Abstract
Operations management can simply be defined as a system the transforms inputs by planning, controlling and scheduling products into valuable outcomes. It is also termed as a function that enables the organisation to perform in order to achieve its business goals (Russell 2011). The MH practice simulation tool provided an insight on connecting the operations management concepts to real world scenarios and to understand the role of operations in supply chain, human resource, sales and other critical business functions. The purpose of this paper is to exhibit personal insights and learning’s accomplished from operations management and MH practice simulation. Specifically, I would like emphasise on positive outcomes, loopholes of the practice operations and articulate the theory for future management implications.
Introduction
In today’s global and economic trends companies face increasingly complex markets. It is highly important for the organisations to adapt to changing environments and perform the end to end operational aspects efficiently (Aswathappa 2010). An operations manager has to understand the functional requirements of business process and make sure that client expectations and market needs are met. The practice operations tool enables an individual to understand the various aspects of business processes and strategic approach to it. The simulation tool consists of total 5 modules; the first four modules guide us through the strategies and industrial rules. These include managing production, inventory, shipping, human resources and marketing. The key aspect of the practice operations tool is to promote critical thinking and strategic decision making in way that is realistic. It allows us to work through each module with specific goals and objectives. This includes meeting the client expectations and market demands while managing the supply chain and maintain client relationships.
Learning experience
The fundamental lesson learnt in this subject is that an operations manager has to understand the significance of lean management, ensuring the final product quality, meeting the deliverables, ensuring the customer satisfaction and meeting the market requirements to enhance the reputation and client satisfaction (Aswathappa 2010). In the initial modules I learnt how to manage potential bottlenecks and constraints. Additionally, I understood that effective inventory management plays a vital role in processing the production smoothly. It is important to manage the right amount of inventory purchases using economic order quantity theory so the materials are not stocked up in inventory but just enough for the production. It is also essential to purchase the materials and stock up based on the future market predictions, this enables the firm to meet the client delivery period and enhance the productivity.
The final module helped me to understand the importance of logistics to find out the optimal way to get the finish product out to the client. Another key aspect of practice operations is competitive bidding and forecasting through market research, placing the bids based on the efficiency of inventory and production is highly important. I have learnt that understanding the significance of ‘make to order’ and delivering the end product efficiently is also one of the important factors of operations management. This tool also helps us understand how human resources contribute to operations management and how their skills impact the deliverables and customer services. I also understood that work structure of one department impacts the other in many ways. Earlier I just used to focus on meeting the deadlines of my deliverables at work, after using the simulation tool I understood that quality is one of the most important factors of any business. It impacts the overall structure and reputation of the organisation in terms of the market perspective.
Practical Implications
I believe the application of the concepts