Prof.
Rushen Chahal
MANAGING DEMAND AND CAPACITY
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Objectives for Chapter 14: Managing Demand and Capacity
 Explain:  the underlying issue for capacity-constrained services  the implications of capacity constraints  the implications of different types of demand patterns on matching supply and demand  Lay out strategies for matching supply and demand through:  shifting demand to match capacity or  flexing capacity to meet demand  Demonstrate the benefits and risks of yield management strategies  Provide strategies for managing waiting lines
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Understanding Capacity Constraints and Demand Patterns
Capacity Constraints Demand Patterns
 Time, labor, equipment and facilities  Optimal versus maximal use of capacity
 Charting demand patterns  Predictable cycles  Random demand fluctuations  Demand patterns by market segment
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Figure 14-3
Strategies for Shifting Demand to Match Capacity
Demand Too High
Shift Demand
Demand Too Low
 Use signage to communicate busy days and times  Offer incentives to customers for usage during non-peak times  Take care of loyal or regular customers first  Advertise peak usage times and benefits of non-peak use  Charge full price for the service--no discounts
Use sales and advertising to increase business from current market segments Modify the service offering to appeal to new market segments Offer discounts or price reductions Modify hours of operation Bring the service to the customer
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Figure 14-4
Strategies for Flexing Capacity to Match Demand
Demand Too High
Flex Capacity
Demand Too Low
 Stretch time, labor, facilities and equipment  Cross-train employees  Hire part-time employees  Request overtime work from employees  Rent or share facilities  Rent or share equipment  Subcontract or outsource activities
Perform maintenance renovations Schedule vacations Schedule employee training Lay off employees
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Table 14-1
What is the Nature of Demand Relative to Supply? Extent of demand fluctuations over time
Extent to which supply is constrained Wide Narrow
2 Insurance Legal services Banking Laundry and dry cleaning Peak demand can 1 usually be met Electricity without a major Natural gas delay Telephone Hospital maternity unit Police and fire emergencies Peak demand regularly exceeds capacity 4 Accounting and tax preparation Passenger transportation Hotels and motels Restaurants Theaters
3 Services similar to those in 2 but which have insufficient capacity for their base level of business
Source: Christopher H. Lovelock, Classifying Services to Gain Strategic Marketing Insights, Journal of Marketing, 47, 3 (Summer 1983): 17.
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Table 14-2
What is the Constraint on Capacity?
Nature of the constraint
Time
Type of service
Legal Consulting Accounting Medical Law firm Accounting firm Consulting firm Health clinic Delivery services Telecommunication Utilities Health club Hotels Restaurants Hospitals Airlines Schools Theaters Churches
Labor
Equipment
Facilities
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Waiting Line Issues and Strategies
        unoccupied time feels longer preprocess waits feel longer anxiety makes waits seem longer uncertain waits seem longer than finite waits unexplained waits seem longer unfair waits feel longer longer waits are more acceptable for valuable services solo waits feel longer
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