A company’s market is characterized be frequently changing product demand and pressure for short lead...

In a market characterized by frequently changing product demand, short lead times, and intense competition, reducing cycle times is critical to maintaining competitiveness. By reducing the time it takes to produce and deliver products, a company can respond more quickly to changes in demand and market conditions, thereby gaining a competitive edge.

Increasing the labor force (A) might help in certain situations but does not address the core issue of responsiveness and efficiency.

Increasing work-in-process (WIP) inventory (B) could lead to higher costs and inefficiencies.

Matching competitors’ prices (D) addresses price competition but does not enhance operational competitiveness or responsiveness.

References

Hopp, W. J., & Spearman, M. L. (2008). Factory Physics. Waveland Press.

Slack, N., Chambers, S., & Johnston, R. (2010). Operations Management. Pearson.