ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book deals with issues of operations management within a strategic context. It discusses some of the responsibilities that operations managers have and why these are so critically important to the performance of any organization – whether it is in manufacturing, services, private or public sectors. The book examines some of the previous misconceptions that need to be corrected if an organization is to able to compete by using its operations' capabilities. It talks about an increased awareness within organizations to include operations managers in the early stages of new product development in both manufacturing and service sectors. The book explores that the location is an important consideration for operations managers and is linked to strategic capacity decisions – as well as supply management. Human resources management is often a major concern for operations managers.
