Operations management is a field that can sometimes be misunderstood because of its multidisciplinary nature. However, its functions form the lynchpin of businesses the world over and success can often rest squarely on its shoulders. The MBA in operations management is a common specialization among leading business schools worldwide. So, what is operations management and what makes a good operations manager? Operations management is a field that can sometimes be misunderstood because of its multidisciplinary nature. However, its functions form the lynchpin of businesses the world over and success can often rest squarely on its shoulders. The MBA in operations management is a common specialization among leading business schools worldwide. So, what is operations management and what makes a good operations manager? Operations management is chiefly concerned with planning, organizing and supervising in the contexts of production, manufacturing or the provision of services. As such, it is delivery-focused, ensuring that an organization successfully turns inputs to outputs in an efficient manner. The inputs themselves could represent anything from materials, equipment and technology to human resources such as staff or workers.
There are two key terms that can help answer the question of what operations management is more precisely: supply chain management and logistics. Operations management has firm foundations in both areas. For example, understanding global trends in supply chain management in order to meet client demand is often critical. With logistics the careful and considered use of resources, as well as cost-effectiveness, has become increasingly important in an era in which resources can often be in short supply and customer expectations have skyrocketed.
An MBA in operations management or a specialization in a related field, such as logistics or supply chain management, should help students to enter the industry by developing the requisite skillset or to help those already in the industry to widen their knowledge and push on into a business leadership role.
Studying an MBA in operations management commonly offers a global perspective on industry trends and an awareness of any financial regulations or political uncertainties that could impact an organization. Risk management, getting to grips with the industry’s inherent complexities and responding well to change will be a strong consideration for students during their course. Emphasizing the importance of strategic thinking is also a cornerstone of many leading operations management programs, something that should enable graduates to ensure their organization stays ahead of its competition.