Final answer:
Operations Management has evolved over time with significant contributions like Frederick W. Taylor's scientific management in 1911, the rise of corporations, the computer age, and the integration of human factors psychology.
Step-by-step explanation:
The heritage of Operations Management involves various historical developments that constitute an evolving field of both academic and practical pursuits. One of the earliest contributions to this field was by Frederick W. Taylor with his work on scientific management. In 1911, Taylor published The Principles of Scientific Management, introducing time and motion studies aimed at improving efficiency by standardizing work processes.
Significant events that shaped Operations Management include the industrial revolution, which brought on rise of large corporations, and the early twentieth century, which featured the rise of industrial and organizational psychology.
The computer age also transformed the field with technology enabling more complex operations and data analysis. Moreover, concepts from human factors psychology and the development of the field of human occupational health also play an integral role in the evolution of Operations Management.
In essence, Operations Management has been greatly influenced by efforts to optimize productivity and the working environment for both organizational profits and employee welfare. This timeline covers pivotal moments such as the development of scientific management principles, the growth of corporate structures, the technological advances in computing, and the focus on worker health and safety.