IOM addresses the most important aspect of teaching and learning, interactivity, to help instructors teach better and students learn better.

There are twelve highly interactive and even entertaining online software modules for selected topics in Operations and Supply Management. These modules illustrate key concepts/models and implement key algorithms/learning techniques in this textbook, Operations and Supply Management: The Core by Jacobs and Chase.

Three keywords in IOM: interactive, intelligent and automatic.

1. Interactive: when working with an IOM module, students should feel like they are playing an interesting game. The module responds directly to user actions, such as click, select, drag, type, etc., and behaves accordingly. This use of Java programming allows students to see and experience the dynamic nature of the models. While the modules are precise and sophisticated, beginning students are now able to gain a true "intuitive" understanding. In order to do well in IOM games, users really have to master the corresponding Operations and Supply Management knowledge.

2. Intelligent: IOM is your personalized tutor, and it is always available - 24x7. When solving OM problems with an IOM module, users get personalized help instructions or warning messages when they work through the problem. Definitions and details of the model are included concisely for reference and each module is consistent with the standard Operations and Supply Management terminology, and with the Jacobs text.

3. Automatic: IOM is built for users to learn and understand Operations and Supply Management. It does not assume that users are experts in either Computer Science or Operations Management. Anyone can explore the attractive features of the IOM with just a couple of mouse clicks.