Question

Q7: Describe the nature of operations management in the following organizations. In doing this, first identify the outputs of the organization and then use the four decision types to identify important operations decisions and responsibilities.

1. A college library

2. A hotel

3. A small manufacturing firm

Answer 1

A1. College library is used by many students, teachers and other staff members working /  studying in the institute for reading, reference resource consulting, making notes or getting the books issued to study at home / hostel.

Output of organisation are satisfied people from these categories who get right resources, environment and ambience for doing so.

Fur decision types

(i) Procurement of right type of resources, journals, papers and periodicals to meet the demand.

(ii) Provision of sufficient space and ambience for meeting the purpose. Developing systems for meeting demand.

(iii) Deployment of staff for fecilitating the process and securing assets of library.

(iv) Maintaining discipline in the library, so that non serious students / miscreants don't disturb others.

2. Hotel is used by guests for staying, short visits, excursion, conferences, business meetings etc. Its resources such as restaurants, spa and fitness centres are also used by guests and visitors alike.

Output of hotel are satisfied guests and visitors which depends on the quality of stay experience, food, fitness and health services, local tour and travel services etc.

Four decisions

(i) Standard operating decisions to ensure the guests' safety, confidentiality and well being while in premises

(ii) Vendor selection and managing their performance. These can be suppliers of fruit and vegetables, local travel services and maintenance / housekeeping services.

(iii) Quality control for food items and other services offered by the facility.

(iv) Incident management decisions relating to law enforcement, health issues etc.

Manufacturing firms

The output are made up products which can be purchased by either end consumer or some intermediary.

Decisions

(i) Environmental policies and decisions in line with regulations.

(ii) Employee decisions, such a s hiring, contracting or outsourcing of work.

(iii) Selection of suppliers and managing quality from their end.

(iv) Decisions related to employe health and safety and conforming to the legislations.