5.1 The role of operations management

Question 1

Operations management

Answer 1

Providing the right goods and services in the right quantities and at the right quality level in a cost-effective and timely manner.

Question 2

Operations management with relationship to marketing

Answer 2

• production method used affects the quality and individuality of the product
• ensuring that adequate quantities of goods and/or services are available for marketing

Question 3

Operations management with relationship to HR

Answer 3

• change in production method can reduce or increase the size of the workforce
• motivation can be affected by aspects of operations management
• training implications

Question 4

Operations management with relationship to finance

Answer 4

• requires funding

Question 5

The five Ms

Answer 5

A useful tool in devising both marketing and production plans:
- materials
- manpower
- money
- machines
- management

Question 6

Ecological sustainability in operations management

Answer 6

The capacity of the natural environment to meet the needs of the current generation without jeopardising the ability of future generations to meet their needs:
Ecological sustainability requires operations management to consider more environmentally friendly practices.

Question 7

Environmentally friendly practices:

Answer 7

• green technologies
• recycling
• ecological footprint
• cradle-to-cradle production
• conservation
• preservation

Question 8

Green technologies (environmentally friendly practices)

Answer 8

Environmentally friendly innovations that consider the long-term Impact on the environment.

Question 9

Recycling (environmentally friendly practices)

Answer 9

Turning waste products into new materials.

Question 10

Ecological footprint (environmentally friendly practices)

Answer 10

Measure of the impact of resource consumption and waste production on the natural environment.

Question 11

Cradle-to-cradle production (environmentally friendly practices)

Answer 11

Creating products that can be easily recycled and reused.

Question 12

Conservation (environmentally friendly practices)

Answer 12

Using Earth’s finite resources in a sustainable way by using renewable resources at a rate that enables these resources to self-replenish.

Question 13

Preservation (environmentally friendly practices)

Answer 13

Protecting Earth’s resources by reducing the human impact on the physical environment.

Question 14

Social sustainability in operations management

Answer 14

The ability of a community to develop processes and structures which not only meet the needs of its current members but also support the ability of future generations to maintain a healthy community.

Question 15

Economic sustainability in operations management

Answer 15

Economic sustainability involves using the assets of the company efficiently to allow it to continue functioning profitably over time.

Question 16

Production process

Answer 16

The method of turning inputs into outputs by adding value in a cost-effective way.
factors of production (land, labour, capital) - production (value-added) - output (goods and services)

Question 17

Ways for businesses to be socially responsible

Answer 17

• designing production systems that are safe and healthy for employees
• designing work and workplaces to allow for social interaction
• creating jobs in low-income or deprived areas
• reducing the negative impact of production on communities

Question 18

Ways for businesses to be economically responsible

Answer 18

• managing and maintaining operational assets
• increasing the efficiency of the production process to improve business competitiveness
• researching and developing products and processes that create customer interest and create value