1
Q
What is OM?
A
OM is the management of processes that create goods and/or provide services.
2
Q
Why is OM important?
A
- To meet/exceed expectations
- Operations innovations lead to marketplace and strategic benefits, i.e. Toyota Production System, Dell, Zara
- use OM to improve efficiencies/effectiveness
3
Q
Operations:
A
Converting/transforming inputs to outputs
4
Q
Operation’s Manager Job
A
The operations manager must coordinate the use of resources through the management activities of planning, organizing, directing, and controlling.
5
Q
OM and decision making
A
Examples:
- Demand? (Forecasting)
- Best arrangement for departments, machines and equipment in terms of workflow? (Layout, Longterm design)
- How can jobs or staff be scheduled? (Scheduling, Short term, planning/control)
6
Q
Historic evolution of OM
A
Craft: High variety and low quantity. E,g, Custom Tailor, Machine Shop, Landscaping
Mass Production: Low skilled labour, few standard goods/services. E,g, Paper, Soft drink bottling
Lean: Highly skilled labour; high variety; using flexible equipment, high quantity. E.g. Automobiles, Computers
