6. Operations & Profitability
The next primary area that MEC studies is the overall operations of the company with regard to profitability. It is here that most improvements can usually be made with the aid of an objective outside observer. Operations extend from particular corporate management styles and methods, through department management all the way down to customer service and delivery of the product, including after-sale services, training and continued support. Often referred to as "business process," the operations and internal procedures a company utilizes in creating a product or service is constantly re-engineered as new technologies and services become available which may streamline certain processes, automate tasks, or replace entire procedures with new cost-saving tools, integrated systems, outsourced services or alliances. In the competitive race for market share and profits, many areas can be considered which might improve profitability, and MEC looks generally at the following areas in an organization:
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