Operations Management Overview

The ability of a machine or system to perform various tasks, like handling different materials or producing various products.

A measure of how likely a machine or system is to perform as intended without issues.

Equipment that can be used for many different tasks, often with a wide range of materials or processes.

The ability of a machine or system to produce a specific output at a fixed rate.

The ability of a machine or system to adapt quickly to changes, such as altering the types of products being made.

The physical or mental skills and knowledge that a person brings to a job.

The total amount of work a person can do in a given time.

Labor contracts that specify detailed job descriptions and limit the types of tasks workers can perform.

Activities an organization undertakes to create products or services that meet customer needs and achieve overall goals.

The transformation of inputs (resources) into desired outputs (products or services).

Providing the right product or service, in the right quantity, at the right price, in the right place, at the right time, every time, with minimal negative impacts.

The environment where operations managers work, including internal factors like departments and their agendas, and external factors like technology, material costs, and competition.

The interaction between operations and other departments (e.g., marketing, finance, human resources) where each department has its own goals, priorities, and methods.

The department that helps operations manage the workforce by finding, hiring, training, evaluating, and disciplining employees, establishing personnel policies, and maintaining records.

The department that connects operations to the treasury and helps establish financial policies, make investment decisions, measure operational costs, and provide funds for production.

The department that acts as a liaison between operations and external customers, conveying customer needs to production and ensuring customer satisfaction.

The ability of a product to fulfill its intended purpose. This includes aspects like features, operating speed, and functionality. It also emphasizes how a product evolves and adapts to changing user needs.

The degree to which a product meets predefined standards and expectations. It involves consistent performance, reliability, and durability throughout its lifespan.

The process of designing and creating a product, including materials sourcing, manufacturing, and assembly. It significantly influences the quality of the final product.

The impact of operations on the surrounding environment and society. It considers the potential benefits and risks associated with production processes.

The ability of a product to meet the specific needs and wants of customers. This involves understanding customer expectations and translating them into product features and functionality.

The process of aligning marketing efforts with the capabilities of the operations team. This ensures that companies can effectively produce and market products that meet customer needs.

The merging of marketing and operations functions in service industries. Customers directly interact with the production process.

The process of viewing operations from the customer's perspective to understand their needs and expectations. This helps companies develop products and services that meet those needs.

The ability of a system to efficiently produce goods or services at a high rate.

The degree to which a system achieves its intended goals and meets customer needs.

A production process where goods or services are produced in a continuous flow, often using specialized equipment.

A production process where goods or services are produced in batches, with distinct stages of production.

A production process where each item is made individually, often with high customization.

A temporary endeavor undertaken to create a unique product, service, or result.

A production system that combines elements of different process types, such as continuous flow and batch processing.

The step in a process that limits the overall output.

The maximum output a process can achieve in a given time.

The ability to adjust a process to handle changes in demand or product requirements.

The amount of time a process takes to complete.

The amount of work that is in progress within a process.

Temporary storage areas within a process, used to buffer materials or products.

Balancing the output of each step in a process to ensure smooth workflow.

Analyzing a process to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.

The practice of producing customized goods or services to meet specific customer demands while maintaining efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

A production strategy that focuses on using standard components and modules to assemble customized products. It allows for quick and efficient production.

The entire sequence of steps involved in bringing a product or service from its origin to the final customer, including suppliers, production, distribution, and customer service.

A collaborative work group dedicated to designing, producing, and delivering a specific customer order. They work together from start to finish.

Active collection and analysis of customer feedback about products and processes to improve future offerings and interactions.

A company culture that encourages collaboration, communication, and problem-solving among different departments and employees.

The ability to quickly set up, reconfigure, or change a production process to accommodate new products or changes in demand.