International Operations Management

Chapter Summary
Operations management includes all the mechanisms responsible for transforming inputs into outputs, that is changing resources into goods or services.
In other words, operations management involves the management of systems or processes that create goods or services to be consumed by the public.
Advances in computer technology and particularly the World Wide Web
(WWW) with its main applications have had an important effect on organizations and particularly on how they perform their operations.
The new era of globalization and the emerging global marketplace bring new opportunities as well as threats to all organizations conducting business across national boundaries. Operations management is a dynamic field,
which needs to be adapted to the new era of globalization and the changing global economy.
Organizations that engage in international business face much greater competition and far greater challenges than those operating within their national boundaries. Good management of international operations requires managers with good skills in planning, organizing, leading, and controlling.
It also requires managers with good project management skills, a good grasp of the principles of forecasting, and the ability to make good decisions regarding their organization’s operations.