1. Define the term operations management
Operations management can be defined as managing the processes to produce and distribute products and services.
The following supporting article: ‘Operations Management’ by Carter McNamara, MBA, PhD http://managementhelp.org/ops_mgnt/ops_mgnt.htm explains that:
“Overall activities often include product creation, development, production and distribution. Operations management is in regard to all operations within the organisation. Related activities include managing purchases, inventory control, quality control, storage, logistics and evaluations. A great deal of focus is on efficiency and effectiveness of processes. Therefore, operations management often includes substantial measurement and analysis of internal processes.”
2. Explain operations management’s role in business
Managing the processes to produce and distribute products and services. To report, plan and control functions involved within the business operations.
The following article: ‘Role of the Operations Manager’ http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/tividd/td/TWS/SC32-1256-00/en_US/HTML/eqqg1mst35.htm states that these roles will produce positive effects including;
- Improving the efficiency of the operation.
- Improving control of service levels and quality.
- Setting service level agreements for end-user applications and for services provided.
- Improving relationships with end-user departments.
- Increasing the return on your IT investment.
- Developing staff potential.
3. Describe the correlation between operations management and information technology
Information Technology influences the way in which operations management runs as well as having a significant impact on the decisions that are made in the field. This is because IT has effective and efficient up-to-date information made readily available as well as systems in place that help with areas including forecasting through systems such as excel and access. IT assists in productivity, the reduction of costs, quality, customer satisfaction. It provides flexibility and a comparison of other operations. They assist managers in making well-informed business decisions including :
- What: What resources will be needed and in what amounts?
- When: When should the work be scheduled?
- Where: Where will the work be performed?
- How: How will the work be done?
- Who: Who will perform the work?
4. Explain supply chain management and its role in a business
Supply chain management is the stream of communication between the different stages involved in the supply chain process. Its aim is to maximise total supply chain effectiveness and profitability.
Supply chain management (SCM) is defined by http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-supply-chain-management.htm as: “a process used by companies to ensure that their supply chain is efficient and cost-effective.” It’s role in business is to plan, source, make, deliver and return.
Below is an example of a supply chain management mind-map attained from: http://www.axtin.com/solutions/images/supply_chain_diagram.jpg
5. List and describe the five components of a typical supply chain
plan- for the resources that will be used, and for the details of the development process. It must be developed to address how a given good or service will meet the needs of the customers e.g. planning a profitable supply chain.
source- choosing reliable suppliers through extensive research and recommendation. Companies must also develop shipping, delivery, pricing and payment processes with the suppliers.
make- manufacturing, testing, packaging and scheduling the products and/or services for delivery.
deliver- the logistics step that plans for the effective and efficient transportation and storage of supplies from suppliers to customers.
return- creating a network for receiving defective and excess products as well as providing support to customers who have problems or questions regarding the delivered products.
6. Define the relationship between information technology and the supply chain.
Creating the integrations and information linkages between functions within in an organisation e.g. marketing, sales, finance, manufacturing and distribution and between organisations which allow the flow of both information and product between customers, suppliers and transportation providers across the supply chain.
IT ensures that planning, decision making processes, business operating processes and information sharing can be efficient and effective. Examples of changes resulting from advances in information technology involving the supply chain include: visibility, consumer behaviour, competition and speed.
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