Operations Management covers how businesses run their day-to-day processes efficiently. You'll learn about supply chain management, quality control, inventory management, and process optimization. The course dives into forecasting demand, managing production, and streamlining workflows. It's all about making businesses run smoother and faster while keeping costs down and quality up.

Is Operations Management hard?

Operations Management can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The math isn't too crazy, but there are a lot of concepts to wrap your head around. Some students find the analytical parts tricky, especially when dealing with complex case studies. But if you're into problem-solving and enjoy figuring out how things work, you might actually find it pretty interesting.

Tips for taking Operations Management in college

Use Fiveable Study Guides to help you cram 🌶️
Practice with real-world examples - try optimizing the queue at your local coffee shop
Master key formulas like EOQ (Economic Order Quantity) early on
Form a study group to tackle complex case studies together
Use visual aids like flowcharts to understand processes better
Watch "The Goal" movie - it's based on a famous Operations Management book
Keep up with current events in manufacturing and logistics
Don't just memorize - understand the "why" behind each concept

Common pre-requisites for Operations Management

Introduction to Business: This course gives you a broad overview of how businesses function and introduces key business concepts. It's a great foundation for diving deeper into specific areas like operations.
Business Statistics: You'll learn how to collect, analyze, and interpret data to make business decisions. This class is crucial for understanding the quantitative aspects of Operations Management.
Microeconomics: This course explores how individual consumers and firms make decisions. It's essential for understanding the economic principles that underpin many operations management concepts.

Classes similar to Operations Management

Supply Chain Management: Focuses on the flow of goods and services from raw materials to end consumers. You'll learn about logistics, transportation, and inventory management on a larger scale.
Project Management: Teaches you how to plan, execute, and close projects efficiently. It's all about managing resources, time, and people to achieve specific goals.
Quality Management: Dives deep into ensuring products and services meet or exceed customer expectations. You'll learn about quality control techniques, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement.
Lean Manufacturing: Explores techniques to minimize waste in manufacturing processes. It's about creating more value for customers with fewer resources.

Business Administration: Provides a broad understanding of business functions including finance, marketing, and operations. Students learn to manage organizations effectively and make strategic decisions.
Industrial Engineering: Focuses on optimizing complex systems, processes, and organizations. Students learn to improve quality and productivity in various industries.
Supply Chain Management: Concentrates on managing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. Students learn about logistics, procurement, and distribution strategies.
Management Information Systems: Combines business and technology to improve organizational processes. Students learn how to use information systems to support business operations and decision-making.

What can you do with a degree in Operations Management?

Operations Manager: Oversees the production of goods or services in an organization. They ensure that operations run smoothly, efficiently, and within budget.
Supply Chain Analyst: Analyzes and optimizes the flow of materials, information, and finances in a company's supply chain. They work to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the supply chain process.
Quality Control Manager: Ensures that products or services meet specified quality standards. They develop and implement quality assurance programs and may lead teams in continuous improvement efforts.
Business Process Improvement Consultant: Helps organizations streamline their operations and increase efficiency. They analyze current processes, identify areas for improvement, and implement solutions.