OPERATIONS ASSIGNMENT
As flying becomes a commodity and as airlines strive to offerthe lowest fares possible, Southwest is finding it increasinglyhard to distinguish itself from its competition. A proposal hasbeen made to offer a business class on its longer flights. Thisclass would have more comfortable seats, more legroom, andcomplimentary magazines, movies, meals, drinks, and Wi-Fi. A toiletwould be dedicated to this section. These passengers would also getpriority boarding and de-boarding of flights. If the experiment issuccessful Southwest would consider rolling out business class onall its flights.
1) What does the operations function have to do to examine thefeasiblity of this proposal and get ready for its implementation?Answer using the framework of the 10 key operations decisions.
2) What role do the other functions (specifically, Finance,Marketing, and HR) have to play in examining the feasibility ofthis idea and successfully implementing it?
