Question

Could you please help me to write 1000 words paragraph reflection about like and learn a lot from any given course

Answer 1

Over the course of 8 weeks, I was able to fully understand operations management and all that it encompasses. Throughout the course, I was able to learn about supply chain management, the impact that operations management has on current issues within a business. Project management was also something in which I found interesting, as this is what holds operations management together, however, the decision process of humans is the ever-lying effect in all operations management.

Due to the complexity of operations management, there are many things that encompass it, which means there are many facets of learning. As time has gone on operations management has changed and the future looks really good in regards to new ways of collaboration and the increase in technology yet managers know there will always be underlying issues to address. The increase in the variety of organizations has changed immensely and some of these organizations are changing the way the world does business (Lansiti, 2015).

What exactly is operations management? According to Stevenson operations management can be defined as a management of systems or processes that is able to create goods as well as provide services (2015). There have been many other definitions of operations management that range from the managing the creation of goods and services (Sanders & CSCMP, 2014). It can also be defined as the planning, organizing, and execution to make improvements for a higher profitability.

In any business, there is a role designated for operations management. Operations management is something that is never overlooked, as it is a necessity in any business. Over the years the concept of operations management has been changed from production management, industrial management as well as factory management (Meredith, 2001). The goal for operations management has always been the reason for an organization to have the power to act (Lansiti, 2015), which creates value for its customers.

Operations management is a fundamental part of any organization. No matter where you work or what you do more than likely you will probably have to work with someone in the operations field. Operations play a vital part in the success of any organization. It is an area of management (Coughlan & Coghlan, 2002) and it is vital for all types of organizations.

            The operations field has gained an increased recognition due to the public (consumers). Many companies have started to realize how important it is to their organization in respects to finance and marketing. It allows them to compete in the global market for efficiency as well as effectiveness. Managing operations is all about making the process work (Coughlan & Coghlan, 2002).

The future of operations management has changed over the course of years starting with the 1800s. It all started with the industrial revolution and that was modern technology at the time. During this time factory management included all the other business functions: how to handle labor, how to sell your product, how to count your money, as well as how to run the factory. This was just the start of operations management.

Over time the technology needed for operations management has evolved which has led to the creation of service management as well as service operations to become concepts in operations (Lansiti, 2015). This evolution has continued throughout the years, with the rise in digital technology it allowed for operations to excel, extend and fully develop the field of operation management.

Since it’s inception digital technology has enabled the field of operations. Seeing as operations management is defined as the management of good/services the management of information has and will always be the key to operations excellence. Computers have driven increasing efficiency in manufacturing and service institutions (Lansiti, 2015). Since the essence of operations management is providing the organization with the “power to act” the introduction of digital technology is transforming the way this “power to act” is defined and delivered.

So, exactly what is the future of operations management? Information technology/information systems, as well as outsourcing, have significantly altered the landscape that is operations management strategies, techniques, and technologies (Gunasekaran & Ngai, 2012). Operations have lately been becoming conscious towards the environment as well as the safety of consumers. For starters, energy cost, as well as protection against terrorism, has changed the approach to operations management (OM). Manufacturing in tomorrow’s organization is now more a service activity in relation to project management.

Reflection

There have been many things in which this course has taught me one of them being that operations management is a rather complex concept with a ton of moving parts. I was able to learn about the way to make proper decisions as well as the causes to this. Regardless what level you are at in company poor decision-making plagues everyone from CEOs to regular employees. This is an important concept to know because it allows you to analyze the mistakes you can make due to certain things such as emotions, duress, poor communication as well as being indecisive. All these things combined makes one realize that the decisions we make are easily avoidable once we know why we make them.

I was also able to understand the concept and importance of location in regards to businesses. When it comes to making decisions on locations in regards to production at times this can seem as though it is overlooked. In order to get the best competitive advantage, it is essential to have the optimum location; this may also offer a corporation success. Making the correct decision on location does have cost benefits, as there may be trade-offs to truly consider. There are qualitative and quantitative thins to consider in regards to location, as this is important for a business.

As a future manager, this is a very important concept to know and understand as it aids with project management, the supply chain as well as being able to properly forecast the effects of said location on business. Location plays an important part of supply chain management. Firms that are at the beginning of the supply chain are just used for the production of raw materials, so they may not understand the importance of their geographic location and the consumers, which use their products. Each member of the supply chain operates independently (Ganeshan & Harrison, 1995), however, coordination is important to essentially get the best product to a consumer.

Over the course of the eight (8) weeks, I was able to learn about many aspects of operations management. To start project management is an essential part of OM because it encompasses all the projects necessary to run a completely successful operation. One thing that I truly felt was important within this last 8 weeks is reading about reworks and DNA mix-ups within the food industry. The article relating to mislabeling of important fish was a true eye-opener when it comes to the importance of quality. Quality is important because it allows for a business to meet a set of standards as well as exceed consumer expectation (Stevenson, 2015). The particle article relating to the mislabeling of fish failed quality standards opting for lower prices to compete in today’s market.

When the course first started I was truly skeptical as I did not know anything about operations management and now I feel as though I am an expert in project management due to the research necessary to write the paper in week 6. Operations management in respects to business management is an essential part not to be taken lightly as it encompasses the true aspects of a business. Operations management is a source of productivity that improves the financial health of an organization. It helps organizations meet customers’ competitive priorities.