Manufacturing Industry Overview

Overview/Description
 The manufacturing industry is a primary sector in the U.S. economy. Traditionally a major employer, in recent years it has faced a number of economic challenges that have seen a reduction in employment and growth across the industry as a whole. Now, having reached a crossroads, the manufacturing industry needs to adopt new strategies in order to regain its footing and move forward. This course is designed to help you understand the defining characteristics of the manufacturing industry and the challenges the industry faces in the current economic climate. The course identifies the regulatory and business issues affecting the industry and explores the strategic solutions that the manufacturing industry is employing to rise to the many challenges facing it.

Target Audience
 This course is designed for management consultants and sales personnel seeking an overview of the manufacturing industry, and corporate and enterprise-wide business managers who will be dealing with, or seeking business opportunities in, the manufacturing sector.

Expected Duration
2.5 hours

Lesson Objectives:

Manufacturing Industry Primer

  • identify the benefits of understanding the key characteristics and challenges within the manufacturing industry.
  • identify the key characteristics of the manufacturing industry.
  • identify the key challenges facing the manufacturing industry.

    • Regulatory and Global Business Drivers in Manufacturing

  • recognize the benefits of knowing how legislative reform and improved corporate disclosure affect manufacturing.
  • select areas of legislation that manufacturers would like to see reformed.
  • identify the key drivers regarding corporate disclosure.
  • identify the benefits of improving corporate disclosure in manufacturing.

    • Key Strategies in Manufacturing

  • identify the benefits of knowing how strategic thinking, planning, and analysis are being applied in manufacturing.
  • select the characteristics of good leadership in an uncertain economy.
  • identify examples of strategies that good leaders use.
  • identify examples of how companies adapt strategically to changing circumstances.
  • distinguish between strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats within manufacturing.

    • Strategic Solutions for Success in Manufacturing

  • recognize the benefits of identifying and implementing effective strategic solutions for manufacturing.
  • select statements that summarize the impact of e-business on manufacturing to date.
  • identify the characteristics of a collaborative supply chain.
  • select the factors that should be considered before adopting a collaborative supply-chain solution.
  • select examples of demand-planning solutions that improve customer service.

    • Course Number: IND0207