Essential Guide to Operations Management

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. "e;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"e;.—Professor Rob Handfield, Professor of Supply Chain Management, North Carolina State University, USA "e;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"e;.—Professor Steve Brown, Professor of Management, University of Exeter Business School, University of Exeter, UK "e;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"e;.—Mr Vernon Barker, Managing Director, First TransPennine Express, First Group Plc, UK "e;This book combines technical theory 'book smarts' with real life experience 'street smarts' in a flowing read"e;.—Mr Stephen Oliver, Vice President Marketing & Sales, Vicor Corporation, Boston, USA