Changing layout at Cableways - A project that investigates the process invoked-with changing Layout in a small- New Zealand business.

Abstract

This project is concerned with the process of initiating layout changes in a New Zealand business. The business that is being investigated, Cableways, operates a bar, a bottle store, a bistro and a gaming room. The bar and gaming room are the focus of this report in with regards to layout changes. The process started with detailed planning and evaluation of the existing setting. A layout primitive was initially constructed that provided an insight into the current layout of the business. A model was then used to facilitate changes in layout. It began with establishing the likely future considerations that will impact on the operation of the business. The physical functions and their needs are determined from the layout primitive. The space requirements of each function are analysed before the relationship between the patrons that use them is discussed. Using the original layout primitive of Cableways, and the information gathered above, four different designs were constructed. All four provided different scenarios of layout plans, with the aim of improving current layout. They were evaluated on their ability to meet certain requirements, and the most appropriate design was chosen. It is from this process that option three is recommended for the final step of the process, populating the layout. There are three reasons why option three has been chosen. Firstly it better satisfies the needs of Cableways when compared to the other options. Secondly it meets the three critical aspects of layout decisions suggested in the literature of planning that is strategic, and in unison with the operations strategy. Thirdly the potential benefits to be gained from this option far out weigh the remaining three. The design of option three (provided in figure 8) needs to be accurately reproduced to represent measurements and scale. From this a feasibility study can be undertaken to determine whether the option is suitable. If such a study does not identify any problems with the design, then it is recommended that construction begin at a time that is most suitable. The resulting changes should lead to a competitive advantage for Cableways.