Production/Operations Management: Text and Cases

This textbook provides a review of key concepts underlying the POM task and sets issues and techniques of POM within the broader context of management and control of the whole business. Organized in three sections, the first one sets the scene in two ways. It explains some general background to the production/operations function, the derivation of these titles and the role of the manager of this function, and discusses approaches to reflect appropriate strategy for the production/operations function. Sections two and three then reflect the main split in the POM function - the process-related issues and the infrastructure-related issues. Throughout the book, Hill provides managerial understanding of the POM task, emphasizing the need for a strategic context for the POM function. Taking an analytical, rather than a quantitative approach, he integrates material on operations in the service sector throughout the text. Included are recent developments in quality management, in planning and control (e.g. JIT, OPT) and in materials control. There are new chapters on technology and development in manufacturing and service systems, as well as an updated chapter on remuneration to include recent approaches to pay at corporate and individual levels. 21 cases illustrate key areas of the text, reflecting the nature of production/operations management and teaching and learning aids, such as illustrations, examples and summaries, are provided.