ABSTRACT
The emergence and growth of the nonprofit sector in the last few decades have made it an important part of modern economy. This chapter summarizes the existing research development in not-for-profit operations as well as providing directions for further contributions that can be made by operations management researchers. It discusses not-for-profit operations and several key aspects of not-for-profit operations management. The chapter focuses on unique features when compared with for-profit operations management. It develops the methodologies and theories for for-profit operations to provide helpful guidance to managing the not-for-profit operations. The chapter generates interest among the operations community, and good research work with potential practical impact would follow. With the increasing influence of not-for-profit operations on our economy and society, the need for understanding such operations and formulating appropriate strategies and policies opens up many opportunities for operations researchers.
