Final answer:
Deming contributed to quality management, Sloan to management in the automotive industry, Gantt to scheduling methodologies, interchangeable parts revolutionized manufacturing, quality management focuses on meeting customer expectations, scheduling methodologies involve planning and organizing tasks, and product variety refers to a company's range of products.
Step-by-step explanation:
Matching the individuals with their contributions to Operations Management:
- a) Deming: Deming is recognized for his contribution to quality management. He developed the concept of Total Quality Management (TQM), focusing on continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.
- b) Sloan: Sloan is associated with his contributions to the field of management in the automotive industry. He implemented decentralized decision-making and introduced the concept of the divisional organizational structure at General Motors.
- c) Gantt: Gantt is known for his work on scheduling methodologies. He developed the Gantt chart, which helps in visualizing project schedules and tracking progress.
- d) Interchangeable parts: Interchangeable parts revolutionized manufacturing by allowing for efficient assembly and repair processes. Eli Whitney is credited with popularizing the concept.
- e) Quality management: Quality management is a discipline focused on ensuring products and services meet or exceed customer expectations. Deming and other quality gurus contributed to the development of quality management principles and practices.
- f) Scheduling methodologies: Scheduling methodologies involve techniques for planning and organizing tasks or projects. Gantt and other experts have contributed various scheduling techniques and tools.
- g) Product variety: Product variety refers to the range of products offered by a company. It is influenced by factors like market demand and production capabilities.