This chapter introduces operations management as the design, operation, and improvement of systems that create and deliver a firm's primary products and services. It defines key terms like production system, core services, value-added services, and operations management. The chapter also provides an overview of the historical development of operations management and current issues in the field. It concludes by outlining the plan for the rest of the book, which will cover topics like operations strategy, product and process design, supply chain management, and planning and control.

1. Chapter 1 Overview: Introduction to the Field

4. Why Study Operations Management? Business Education Systematic Approach to Org. Processes Career Opportunities Cross-Functional Applications Operations Management

8. OM in the Organization Chart Operations Plant Manager Operations Manager Director Manufacturing, Production control, Quality assurance, Engineering, Purchasing, Maintenance, etc Finance Marketing

9. Core services are basic things that customers want from products they purchase Core Services Defined

10. Core Services Performance Objectives Operations Management Flexibility Quality Speed Price (or cost Reduction)

11. Value-added services differentiate the organization from competitors and build relationships that bind customers to the firm in a positive way Value-Added Services Defined

12. Value-Added Service Categories Operations Management Information Problem Solving Sales Support Field Support

13. Plan of This Book I. Operations Strategy and Managing Change 1. Introduction to the Field 2. Operations Strategy and Competitiveness 3. Project Management III. Supply Chain Design 9. Supply Chain Strategy 10. Strategic Capacity Management 11. Just-in-Time and Lean Systems IV. Planning and Controlling the Supply Chain 12. Forecasting and Demand Management 13. Aggregate Sales and Operations Planning 14. Inventory Control 15. Materials Requirements Planning 8. Operations Consulting and Reengineering 16. Operations Scheduling II. Product Design and Process Selection 4. Process Analysis 5. Product Design and Process Selection -Manufacturing 6. Product Design and Process Selection -Services 7. Quality Management 17. Synchronous Manufacturing and Theory of Constraints

18. End of Chapter 1