Question

What is the task of production and operations management?

A. To determine the most economical routes for transporting the firms products
B. To manage the use of people and machinery in converting materials and resources into finished goods and servixe
C. To manage the use of people and other resources in the development of distribution channels and promotional strategies
D. To design systems that will provide managers with information useful fr decision making

Answer 1

Production and operations management is focused on the efficient production of goods and services, including decisions about product types, production processes, output volumes, pricing, and labor. It aligns with strategic goals and the competitive market environment (B).

Step-by-step explanation:

The task of production and operations management is centrally concerned with the efficient and effective production of goods and services. This encompasses decisions on what products or services a firm should produce, the production process to be used, the volume of outputs, pricing strategies, and the amount of labor to hire. Furthermore, production and operations management takes into account the market structure and how much market power a firm possesses, the uniqueness of its products in comparison to competitors, and the barriers for new firms to enter the industry.

Key operations include determining how products should be produced, which involves selecting the right production processes, ensuring the supply of raw materials, and the utilization of technology and labor. It also involves strategic planning to determine how much output should be produced to meet market demand, at what price the products should be sold, and how much labor is necessary for efficient operations.

Production and operations managers must align these strategic decisions with the firm's overall goals, considering both production and cost conditions as well as the competitive environment in which the firm operates.