Cases In Operations Management

The third edition of this clearly structured case book has been expanded and updated, and includes an introduction to the analysis of operations management cases. Key areas of operations management are dealt with, including new areas such as operations strategy, performance measurement and TPM.

Featuring case studies from varied settings with strong grounding in real-world decisions, this text illustrates basic concepts while expanding students' understanding of economic, political and cultural concerns that must be interwoven into such key areas as process design, quality and supply chain management.

This book is intended to enhance the knowledge of MBA students in Operations Management acquired in a basic level course. The case-study material covered relates to a wide spectrum of management activities, and deals with the application of statistical, operations research and system analysis methods to problems categorized under several headings. The book can therefore be used in conjunction with a course in Operations Management or as an independent second course. Thirty-one real-world cases in the book are the result of several years of research work by the authors, including consultancy assignments, doctoral dissertations, and project assignments of graduate management students. The cases are research oriented and encourage students to think rigorously in an environment of uncertainty of a real-world situation. The cases are comprehensive enough to drill students in devising alternative methods of solutions, and arm them with a deep understanding of decision-making processes instead of merely providing them with a general appreciation of managerial perspective. These realistic cases help in learning applications of quantitative and analytical techniques of management, bringing home to the student the challenges of managing activities throughout the organization. Though a new title, it is an enlarged version of Dr. Krishnaswamy’s earlier book Cases in Production/Operations Management.

William V. Gehrlein's Operations Management Cases provides a new collection of cases suited for introductory OM students. These OM cases have all been classroom tested with undergraduates and MBA's and are unique in providing plenty of teachable and tested analysis opportunities for students. Gehrlein's book provides cases on all OM topics, with plenty of emphasis on analytic topics such as forecasting, inventory and scheduling.

Operations Management in the Supply Chain: Decisions and Cases is an ideal book for the instructor seeking a short text with cases. This book employs a cross-functional perspective that emphasizes strategy and critical thinking, appealing to non-majors and practical for use in an MBA level or undergraduate course in operations management. The size and focus of the book also make the text attractive for the cross-functional curriculum where students are required to purchase more than one text. The sixteen cases offer variety in length and rigor; and several are from Ivey, Stanford, and Darden. This mix makes the book appropriate for both undergraduates and MBA students.

The Logistics, Supply Chain and Operations Management Case Study Collection contains real-life scenarios from leading companies including Volvo, Vortex, Honda of America, Green Cargo and Swedish Transport Administration. It includes a foreword by Martin Christopher. Comprehensive in scope and scrupulous in detail, this collection includes actual events experienced by businesses of every size, from SMB's to some of the most successful corporations in manufacturing, transportation, hospitality and other industries. Readers will discover proven tactics and innovative solutions for handling uncertainties, solving problems and circumventing risk, plus a wealth of information to guide strategy and decision making. Readers involved in logistics and supply chain management will find the Logistics, Supply Chain and Operations Management Case Study Collection full of: immediate application of strategies and tactics to situations and challenges; valuable tools for testing management proficiency in crisis mitigation and resolution; independent learning modules and professional training programmes; expanded question-and-answer sections designed to measure knowledge transfer and lessons learned; engaging, topical situations highly relevant to the fields of logistics, supply chain management and operations. Students and prospective managers will learn crucial skills to meet current challenges, qualify for professional advancement and achieve success.

This book is a novel treatment of Operations Management. It takes a fresh insight to this increasingly important topic, exploring fundamental principles equally applicable to service and manufacturing situations. The book adapts a strategic stance by providing a framework for effective decision making and is aimed at practising managers who need to design working processes, manage change and make decisions within a strategic framework. The framework and supporting case vignettes allow the practitioner to grasp essential concepts quickly in a range of different operational contexts. "Bamford and Forrester have done an excellent job in creating a concise, salient, and appealing approach - they have captured the essential elements of designing processes, products and work organizations; exploring approaches to operations planning and control; managing change through effective project management and technology transfer; and then managing quality and improvement strategies". —Professor Rob Handfield, Professor of Supply Chain Management, North Carolina State University, USA "This is an excellent concise text that introduces students to all of the key areas - it's an invaluable aid for students in understanding all of the major aspects of operations and their importance to the success of businesses". —Professor Steve Brown, Professor of Management, University of Exeter Business School, University of Exeter, UK "For today's or tomorrow's business leaders this text has well structured invaluable content ready for immediate adoption. Follow the guide, put it into practice, and the rewards will follow". —Mr Vernon Barker, Managing Director, First TransPennine Express, First Group Plc, UK "This book combines technical theory 'book smarts' with real life experience 'street smarts' in a flowing read". —Mr Stephen Oliver, Vice President Marketing & Sales, Vicor Corporation, Boston, USA