Operations Management Overview
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Questions and Answers

Which factor is included in the environmental account of ESG?

  • Revenue generation from services
  • Recyclability of materials (correct)
  • Corporate governance structure
  • Wage disparity in the workforce
  • What is a potential consequence of failing to address social impacts in operations?

  • Improved customer relations
  • Higher profitability
  • Negative impact on employee well-being (correct)
  • Increased environmental degradation
  • Which of the following best describes 'greenwashing'?

  • Implementing sustainable practices effectively
  • Calculating environmental impacts accurately
  • Appearing environmentally friendly while not being so (correct)
  • Investing in renewable resources
  • How does the concept of 'risk' in operational strategy relate to ESG?

    <p>It aims to minimize operational failures and excess costs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect primarily measures the economic account in ESG?

    <p>Profitability and return on assets (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which operational factor does NOT contribute to reducing environmental impact?

    <p>Increased waste material generation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of ESG, which factor primarily influences operational costs?

    <p>Efficiency in resource usage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary goal of standardization in process design?

    <p>To adopt a common sequence of activities (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does the relationship between volume and variety influence process design?

    <p>High volume processes often produce a narrow variety of products. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which process type is characterized by high variety and low volume with significant discretion involved?

    <p>Project processes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following factors is NOT considered in environmentally sensitive process design?

    <p>Public perception of the product (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a challenge in defining processes that need to be standardized?

    <p>Finding a balance between standardization and customization (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of performance measurement in an organization?

    <p>To exert control over operations (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which performance issue focuses on identifying which metrics are most critical?

    <p>Selecting important performance measures (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main benefit of using composite measures?

    <p>To present an overall picture of business performance (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the balanced scorecard approach primarily address?

    <p>Strategic alignment and overall performance (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which perspective is NOT considered in the balanced scorecard approach?

    <p>Employee compensation perspective (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a long-term objective of aligning operations with company strategy?

    <p>To form a strategic advantage (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Kaplan and Norton are known for devising which approach to performance measurement?

    <p>Balanced Scorecard (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should performance measures help to identify in operations?

    <p>Root causes of inefficiency (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which performance measure would most likely influence factors outside the operations function?

    <p>Overall service level (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a primary concern for operations according to the Inside-out perspective?

    <p>Dependable supply (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role do intangible resources play in an operation's competitive advantage?

    <p>They are essential for creating barriers to imitation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the Resource-Based View, which aspect is crucial for sustainable competitive advantage?

    <p>Core competencies or capabilities (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by 'barriers to entry'?

    <p>Factors that prevent other firms from entering a market. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    To sustain competitive advantage, resources should be which of the following?

    <p>Scarce and not easily moved (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main function of structural decisions in operations?

    <p>They influence design activities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes resource-based thinking?

    <p>Identifying operations capabilities and constraints. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a characteristic of resources that are difficult to imitate?

    <p>They are closely tied to tacit knowledge. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does price competition usually dominate in an operational landscape?

    <p>When there is an excess capacity. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor is NOT typically considered part of intangible resources?

    <p>Physical assets and machinery (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by the bottom-up alignment in strategy formulation?

    <p>It emphasizes the importance of operational experience in shaping strategic directions. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is meant by coherence in operations strategy?

    <p>Strategies must complement and reinforce each other towards common objectives. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a component of the top-down perspective in strategy formulation?

    <p>Confirmation of general consensus on strategic direction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key role of functional strategies in the context of operational objectives?

    <p>To translate business objectives into actionable functional goals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following illustrates a misconception regarding strategy formulation?

    <p>Top management's view is typically the only influence on strategy. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the importance of performance improvement priorities in functional strategies?

    <p>They enable the organization to allocate resources towards achieving functional objectives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best defines the term 'correspondence' in the context of operations strategy?

    <p>It requires a clear connection between functional strategies and their corresponding business strategies. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does resource allocation relate to functional objectives?

    <p>Allocating resources strategically is crucial for achieving functional objectives. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In terms of strategic direction, what is meant by 'emergent strategies'?

    <p>High-level strategies that confirm existing operational practices. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge does the top-down perspective in strategy formulation often overlook?

    <p>Operational feedback that can provide insights into practical realities. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    What is ESG?

    ESG stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance. It's a framework that encourages investors to consider a company's impact on these three areas, in addition to its financial performance.

    What does 'Planet' refer to in ESG?

    The 'Planet' aspect of ESG focuses on a company's environmental impact: how its operations affect the environment, such as energy consumption, waste generation, and pollution.

    What does 'People' refer to in ESG?

    The 'People' dimension of ESG evaluates a company's positive or negative social impact. This includes aspects like worker safety, fair labor practices, and community engagement.

    What does 'Profit' refer to in ESG?

    Profit is the traditional financial performance measure, focusing on a company's profitability, return on investment, and financial stability. ESG acknowledges that financial performance is intertwined with environmental and social considerations.

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    What is Greenwashing?

    Greenwashing involves a company making misleading claims about its environmental practices. This can include exaggerating their sustainable efforts to deceive customers and investors.

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    How does operations excellence impact ESG?

    Operational excellence is when a company runs smoothly and efficiently, minimizing mistakes, delays, and cost overruns. This leads to better customer satisfaction, lower risk, and improved financial performance.

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    How does operations excellence impact the 'Planet'?

    By being efficient with resources and minimizing waste, a company reduces its environmental impact. This aligns with the 'Planet' aspect of ESG.

