Operations Management in Education

The operations management function is one of the most important functions within an organisation. From materials acquisition and production to warehousing, distribution, and customer service, the function ensures day-to-day processes and activities run as effectively and efficiently as desired (Krajewski, Ritzman & Malhotra, 2013). The function is critical to the extent that it significantly affects the organisation's top-line and bottom-line results (Mahadevan, 2010). Indeed, the operations management function can be described as the heart of every organisation. It is through this function that an organisation executes its strategic goals and objectives. The critical nature of the operations management function explains why any prudent organisation ensures the function is functioning optimally all the time (Bozarth & Handfield, 2011).

Ensuring a solid operations management function without a doubt means having a highly qualified and competent operations management -- an individual with the necessary skills, qualifications, knowledge, and capabilities. In this brief memo, I outline my credentials as far as the position of an operations manager is concerned. I specifically focus on my background, qualifications, experience and achievements, as well as skills and abilities.

With a background in Operations Management, I have extensive knowledge of the field. My knowledge spans across production planning, procurement and outsourcing, supply chain management, manufacturing strategy, and inventory management. I also have solid knowledge of process improvement, resource management, cost management, forecasting, quality management, capacity management, information technology, contract management, and project management concepts. With my knowledge, I can competently and adequately fulfil the role of an operations manager.

Qualifications

My expertise covers the following areas:

• Formulating and monitoring operational objectives in the light of strategic objectives

• Designing and implementing production plans and manufacturing strategies

• Forecasting demand

• Administering and controlling budgets

• Coordinating processes and activities across functions

• Designing, implementing, and evaluating process improvement initiatives

• Supervising teams and managing projects

• Negotiating, enforcing, and administering contractual agreements

• Creating and implementing work safety programs

• Managing procurement, inventory, warehousing, distribution, and logistics activities

• Drawing work schedules

• Evaluating, managing, and assuring quality

• Overseeing the purchase, installation, maintenance, and repair of equipment and facilities

• Preparing operational reports

Experience and Achievements

I have been involved in various tasks and projects relating to operations management. These include:

Company A

Responsibilities:

• Supporting the management in strategic planning

• Coordinating communication across departments

• Improving the effectiveness and efficiency of support processes (human resource [HR], finance, information technology [IT], etc.)

• Designing and implementing the production plan

• Overseeing financial management

• Budget control

Achievements:

• Implemented Six Sigma concepts

• Reduced HR budget by 20%

• Reduced overall operational costs by 23%

• Introduced an in-house IT system

• Recommended a strategic marketing plan to enhance marketing outcomes

• Recognised as the best supervisor

Company B

Responsibilities:

• Designing, implementing, and evaluating the operational strategy

• Production and procurement operations

• Monitoring production standards

• Planning schedules and workload

• Inventory management

• Quality control

• Enforcing health and safety regulations

Achievements:

• Improved delivery time

• Implemented total quality management principles

• Reduced the operating budget by 5% in one year by implementing a new inventory management system

• Reduced workplace accidents and injuries by 40% in a period of six months

• Reduced staff turnover by 21%

Company C

Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the implementation of the production strategy

• Coordinating procurement and purchasing activities

• Managing middle management functions

• Mapping clients' requirements

• Evaluating customer feedback

• Preparing operational reports

Achievements:

• Introduced cash flow monitoring systems

• Implemented IS0 9001 standards

• Eliminated unnecessary and wasteful procurement processes

• Supervised the purchase and installation of new production equipment

• Increased productivity by 15% while at the same reducing head count by 10%

• Increased customer base by 25%

• Increased firm market share by 10% in a period of just 9 months

• Recognised as one of the most performing employees

Skills and Abilities

The operations management role is a complex role requiring strong leadership and management skills (Stevenson, 2012). During my training and work experience, I have acquired and/or honed the relevant skills and abilities. These include:

• Analytical, problem solving, and decision making skills

• Communication skills

• Ability to work in a team

• Organisational and planning skills

• Negotiation and conflict management skills

• Ability to handle pressure

• Adaptability

Overall, my track record speaks for itself. With my training and experience, I have extensive knowledge of a broad range of operations management concepts ranging from production planning and supply chain management to forecasting, quality management, process improvement, resource management, contract management, and project management concept. This knowledge is augmented by my robust leadership and management skills augment. My skills, knowledge, expertise, abilities, and dedication to work will be of immense value to your organisation.

References

Bozarth, C., & Handfield, R. (2011). Introduction to operations and supply chain management. London: Pearson Education.

Krajewski, L., Ritzman, L., & Malhotra, M. (2013). Operations management: process and supply chain. 10th edition. London: Pearson Education.

Mahadevan, B. (2010). Operations management: theory and practice. New Delhi: Pearson Education.

Stevenson, W. (2012). Operations management: theory and practice. New York: McGraw- Hill.