Revision Questions Flashcards
Identify the relationships between the operations function and other core and support functions of the organization.
What is the process perspective used for in operations and process management?
Besides the business level, at what other levels do we need to analyze the contribution of operations and process management?
In addition to skill set and technology, how else do processes differ?
What are the “Four Vs” that characterize process differences?
How do the “Four Vs” influence the management of processes?
How can operations be viewed within a larger context?
Any business or operation can be seen as part of a greater network of businesses or operations, known as a supply network.
What are the three levels of operations management analysis mentioned in the document?
The three levels are the supply network, the operation, and the process.
What are the key differences between high-volume, low-cost operations (such as McDonald’s) and low-volume, higher-cost operations (such as a local café)?
High-volume, low-cost operations focus on repeatability, systemization, and standardization, while low-volume, higher-cost operations involve less repetition, more variety, and less systemization.
What are some activities involved in operations management?
Some activities include directing the overall strategy of the operation, designing the operation’s resources, and planning and controlling process delivery.
Explain the concept of process hierarchy in operations management and how it relates to the overall functioning of an organization.
The concept of process hierarchy in operations management refers to the arrangement of resources and activities that transform inputs into outputs within an organization. It involves understanding the interconnectedness and interdependence of various processes within the organization. Each process can be seen as a network of individual resources and activities that work together to achieve specific goals.
At the highest level, operations consist of a collection of processes that may be referred to as units, departments, workstations, or other similar terms. These processes are not isolated entities but are connected to each other, forming a network. The process hierarchy helps to visualize the flow of activities and resources within an organization.
Furthermore, each process within the hierarchy has an internal customer and an internal supplier. This means that the output of one process serves as the input for another process within the organization. This internal supply chain ensures the smooth flow of materials, information, and services between different processes.
The process hierarchy extends beyond the boundaries of an individual organization. Any business or operation can be seen as part of a larger network of businesses or operations, known as a supply network. This broader perspective recognizes that organizations are interconnected and rely on each other for inputs, outputs, and value creation.
The input-transformation-output model is a framework that can be applied to any level within the process hierarchy. It helps in understanding how inputs are transformed into outputs through various processes. Inputs can include materials, information, and human resources, while outputs can be goods, services, or information.
In summary, the process hierarchy is a fundamental concept in operations management. It highlights the interconnectedness and interdependence of processes within an organization and their relationship to the overall functioning of the organization. By understanding the process hierarchy, organizations can optimize their operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the value they deliver to their customers.
Discuss the role of operations management in an organization and how it relates to other functions within the organization.
Operations management plays a crucial role in an organization by overseeing the processes that transform inputs into outputs and delivering products or services to customers. It involves planning, organizing, coordinating, and controlling the activities within the operations function. However, the impact of operations management extends beyond its own function and intersects with other functions within the organization.
One key aspect is the integration of operations management with marketing. Operations management ensures that the organization’s products or services are produced efficiently and meet customer demand. It collaborates with marketing to understand customer needs, develop appropriate products or services, and align production processes to meet customer expectations. This integration enables the organization to achieve a competitive advantage by effectively matching supply with demand.
Operations management also intersects with finance and accounting. It is responsible for managing resources efficiently, optimizing costs, and ensuring financial performance. By controlling inventory levels, minimizing waste, and improving productivity, operations management contributes to cost reduction and profitability. Collaboration with finance and accounting helps in budgeting, cost analysis, and financial planning to support operational decisions.
Furthermore, operations management interacts with human resources management. It involves workforce planning, recruitment, training, and performance management to ensure that the organization has the right people with the necessary skills to carry out operations effectively. Collaboration between operations and human resources management helps in aligning employee skills and capabilities with operational requirements, leading to improved productivity and employee satisfaction.
Supply chain management is another area where operations management is closely linked. It involves managing the flow of materials, information, and services from suppliers through the organization to customers. Operations management focuses on optimizing the supply chain by improving coordination, reducing lead times, and enhancing overall efficiency. Collaboration with supply chain management enables better coordination between suppliers, operations, and customers, resulting in improved responsiveness and customer satisfaction.
In summary, operations management plays a vital role in an organization and intersects with various functions within the organization. It integrates with marketing to meet customer needs, with finance and accounting for cost control and financial performance, with human resources management for workforce planning and performance management, and with supply chain management for efficient flow of materials and services. By collaborating with these functions, operations management contributes to the overall success and competitiveness of the organization.
What are some benefits of implementing a quality management system?
Some benefits of implementing a quality management system include monetary benefits, a decline in costs of poor quality, facilitation of customer loyalty, work culture benefits, and an attitude of problem identification and problem solving. Additionally, it can foster a sense of pride, ownership, and greater commitment among employees.
What are the drawbacks of adapting TQM?
Encourages ‘quality bureaucracy’
Stifles spontaneous creativity
Transfers excessive responsibility to the shop-floor, thus creating an opportunity for a huge expectation-performance gap
What steps lead towards conformance to specification?
Step 1: Define the quality characteristics of the service or product.
Step 2: Decide how to measure each quality characteristic.
Step 3: Set quality standards for each quality characteristic.
Step 4: Control quality against those standards.
Step 5: Find and correct causes of poor quality.
Step 6: Continue to make improvements.
