Final answer:
The element that does NOT contribute to Operations Management (OM) is option D. unsystematic processing of data. This is because OM relies on structured and systematic processes for effective data analysis and utilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question posed addresses the field of Operations Management (OM) and specifically asks which of the provided options does NOT contribute to Operations Management. To answer this, we'll evaluate each option:
- Other disciplines including industrial engineering, statistics, management, and economics all provide a foundation and tools that are critical to understanding and improving processes in OM.
- Information technology is a key enabler in modern OM for managing data, optimizing operations, and facilitating communication.
- Innovations from physical sciences contribute to OM by offering new methods or materials for production and operations.
- Unsystematic processing of data does not contribute to OM because efficient operations rely on structured and systematic processes for analyzing and utilizing data.
Therefore, the answer is 'D. unsystematic processing of data, as it hinders rather than contributes to effective OM practices.