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Operations Management: Key Functions, Roles, and Scope

February 5th, 2024: 5 mins

This Article Explores:


  • Introduction
  • What is an MBA in Operations Management?
  • Key Operations Management Functions
    • Product Design
    • Supply Chain Management
    • Forecasting
    • Delivery Management
  • Scope of Operations Management: Understanding Role and Responsibilities

 

An MBA in Operations Management involves overseeing and coordinating various functions within a workplace. This specialization focuses on tasks such as workflow management, strategy development, and conducting cost-benefit analyses. Professionals in Operations Management can be found in diverse industries. Their role involves ensuring that quality standards are not only met but also consistently maintained.

 

The goal of operations management in business is to ensure the smooth functioning of all processes within the organization. All companies want to minimize waste and maximize resources to boost profitability- this is why operations managers are needed in every industry. 

 

The field is very diverse in its career scope. Join us as we explore the nitty-gritty of operations management!

What is an MBA in Operations Management? 

An MBA degree specializing in operations management comprises a two-year postgraduate curriculum that focuses on building candidates who can create and supervise strategies for increasing profitability. The operations management framework involves planning, organizing, and supervising the process of launching services or products. 

 

Operations management responsibilities include: 

 

  • Buy raw materials, plan inventory, and oversee the warehouse efficiency. 
  • Make sure all operations are carried out cost-effectively and appropriately. 
  • Ensure that the processes are legally compliant. 
  • Manage the company budget. 
  • Perform quality checks and monitor production. 
  • Formulate ways to increase client satisfaction. 
  • Hire, train, and supervise staff. 

 

These are some of the many roles in the operations management realm that are subject to change based on the company or the specific job role. 

 

The average salary of an operations manager in India is INR 10.6 LPA

Key Operations Management Functions

In business, operations management processes are responsible for ensuring efficiency in the execution of projects. If you are working in this department, you will have to perform several strategic functions to ensure overall work efficiency. Some of these operations management strategies are as follows: 

  • Product Design

While working in the operations management department, you will be responsible for designing products according to the market demands and trends. You will have to generate new product ideas as well as expand on current ideas. 

 

Crafting an effective design is essential for capturing the attention of customers. As an operations manager, you will be responsible for ensuring that your product possesses unique features that provide a competitive edge while fulfilling the needs of your customers.

  • Supply Chain Management

It is the process of managing the production process from raw materials to finished products. It involves everything, including production, shipping, distribution, and delivery of products. 

 

As an operations manager, you have to control the inventory by overseeing the production process, distribution, sales, and sourcing of supplies at reasonable prices. An adequately managed supply chain will result in low overhead costs, efficient production processes, and timely delivery of products.  

  • Forecasting 

The process involves forecasting business outcomes by analyzing present trends and historical data. As operations manager, you will have to bear the responsibility of predicting client demand for the company's product.

 

Projecting economic trends and sales growth through business metrics aids businesses in optimizing their strategies, which is another aspect that you will be entrusted with. This proactive approach will enable you to make essential adjustments to current operations, capitalizing on future opportunities.

  • Delivery management

The operations manager ensures that the company products are delivered to the customers on time. These managers also follow up with the customers to ensure that the goods delivered are in ideal condition and meet their needs. 

 

If a customer is unsatisfied with the product, the operations manager forwards the feedback to the relevant department upon receiving it. 

Scope of Operations Management: Understanding Role and Responsibilities

The scope of operations management involves all the activities needed to plan, design, and manage the production and distribution process. This includes: 

 

  • Facility layout planning: Deciding to utilize space in an office or factory to optimize workflow. 
  • Inventory management: Ensuring that the raw materials are being used properly to create finished products. 
  • Workforce management: Assessing and deploying employees who have the right skills to execute the required work and manage employee performance. 
  • Quality control: Ensuring that the finished goods meet company standards and customer expectations. 
  • Scheduling: Creating a production schedule that maximizes the company's efficiency and meets customer demand. 
  • Transport and logistics: Planning the movement of raw materials from suppliers to the necessary departments and the finished goods to customers efficiently. 
  • Project management: Making a plan to ensure that the project is completed within the specified time and budget. 
  • Maintenance: Regularly maintaining equipment to ensure that the production runs smoothly. 

Final words 

The demand for skilled MBA graduates with specializations keeps increasing every year. A study showed that the employability of MBA graduates in India has increased from 46.59% in 2021 to 60.1% in 2023. That's a huge jump! 

 

An MBA in operations management will teach you to streamline business processes from workflow, development of products, and operations to delivery of the final product. An exceptional chance for you to upskill and claim a place for yourself in this dynamic industry!