Why study operations management?

As a practitioner and educator in this space, I get asked this question frequently. In fact, as this was written, some of my known industry associates are struggling with the sudden spike of demand — this is seasonal demand, i.e., it happens each year at the same time and in my view, measures should have already been put in place given that it is a Known known.

Rumsfeld matrix (source: The Decision Book by Mikael Krogerus)

There are several reasons why studying operations management can be beneficial. Here are some of the key reasons why you should consider studying this subject:

1. Operations management is an essential part of running a successful business. By studying operations management, you can learn the skills and knowledge that are needed to oversee the production and distribution of goods and services, and to ensure that they are produced and delivered in a timely and efficient manner.
2. Studying operations management can help you to develop a range of valuable skills, including problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. These skills are highly sought after by employers, and can help to open up a wide range of career opportunities.
3. Operations management is a field that is constantly evolving, and there is a growing demand for professionals who have the skills and knowledge to keep up with the latest developments. By studying operations management, you can stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies, and position yourself as a valuable asset to potential employers.
4. Studying operations management can also help you to develop a broad understanding of business and management, which can be useful in a wide range of industries and sectors. This knowledge can be applied to a variety of settings, from manufacturing and logistics to healthcare and retail.
5. Operations management is a field that offers a wide range of career opportunities, with many different paths to choose from. Whether you are interested in working in a large corporation, a small business, or even starting your own company, studying operations management can help you to prepare for a fulfilling and rewarding career.

The world we live in is at an inflexion point and it is propelling toward new normals at a formidable rate. As a result, the future of anything has been a topic of intense discussion and it is also one that is intensely hypothesised. We view the world through the lens of the most significant frame but no matter which perspective, one needs to agree that technology will be disrupting entire value networks and this will chart a new direction for the future. Bearing in mind the speed of which information technology (IT), operations technology (OT) and emerging technology (ET) are converging, do consider that amidst all the buzzwords, operations management provides a first-principles approach to your mental model.

From linear to exponential (source: author)