Production and Operations Function
• Enjoys getting things done — It takes energy
What is production?
The processes and methods used to transform
tangible inputs (raw materials, semi-finished
goods, subassemblies) and intangible inputs
(ideas, information, knowledge) into goods or
services. Resources are used in this process to
create an output that is suitable for use or has
exchange value.
What is Operations Management?
•Operations management is the activity of
managing the resources which are devoted to
the creation and delivery of services and
products. It is one of the core functions of any
business, although it may not be called
operations management in some industries.
• Operations management is concerned with
managing processes. And all processes have
internal customers and suppliers. But all
management functions also have processes.
Therefore, operations management has
relevance for all managers.
Why is operations management important in all
types of organization?
• Operations management uses the
organization’s resources to create outputs that
fulfil defined market requirements. This is the
fundamental activity of any type of enterprise.
• Operations management is increasingly
important because today’s business
environment requires new thinking from
operations managers.
Input–transformation–output process
What do operations managers do?
and/or commitment to finishing tasks.
• Understands customer needs – This means
fully understanding what value’ means for
customers. It means putting yourself in the
customer’s place: to ensure that your services or
products make the customer’s life better.
• Communicates and motivates – to produce
services or products in an efficient and effective
manner. Interpersonal skills are vital. Operations
managers must be ‘people-people.
• Learns all the time – every time an operations
manager initiates an action (of any kind) there is
an opportunity to learn from the result.
• Committed to innovation — creating new ways
of doing things, being creative, imaginative, and
(sometimes) unconventional.
• Knows their contribution — they should know
how they can contribute to the effective working
of other functions.
• Capable of analysis— This involves looking at
both the quantitative and the qualitative aspects
of the decision.
• Keeps cool under pressure – They need to be
able to remain calm no matter what problems
occur.
Operations managers and some responsibilities
1.Responsible for managing activities that are
part of the production of goods and services
2Managing both the operations process,
embracing design, planning, control,
performance improvement, and operations
strategy.
3. Interacting with those managers in other
functional areas within the organization whose
roles have an impact on operations. Such areas
include marketing, finance, accounting, • Deputy Manager in Manufacturing —
personnel and engineering. responsible for planning, managing, and
executing manufacturing operations. They are
4.Human resource management
also accountable for ensuring the execution of
5.Asset management the manufacturing process is prioritized in
accordance with the process workflow and
6.Cost management schedule.
Decision making is a central role of all • Functional Consultant — assigned
operations managers responsibility for a specific functional vertical or
• Designing, managing and improving the client-specific tasks.
operations system.

Careers in Operations Management

• Sourcing Specialist — to develop both short-

and long-term sourcing plans by benchmarking
all suppliers, contracts, and services associated
with delivering services.

• Operations Manager— liable for identifying

operational inputs, processes, outputs, and
feedback. They are also accountable for
enhancing the effectiveness and productivity of
the HR, IT, and finance departments and
implement reforms to each department if
required.

• Associate Product Manager— participates in

the creation of new products and features right
from ideation to launch.

• Analyst Operations Advisory Services —

expected to support in building and executing
innovative solutions for delivery excellence at an
optimized delivery cost.

• Supplier Risk Manager— expected to conduct

a supplier risk assessment for Operational risk,
Information security risk and reputational risk for
a supplier before on-boarding.

• Supply Chain Functional Analyst — deliver

projects in the supply chain division by focusing
on planning, fulfillment, manufacturing,
sourcing, & procurement.