Operations management - Nigel Slack

Operations management is important, it is exciting, and it is challenging. It is concerned with creating the products and services upon which we all depend and creating products and services is the very reason for any organization's existence, whether that organization be large or small, manufacturing or service, for profit or not for profit. Operations management is also at the centre of so many of the changes affecting the business world - changes in customer preference, changes in supply networks brought about by Internet-based technologies, and changes in the extent of environmental responsibility that we expect from companies. This revised and fully updated edition of "Operations Management" continues to provide a clear, well-structured and comprehensive treatment of the subject, balancing a logical approach with the insights that come from operations practice around the world.;The new edition features: greater emphasis on the important topics in current operations practice, such as Supply Chain Management, Internet-based technology, Process design, and Enterprise Resources Planning (ERP); a glossary that provides brief explanations of the key terms used in the book; an updated set of boxed examples from real operations, including one to begin each chapter and establish the broad principles that will be covered; more 'Worked examples' covering both qualitative and quantitative techniques; an extended set of 'Critical Commentaries' that propose alternative views to those discussed in the chapter; and, a set of 'Study Activities' at the end of each chapter. These are short exercises, often involving some degree of investigative work that can be tackled in groups or individually. The enhanced Companion website includes student study guides, many more short case examples with worked answers, hints on how to approach the study activities and new multiple choice questions.;The classic features include: the authoritative, managerial view of the subject; a clear structure based on a model of operations management that distinguishes between design, planning and control, and improvement; 'Boxed' examples that explain the issues faced by real operations in both Service and Manufacturing organizations; case exercises that provide opportunities to test your understanding; recommended further readings, now with comments on their content and use; and, 'Key Questions' at the beginning of each chapter with matching 'Summary Answers' at the end. This market-leading book is vital reading for everyone interested in operations management whether studying for undergraduate and masters degrees or professional qualifications.