Assessment task 2 requires the writing of an academic essay. This essay should be an 'argumentative essay', and must therefore contain an argument that is used as the structuring element of the paper. The assignment is based on a short case study that describes a manufacturing organisation that is going through a process of growth and change. The purpose of the essay is to identify the operational issues within the case, and to identify root causes of the problems that are evident. Students are expected to engage in extensive research within the academic literature relating to operations management. Some research into the industry of interest would also be beneficial. Details The assessment item is based on the case study titled Brisbane Extraction Systems Australia Pty Ltd (a fictitious company). The case itself, and assignment requirements should be accessed through the course website. You should read, and carefully analyse, the case and respond to the issues presented at the end of the case study within the context of an academic essay. Write an essay discussing the operational issues facing Brisbane Extraction Systems Australia. The essay should identify and discuss the operational aspects that are affecting the organisation. Assume that the strategic direction of the company is not going to change in the near future. The essay should discuss the following issues with responses integrated within the essay.  Current production processes used by Brisbane Extraction Systems Australia (technical analysis).  The effect of the new contract with Race Gear International on Brisbane Extraction Systems Australia's operations (problem identification and specification).  The effect that the move to producing off-the-shelf systems may have had on the company's financial structure1 (broader organisational issues caused by operational problems). It should be noted that the situation at Brisbane Extraction Systems Australia is typical of growing businesses, and it is not a major disaster situation. The company is sound, but there are issues that need to be addressed in a proactive manner. The purpose of this analysis is to work out what those operational issues are. Your essay should be a properly constructed academic essay. It should contain an effective introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should introduce the essay and include your argument (based on your root cause analysis). The body should present the evidence you have collected to support your argument, and the conclusion should restate your argument, summarise the evidence and make a conclusion regarding your argument. The essay should contain a coherent, but necessarily restricted review of the academic literature on the Operations Management topic in question. The literature review should be integrated into the essay, not a separate section. Advice regarding essay writing can be found on the Academic Learning Centre website. Do not use headings or include an abstract. A reference list is compulsory. Do not include a bibliography. This assessment item involves researching your assigned topic to enhance your understanding of Operations Management (OM) concepts in a manufacturing environment and utilisation of academic literature. AVOID using only textbooks, but the prescribed textbook for the course must be cited in regard to broad operations management principles highlighted by the case. You are expected to present information and evidence from, and cite, at LEAST eight (8) relevant peer-reviewed, academic journal articles (eight relevant and well applied academic articles will gain a pass mark for this criterion – 8/15). Refer to the recommended readings for examples of academic journals. While you can cite these you must find eight (8) journal articles not listed in the course materials. Your citations will demonstrate the breadth and appropriateness of the literature used to answer the questions. Your marker is interested in the analysis that you have developed from YOUR review of the literature and how well you use the literature to respond to the topic.