Operations Management, Essay Example

Operations managers are in charge of managing activities that contribute to the production of goods and/or services. Being an Operations Manager in Wal-Mart, my direct responsibilities consist of managing the operations procedure (planning, organizing, implementing, improving) and operations approach. My indirect responsibilities involve cooperating and communicating with executives whose roles and decisions influence operations (personnel, finance, and marketing).

Planning and forecasting relates to the future impact of today’s resolution and is the primary function of management, including Operations Management. In order for a manager to plan and forecast, he/she has to clearly understand and appreciate the organization’s vision and mission in the contemporary world of fierce competition. Motivational support of the entire business combined with the culture and values set by the top management should supply an Operations Manager with planning tips and assist with satisfying the customers. Planning is essential for getting a clear picture of organizational objectives and calculating the possible outcomes of important or minor decisions. Planning helps to build a visible framework for effective decision making process. Moreover, planning reduces the possibility of a crisis and saves valuable resources.

In order for me to generate forecasts and plans while working for Wal-Mart, I would carefully study the areas of my responsibility: Asset Management, Human Resource Management, and Cost Management. Planning to create workshops for employees, hire new professional workers and managers, checking the equipment and forecasting the product shortages, preparing for the acquisition of cheaper or more expensive resources is what this job calls for.

References

Galloway, L. (1998) Principles of Operations Management, ITP.

Lewis, J. (2005). Project Planning, Scheduling, and Control. McGraw Hill.