Final answer:
True, operations managers are focused on creating environmentally friendly products and processes, employing various strategies to reduce emissions and waste, create sustainable products, and reduce overall environmental impact. Companies are recognized for their sustainable efforts, and market-oriented tools are used to achieve cost-effective reductions in pollution.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, operations managers are increasingly concerned with designing products and processes that are environmentally friendly. This involves measures to reduce emissions through energy efficiency initiatives and advocating for renewable energy and sound energy policies. Moreover, companies strive to make greener products that last longer and are free from hazardous substances, which not only align with sustainability goals but are also demanded by consumers. These strategies often include efforts to reduce environmental impacts throughout company operations, from the selection of production materials to global take-back programs for recycling and repurposing old products.
Companies like Amazon, Samsung, and Dell have been recognized for their effective sustainability programs, which exemplify the modern shift towards eco-friendly business practices. While in the past, manufacturing was focused on a mechanized work environment with identical products, the current trend is to ensure that production processes are sustainable and responsible, balancing environmental concerns with economic performance. Additionally, reductions in pollution are often achieved where they are most cost-effective, leveraging market-oriented tools over traditional command-and-control regulation for greater efficiency and innovation in reducing the environmental footprint.