More+Q&A

//The following questions refer to the La Vianda Supermarket case study. Reponses should include conclusions and specific examples from your research and investigation into the case study.

//1. When customers visit //La Vianda's//, they do not expect to wait in checkout queues for too long, however the supermarket manager cannot afford to have all the checkouts open all of the time. In an attempt to solve the problem the supermarket manager has decided to make a computer model (data-driven simulation) using a spreadsheet to calculate the optimum number of checkouts that should be open at any time. > //[4 mark]// 2. In an effort to increase efficiency and cut unnecessary cost, //La Vianda's// would like institute some technology changes. One thing they are considering is a Loyalty Card program. This would allow the store to track individual spending, do direct advertisement on preferred products, and install a customer incentive program. a. Surveys indicate that not all customers would use the Loyalty Card system, even given the incentives. Identify **two** reasons customers would hesitate to participate. //[2 marks]// b. Above is a sample Loyalty Card Application. Discuss **two** additional items that //La Vianda's// may want to have on their Loyalty Card application. Indicate why each item would be of beneficial in achieving the goals as stated above. //[2 marks]// c. Explain **two** ways that //La Vianda's// could tie the Loyalty Card to checkout so the process is more efficient. //[6 marks]//
 * 1) Identify two advantages of using a computer model in this case. //[2 marks]//
 * 2) Describe two inputs into the model that would be needed in order to calculate the best number of checkout operators. //[4 marks]//
 * 3) Explain why this or any other computer model may not give accurate results.

d. Another idea for increasing efficiency and cutting unnecessary cost is to reduce the number of available employees to customers by installing Smart Card technology. Using strategically placed monitors customers could quickly locate where employees are within the store and seek necessary assistance quickly. Managers could also use this technology to track time spent working on projects in different locations as well as overall work hours. Some employees are hesitant about the technology. Evaluate the use of Smart Cards at //La Vianda's//. //[10 marks]//