After completing this chapter, you should be able to:

1. Define the term operations management.
2. Identify the three major functional areas of organizations and describe how they interrelate.
3. Compare and contrast service and manufacturing operations.
4. Describe the operations function and the nature of the operations manager's job.
5. Differentiate between design and operation of production systems.
6. Describe the key aspects of operations management decision making.
7. Briefly describe the historical evolution of operations management.
8. Identify current trends in business that impact operations management.