Operations Management and Operations Function - Essay Example

Operations Management and Operations Function al Affiliation] Operations management and the operations function IntroductionOperations management is described as decisions, activities, and responsibilities that are associated with managing resources, used in the production and distribution of goods and services (Barnes, 2008, p. 430). Operations management ensures that business activities are efficient in terms of resource utilization and terms of customer satisfaction. Operation management is involved in the process that converts inputs into output.

The part of the organization that is involved in the activities of operations management is called operations functions. In other words, operations function gathers the raw materials in the production process to produce goods and services as required by the customers. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the roles of the operation functions and roles of the operations manager in an organization. In addition, the paper seeks to discuss how the operations function has changed due to globalization and increased competition.

The paper also discusses the importance of cross-functional decision-making so to provide an understanding of the contribution of the operations function in the achievement of competitive advantage.Operation function change due to Globalization and competitionOrganizations have got into a new era that is featured dramatic, rapid, and turbulent changes. The increased pace of change has transformed the operations in the organizations (Mahadevan, 2010, p. 307). The transformation has become integral and inherent part of organizational life.

Several emerging trends have made organizations change their operations functions. These trends include globalization and increased competition from the emerging industries. Most organizations operate in a global economy that is characterized by intense competition. Many products and service are consumed externally as compared to the country of origin. Globalization has brought about a greater union in terms of taste and preference. For this reason, many organizations have changed their old operations in order to keep up with the competition in the market.

Roles of the operations managerAn operations manager plays a vital role in business, government or any other organization. The task of operation manager is dependent on the nature and the size of the organization. An operation manager requires both interpersonal and business skills to succeed in his/ her operations (Burcher, 2004, p. 30). An operation plays a vital role in the management of resources in the organization. Additionally, the operation manager is responsible for financial management in the organization.

The operations manager is also responsible for setting objectives and goals and makes policies in various departments in the organization (Meyler, et al., 2013 p 100).Cross-functional decision making in achieving competitive advantageCross- the functional decision is when people from different functional expertise work together towards a common goal. People may make these decisions from finance, operations, marketing and human resource department. Cross-functional teams usually work as self-directed teams given a specific task that require the input and expertise of the various departments.

Each person in the cross-functional team offers an alternative course of action to a problem. In the organization, creativity is a leading competitive advantage that is brought about by the innovations through a cross-functional decision (Gallarza, et al., 2013, p. 54).I think globalization and competition are the major transformations that are changing the world. Globalization involves stretching of political, social, and economic activities across continents and regions. Understanding of the trends changing the world will allow organizations to prepare and adapt to this changes.

Globalization is affecting the operations management in the sense the management has to transform from their previous operations and embrace new changes to keep up with the competition that comes because of globalization. For instance, operations management has to improve the quality of goods and services that they sell both externally and internally. ReferencesBarnes, D., 2008. Operations Management: An International Perspective. 3rd ed. Boston: Cengage Learning EMEA.Burcher, P. G., 2004. The changing roles of production and operations managers in Britain from the 1970s to the 1990s.

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 24(4), pp. 210-300.Gallarza, M. G., Saura, I. G. & Moreno, F. A., 2013. The quality‐value‐satisfaction‐loyalty chain: relationships and impacts. Tourism Review,, 68(1), pp. 40-60.Mahadevan, B., 2010. Operations Management: Theory and Practice. New York: Pearson Education India, 2010 .Meyler, K., Fuller, C. & Joyne, J., 2013. System Center 2012 Operations Manager Unleashed. 2nd ed. 100: Sams Publishing.