Production is the process of making or manufacturing something from components or raw

materials. Such as creation of furniture. It is a method of turning raw materials into finished goods.

Operations Management is the administration of business practices to create the highest level of
efficiency in converting materials and labour into goods and services as efficiently as possible to
maximise profit of the organisation according to ADAM HAYES updated March 18,2021.

Production and Operations Management is the process which combines and transforms various
resources used in the production or operational subsystem of the organisation into value added
products in a controlled manner as per the policies of the organisation.

Operation management performs a transformation role in the process of converting inputs such as
raw materials into finished goods and services. These inputs include human resources such as
workers, staff and managers; facilities and processes such as buildings and equipment, they also
include materials, technology and information. This is as shown below;

Customer
INPUTS

Energy OUTPUTS
Materials Transformation role of
People Operations Management Products
Equipment (Goods or services)
Information
Capital

Feedback and requirement

Inputs
The process involves the transformed resources that are converted into some way and the
transforming resources that act upon the transformed resources.
These transformed resources include; materials, customers and information where as transforming
resources include facilities, staff, processes and technology.

Transformation
Such as at manufacturing plant, the transformation is the physical change of raw materials into
products such as transforming steel into auto mobiles, cloth into jackets.
At a university, Operations Management is involved in organising resources such as faculty
curriculum and facilities to transform high school students into college graduates.
At an airline it involves transporting passengers and their luggage from one location to another.

Outputs
The outputs of a production system are normally called products or services. Tangible products
include steels and chemicals and intangible services include teaching and health care. Those that are
both tangible and intangible include fast food and tailoring.

Why Mr. Kintu’s company should have the Production and Operations Management
Department.
For production control. Production and Operations Management ensures supervision and directs
production process. It finds out and ensures the right production plan is followed during the
production process. If there are deviations, the department has to take the right steps to correct
them.

Scheduling. This is critical in Mr. Kintu’s company because it has to do with planning when the
actual production would begin and end. Here the production manager decides about the routine and
scheduling which finds out the best and most economic sequence of operations to be followed.

Cost and Quality control. Every company knows how essential quality control and price are.
Customers are not just looking for the best products, but they also want to have them at the lowest
possible price. Quality control entails multiple checks performed on the product to ensure quality is
in intact.
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Machine maintenance. Production and Operations Management also entails making sure that
instruments used are in good working condition. And that means replacing the ones that are under
performance and changing damaged parts to enable the machine to function optimally.

Selection of product and design. This department first selects the right product of production then
it selects the right design for the product. Care must be taken while selecting the product and the
design because the survival and success of the company depend on it.
This is always according to customers requirements so the production management must use
techniques such as value engineering value analysis.

Selection of production process. Production and Operations Management selects the right
production process by deciding on the type of technology, machines and material handling system.

Selection of the right production capacity. Production management selects the right production
capacity to match the demand for the product. This is because more or less capacity will create
problems. The production manager must plan the capacity for both short and long term productions.
There is need to break even for capacity planning.

Inventory control. Production and Operations Management also carries out inventory control. The
production manager must monitor the level of inventories. There must be neither over stocking nor
under stocking of inventories.

It reduces manufacturing cost. By maximising outputs and minimising inputs, production

management lowers the cost required to produce finished products. This can be used to increase
profit margin, or it may be passed on to the customer to ensure a competitive advantage.

It improves competitiveness. Knowing that the right products are available on time and will be
delivered on schedule means that a company is always on the game in any market.

Accomplishes business objectives. Production and Operations Management helps a company

produce finished goods efficiently. Because these finished goods are always made with high quality
and delivered when needed, businesses can leverage those things to grow, secure capital for
improvement and increase customer satisfaction.

Improves Brand Image. Many companies today operate some or all their production on a Direct to
Customer (D2C) basis. As a result branding and brand image have become important. Sound
production management means that customers rely on products and can have confidence in their
quality and availability thus improving brand image.
Optimises Use of Resources. Production management means that labour, equipment, and resources
are optimized in the production effort. This can lower waste levels and create an environment for
employees that is positive and well balanced. With the emphasis on today’s work/life balance and
green initiatives to reduce carbon footprints, effective production management that optimises the
use of resources can help deliver on both of those tends.

In conclusion, Mr. Kintu’s company should have the Production and Operations Management to
ensure proper planning, organising, co-ordinating and controlling all the resources to achieve
company objectives.
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References

Muhleman A. P, et al, 1997.Production and Operations Management, 6th edition, Pitman

UK essays (November 2018)

Informit Operations Management defined

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KYAMBOGO UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
DEPARTMENT OF PROCUREMENT AND MARKETING
COURSE UNIT: PRODUCTION AND OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
COURSE CODE:MMS 2102
GROUP : A DAY
NAME REG NO SIGNATURE
ATUHAIRE LINNET 19/U/PLD/5896/PD
NANGOZI DAPHINE 19/U/PLD/6050/PD
BOGERE MOSES 19/U/PLD/5920/PD
NAKIGULI MILLY 19/U/PLD/6022/PD
AMUKU ALFRED BIMENY 19/U/PLD/5876/PD
OPIO PAUL

QUESTION.
Using knowledge of production and operation management, advice Mr Kintu why his company
should have the production and operation management department.