
IKEA continues to balance cost and quality by using sustainable materials, ensuring affordability without compromising on design. In 2025, the company continues to innovate by offering eco-friendly furniture options at lower price points, making sustainability accessible to a wider audience. Their flat-pack model remains a key factor in keeping costs low while maintaining high product quality.
In conclusion, companies in 2024 and 2025 must carefully balance performance objectives—quality, speed, dependability, flexibility, customisation, and cost—to remain competitive and relevant. These examples illustrate how industry leaders navigate these objectives, adapting to both customer expectations and global trends.
Multiple Choice Questions
Short Answer Questions
Sources
.jpg)