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    Performance Measurement

    The process of quantifying and measuring performance through actions taken by management, essential for ongoing control and improvement.

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    Balanced Scorecard

    A holistic approach to performance measurement that combines financial and non-financial metrics, focusing on customer satisfaction, internal processes, and learning and growth.

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    Performance Measures

    Important factors that are used to evaluate a company's overall performance, such as profit, customer satisfaction, or employee turnover.

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    Composite Measures

    Performance measures that combine several individual metrics to provide a broader understanding of performance. Examples include customer satisfaction, overall service level, and operations agility.

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    Operations Agility

    The ability of a company to adapt and respond quickly to changes in the market or its environment.

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    Strategic Advantage

    The long-term goal of a company's operations strategy is to gain a competitive advantage over its rivals.

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    Alignment with Company Strategy

    Operations strategy must align with the overall company strategy, while also adapting to external factors and changes in the market.

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    Why is Alignment Important?

    The alignment of operations with company strategy is essential for long-term success, as it allows for efficient resource allocation and focus on key priorities.

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    Adapting to External Influences

    Operations need to constantly adjust and adapt to external factors, such as changes in customer demands, technology, or economic conditions.

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    Throughput Rate

    A measure of how many items are produced or processed within a given time period.

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    Cycle Time

    The time it takes for a single item or unit to go through an entire process.

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    Process Inventory

    The total number of items within a process at any given time.

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    Process Standardization

    Using a consistent, predetermined sequence of activities, methods, and equipment to perform a process.

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    Project Process

    A process type characterized by discrete, highly customized products with long completion times, well-defined start and finish points, and varying levels of complexity due to professional judgment and discretion.

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    Growth targets

    Specific goals set for the growth of a business, often measured by revenue or market share.

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    Return on investment (ROI)

    The financial return generated from an investment, typically expressed as a percentage.

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    Profitability targets

    Targets set to ensure a business operates at a profit, often measured by net income or profit margin.

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    Cash generation

    The ability of a business to generate cash flow, which is crucial for funding operations, investments, and debt repayment.

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    Functional strategies

    Strategies that address specific functions within a business, such as operations, marketing, and product development.

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    Translating business objectives into functional objectives

    Translating high-level business objectives into specific, actionable goals for each functional area.

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    Allocation of resources

    The process of allocating resources, such as budget, personnel, and equipment, to achieve functional objectives.

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    Performance improvement priorities

    Identifying and addressing areas that need improvement to enhance functional performance.

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    Bottom-up alignment

    A strategy development approach that starts at the operational level, gathering insights from real-world experience.

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    Top-down perspective

    A strategy development approach where high-level decisions and objectives are set and then implemented at lower levels.

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    Inside-out (Operations Resource) Perspective

    The idea that a firm's competitive advantage can be derived from its unique operational capabilities and resources developed over time.

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    Operations Capabilities

    These are the unique skills, knowledge, and processes that give a company a competitive edge. They can include things like efficient manufacturing, innovative product development, and strong customer relationships.

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    Operations Constraints

    These are the limitations or constraints that prevent an organization from fully utilizing its capabilities. Examples include limited capacity, outdated technology, or lack of skilled personnel.

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    Scarcity of Resources

    When resources are scarce, it is difficult for competitors to easily access them, giving the company a competitive advantage.

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    Immobility of Resources

    When resources are embedded within the organization and difficult to move or transfer, it creates a competitive advantage as competitors cannot easily replicate them.

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    Difficult to Imitate or Substitute

    When resources are difficult to imitate or substitute, they offer a sustainable competitive advantage.

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    Structural Decisions

    These are decisions related to the physical design and layout of an operation, including things like production lines, plant layout, and equipment selection.

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    Infrastructural Decisions

    These decisions are concerned with the intangible aspects of an operation, such as management systems, training programs, and employee motivation.

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    Intangible Resources

    Intangible resources are often more difficult for competitors to copy, as they are embedded within the organization and difficult to quantify.

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    Tacit Knowledge

    These are the resources that competitors cannot easily understand or duplicate, often because they are based on tacit knowledge and embedded within the organization's culture.

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    Study Notes

    Definitions of Operations

    • Operations are the fact, activity, or occasion of being active
    • Activities are planned to achieve something.
    • It can be a medical procedure.
    • It is a mathematical process

    Operations Management

    • Operations management uses resources to create goods/services meeting market needs.
    • Operations is the part of an organization that creates and delivers goods/services to external customers.
    • Operations management involves managing processes within the organization's functions.
    • Operational management is daily and detailed, opposite of strategic.

    Operations Management in Smaller Organizations

    • Large companies have dedicated people/resources for tasks.
    • Small organizations (orgs) have overlapping tasks, hindering decision-making, but allowing quick reactions to problems/opportunities.

    Operations Management in Non-Profit Organizations

    • Focus on creating and delivering services/products.
    • Invest in technology, contract out tasks.
    • Devise measures to improve operational performance.
    • Objectives are complex, involving political, economic, social, or environmental factors.

    Changes to Operations Management

    • Many industries face increased cost-based competition and rising customer expectations for quality/variety.
    • New technologies, like process technologies in manufacturing and service industries, are rapidly changing.
    • Globalization and supply chain changes demand higher product/service varieties and customization.
    • Sourcing input goods/services is now more globalized.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the fundamental concepts of operations management, including its definitions and significance in various types of organizations, from large corporations to non-profits. Understand how operations facilitate the delivery of goods and services while managing resources effectively.

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