Variations can be disruptive to operations and supply chain processes. They may result in additional costs, delays and shortages, poor quality, and inefficient work systems.
Operations managers spend more time on system operation decision than any other decision area
Modeling is a key tool used by all decision makers
Model - an abstraction of reality; a simplification of something
Examples of:
Physical Model – miniature airplane
Schematic Model – drawing of a city
Mathematical Model – Inventory optimization
Performance metrics - All managers use metrics to manage and control operations
A trade-off is giving up one thing in return for something else
System - a set of interrelated parts that must work together
Pareto Phenomenon - a few factors account for a high percentage of occurrence of some event(s)
Craft production - System in which highly skilled workers use simple, flexible tools to produce small quantities of customized goods
Scientific Management - Movement was led by efficiency engineer, Frederick Winslow Taylor
Human Relations Movement - The human relations movement emphasized the importance of the human element in job design
Influence of Japanese Manufacturers - Refined and developed management practices that increased productivity
Key Issues of Operations Managers Today
● Economic conditions
● Innovating
● Quality problems
● Risk management
● Cyber-security
● Competing in a global economy
Environmental Concerns Sustainability - Using resources in ways that do not harm ecological systems that support human existence
Competitiveness - How effectively an organization meets the wants and needs of customers relative to others that offer similar goods or services
Mission - The reason for an organization’s existence
Goals - Provide detail and the scope of the mission
Strategy - A plan for achieving organizational goals
Organizational strategies - Overall strategies that relate to the entire organization
Functional level strategies - Strategies that relate to each of
the functional areas and that support achievement of the
organizational strategy
Differentiation - better or different from competitors