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. Identify similarities and differences between production and service operations.
4. Describe the operations function and the nature of the operations manager's job.
5. Summarize the two major aspects of process management.
6. Explain the key aspects of operations management decision making.
7. Briefly describe the historical evolution of operations management.
8. Characterize current trends in business that impact operations management.