Management and the Technology Professional – B302

Case study answer 2

During our testing process at stage 6 of production one of the mandatory procedures was overlooked. Thus meaning that this particular batch of semiconductors are not fully tested to the companies highest standards.

Having referred to the company’s critical path analysis tool the final testing is a critical task which should not be left incomplete as the testing phase is important in categorizing which conductors should be marketed as what, not fully completing this step may cause several repercussions. I.e. The semiconductors may not be rated correctly therefore being sold as something that they are not and more obviously there may be faults with their operation. This is why the final testing phase of the Intel products is of such great importance as overlooking any areas of this stage may have severe consequences affecting the corporation as a whole.

In order to rectify this problem I would suggest that the batch of semi conductors in question are to be called back to undergo the full and correct level of testing that I am responsible in providing. They could alternatively be left to go out to the public as they are only one step shy of being fully tested however it would leave me accountable for any future problems found once on the consumer market, not to mention extra costs and damages to the company itself. Recalling this batch to be re tested will have a knock on effect to the rest of the manufacturing process as doing so will cause up to a 4 day delay on proceedings. If this step of the manufacturing process was not on the critical path then there would be more flexibility on the time for completion, however the production process cannot continue without the final testing being 100% complete. I am aware that I will be accountable for any time costs incurred in taking this route of action however depending on the company’s current time restraints and targets any penalties incurred may be able to be kept to a minimum.

The particular mistake which was made to my knowledge was a one off event and now through experience I would think that any future misdemeanours such as this will be anticipated swiftly and corrected so as not to cause any major disruptions to the manufacturing process. A one off event such as this may often be a hindrance but if dealt with professionally in a strategic manner can keep damage to the company name to a minimum.

So from analysing the critical path tool and looking at what options are available I would recommend that this particular batch of semiconductors are brought back to be fully re tested as either way the manufacturing time has now been effected. However in re-testing these particular products no possible damage will be done to the company’s reputation and the only extra costs incurred will be that of a time delay.