MBA503: Operations Management and Decision-Making at Microsoft

This report provides a comprehensive business analysis of Microsoft, covering its history, purpose, and size, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975. It examines Microsoft's overall business strategy, emphasizing digital advertising and promotional events, and highlights its role as a provider of both products and services, including offerings like Bing and OneDrive. The analysis delves into Microsoft's operations strategy, its evolution through innovation and market analysis, and suggests improvements to address market competition. The report explores decision-making processes, including R&D, market penetration, and product development. It also discusses product and service design, process design, value chain (supply chain) considerations, planning and control mechanisms (including demand forecasting), and quality management practices. The report concludes with references to relevant academic sources.