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Partial book profile

Operations management

Slack, Nigel, Chambers, Stuart Johnston

A comprehensive textbook on managing the processes that produce goods and services, covering strategy, design, planning, control, and improvement to achieve competitive advantage.

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What it’s about

Operations Management provides a clear, well-structured, and interesting treatment of the core function that creates and delivers products and services in any organization. It takes a strategic perspective, showing how effective operations management is central to competitiveness by improving revenues and reducing costs. The text covers a comprehensive range of topics from design and network configuration to planning, control, and continuous improvement, using practical examples from both manufacturing and service industries across the globe. Whether you're an undergraduate, an MBA student, or a practicing manager, this book offers the concepts, tools, and real-world insights needed to manage operations effectively and drive long-term success.

The through-line

Who it’s for
An aspiring or current manager, student (undergraduate, MBA, or specialist master's), or business professional who wants to understand and master the core function of creating and delivering products and services. They want to make their organization more competitive, efficient, and effective, and see the operations function as a critical but often complex area to manage.
The problem
They struggle to understand how to systematically manage the complex activities of production and service delivery, from strategy and design to daily planning, control, and improvement. This makes them feel overwhelmed by the complexity, uncertain about where to focus their efforts, and frustrated that their operations aren't delivering the competitive advantage they should.
The plan
  1. Understand the strategic role and objectives of operations.
  2. Learn how to design products, services, and the processes that create them, from the network level down to job design.
  3. Master the principles of planning and controlling the operation, including capacity, inventory, and supply chains.
  4. Implement systems for continuous improvement, quality management, and failure prevention.
The payoff
They will be able to manage any operation effectively, making strategic decisions that drive competitive advantage. · They will confidently design, plan, control, and improve processes, leading to higher quality, faster delivery, greater dependability, more flexibility, and lower costs. · They will be seen as a competent and strategic leader who understands how to create real value for the organization and its customers.

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