What is Operations Management?
In today world, developing a business requires much more than just working hard. One has
to make sure the organization works smart enough to be successful. This is achieved by
improving processes and focusing on what needs to be done. This is where Operations
Management comes in. In this paper I will define the term Operations Management and
what ethic decision was used by the operation management in my organization.
The definition of operations management is very broad among authors, but it compiles a
very basic principle. It implies optimization and improvement of processes and systems.
Chase, Jacobs, and Aquilano. (2005) define operations management as the design,
operation, and improvement of the systems that create and deliver the firms primary
products and services. Russell and Taylor (2003) define it as a competitive strategy that
optimizes design, operation, and improvement of decisions made about facilities,
inventories, capacity, performance, quality control, purchasing, and so forth.
Naughton (2003) says the basic principles of operation management are as follow. Control
by creating and maintaining a positive flow of work by utilizing what resources and
facilities are available. Lead by developing and cascading the organizations
strategy/mission statement to all staff. Organize resources such as facilities and employees
so as to ensure effective production of goods and services. Plan by prioritizing customer,
employees and organizational requirements. Maintaining and monitoring staffing, levels,
Knowledge-Skill-Attitude (KSA), expectations and motivation to fulfill organizational
requirements. Performance Measures for the measurement of organizational performance
and consideration of efficiency versus effectiveness.
Once the key elements for operation management are defined, it is important to understand
