Operations Management Analysis Report
1. Discuss how ‘Operations Management’ (OM) has developed as a discipline over the past century through reference to some of the key OM concepts of this period. Also, comment on some influencing factors from the current business environment on OM.Operations management (OM) as a discipline has evolved significantly over the past century. In the early 1900s, operations management was primarily focused on improving the efficiency of manufacturing processes. This was driven by the rise of mass production techniques and the need to reduce costs and improve productivity in order to remain competitive.
During the mid-20th century, OM began to shift towards a more holistic perspective that included the management of materials, logistics, and distribution. This was driven by the growth of global supply chains and the increasing importance of managing inventory and delivery times. Additionally, the field started to incorporate new technologies such as automation, computing, and data analysis which allowed to optimize production and supply chain operations.
In the 1960s and 1970s, OM began to incorporate concepts from other disciplines such as systems theory and management science. This led to the development of new tools and techniques for analyzing and improving operations, such as linear programming, network analysis, and simulation.
In the late 20th century, OM became increasingly focused on the strategic aspects of managing operations. This included the use of tools such as total quality management (TQM) and just-in-time (JIT) inventory systems to improve the overall performance of organizations. Additionally, the field of OM started to consider the environmental and social impacts of operations and how to manage these issues in a sustainable way.
Today, OM continues to evolve and incorporate new ideas and technologies. For example, the field of digital operations management, which includes the use of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, big data and the Internet of Things (IoT) to improve and optimize operations. The focus on sustainability and circular economy are also becoming more and more important. The field also tends to include more and more service operations management, where most of the operations are knowledge-based and how to manage and optimize them.
In summary, OM has developed from a focus on efficiency and cost reduction to a more comprehensive perspective that includes the strategic management of operations, the incorporation of new technologies, and the consideration of environmental and social sustainability.2. With the aid of a diagram, discuss the differences between manufacturing and service organizations in relation to the key dimensions of tangibility and customer contact. Discuss the implications of these differences on operational processes and the ability to match supply with customer demand.Question 1 & 2 = 800 words
3. Designing a process requires consideration of the production strategy to be employed, for example, ‘Make-to-Stock’. Explain and provide examples of all three common production strategies. (300 words)
4 . Define Supply Chain Management, explaining in detail the various components which constitute a typical chain (provide an illustrative example).
b)Discuss ‘The Bullwhip Effect’ and why it proves problematic in attempts to manage supply chains efficiently. Consider too, the causes of the phenomena along with counteractive measures. (750 words)
Minimum 20 references (provide in text citations)APA 7th edition