Final answer:
Operations managers make decisions in three main categories: strategic, tactical, and operational planning and control, each focusing on different time scales and aspects of the business.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three categories of decisions made by operations managers are strategic, tactical, and operational planning and control. Strategic decisions involve long-term planning and the overall direction of the operations, focusing on what services or goods to offer and how to compete effectively. Tactical decisions cover medium-term plans and are more about how to efficiently utilize resources to achieve the strategic objectives. Finally, operational planning and control are short-term decisions and actions that deal with the day-to-day operations of the company, ensuring that everything runs smoothly and efficiently.