Operations Management

Operations Management

Introduction

To understand and beginning with framing this paper, we shall dwell and discuss the concepts and processes that were involved in the area of what we call operations management. This paper not only covers and discusses core concepts; theories and analysis that had been delivered and discussed within this module, but will also narrate a reflection upon the importance of operations management and its significance in the world of business today (Thomas, 1966 , pp. 48).

Operation Management Concept and Orientation

Operations management, to begin with a simple definition, is defined as a set pattern of rules, regulations and processes that would help and align all the core components of business operations, in the midst of producing or delivering quality goods or services. Operations management must be inculcated into the organization for the sole purpose of managing all courses of action that prevail in cost-effective and timely execution of operations and smoothly running a business. Activities that come under the head of operations management include primary activities that cover the discipline of quality assurance (QA), environmental protection and responsibility, production, manufacturing, warehousing, inventory, supply chain, logistics, packaging (Kirkman, 2001, pp. 48).

Concepts of Operation Management

The strategy of operations is a vision of the role of operations depends on the direction or general impetus for the decision. This vision must be integrated with business strategy and often, but not always, reflected in a formal plan. For major operations management consultants worldwide, operations management has the responsibility of five major decision areas that are process, capacity, inventory, and force and work quality (Kirkman, 2001, pp. 48).

The Marketing Concept and Orientation

Marketing

For Philip Kotler “Marketing is a social and administrative process by which individuals and groups obtain what they need and want by generating, providing and exchanging products of value with their peers” (Armstrong & Kotler, 2003). According to Jerome McCarthy, “marketing is the performance of those activities intended to meet the goals of an organization to anticipate customer requirements and customer and channel flow of goods suitable to the needs and the producer services provides the consumer or customer” (Heizer, 2008, Pp. 128-137).

Marketing is a whole system of activities that include a set of processes by which, we identify the needs and desires of consumers or customers and to satisfy them as best as possible to promote the exchange of products and / or services of value them, in return for a utility or benefit to the business or organization for them (Fawcett, 1991 ,pp.46-55).

Accordingly, the company's success depends primarily on the market and customer orientation. In the previous historical periods of price and product orientation, it was mainly the cheaper cost mass production products that sold in a shortage economy where the demand is greater than supply; virtually automatically. Ever, in a so-called affluent society (supply is greater than demand), (Armstrong & Kotler, 2003). And this was only possible through a holistic approach in which all business functions are aligned to the target market and customer focus (holistic marketing concept) (Drummond, 2005, ...