Describe the Concepts and Theories Involved in Operations Management.

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Sep 30, 2025

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Instructions

Background
You’ve been employed as an operations manager for a little under a year now. Your leadership is making their rounds from department to department in hopes of better understanding their associated roles and responsibilities. Your supervisor has tasked you with developing a background paper on operations management and how it is posturing the company for competitive advantage.

Instructions
Please answer the following questions and submit them for grading.

What is operations management, and how has it evolved since World War II in the United States?
How have the technology and the global economy impacted operations management?
How does operations management help firms compete?
Why are business units bundling manufacturing with services in their market offerings?
Describe Value Added Chain Management. Why is it essential to an organization? How does it impact an enterprise’s competitive edge?

Length
This assignment must be 750 words (excluding the reference page). Note: Incorporate APA standardization (i.e., title page not required, body (questions and answers with supporting citations).

Reference List
Include 2 scholarly sources.

Grading
This assignment is worth 30 points.

Assignment 1: Describe the Concepts and Theories Involved in Operations Management

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your assignment easily!

Step 1: Understand the Task

This paper is a background report. You’re being asked to explain the evolution, role, and importance of operations management (OM), and show how it provides firms with a competitive edge. The assignment requires:

750 words (excluding references).
APA formatting.
At least 2 scholarly sources.

Step 2: Structure Your Paper

Use a clear structure with APA headings. Here’s a recommended outline:

Introduction
- Briefly introduce operations management.
- State the purpose of the paper (to explore concepts, theories, and competitive advantages of OM).
Operations Management and Its Evolution
- Define OM.
- Explain how it evolved since World War II in the U.S. (mass production, quality management, lean systems, service orientation, etc.).
Impact of Technology and Global Economy
- Discuss automation, AI, digital tools, supply chain integration.
- Explain globalization’s effect—outsourcing, offshoring, global supply chains.
Role of Operations Management in Competition
- Show how OM helps firms compete on cost, quality, speed, flexibility, and innovation.
- Provide examples of companies using OM strategically.
Bundling Manufacturing and Services
- Explain why firms combine products with services (e.g., Apple offering tech support, car manufacturers with warranties and financing).
- Emphasize added value and customer loyalty.
Value Added Chain Management
- Define the concept.
- Explain why it’s essential (optimizing resources, improving efficiency, customer satisfaction).
- Link to competitive advantage (stronger supply chain, better cost control).
Conclusion
- Summarize key insights.
- Reinforce how OM is critical for competitive advantage.

Step 3: Writing Tips

Write in clear, formal, and analytical style.
Use in-text citations (APA 7th ed).
Ensure transitions between sections for smooth flow.
Stay within 750 words ± 10%.

Step 4: Resources for Research

Books/Scholarly Articles:
- Slack, N., Brandon-Jones, A., & Burgess, N. (2022). Operations Management. Pearson.
- Journal of Operations Management: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-operations-management
APA Formatting Guide:
- Purdue OWL: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_style_introduction.html

Step 5: Final Checklist Before Submission

✔ Is your paper 750 words (excluding references)?
✔ Did you answer all 5 questions?
✔ Do you have at least 2 scholarly sources cited in APA?
✔ Is your paper organized with headings?
✔ Did you proofread for clarity and grammar?

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