Which of the following statements about challenges in operations management is false
Options:
A. Job specialization is giving way to empowered employees. B. Local or national focus is giving way to global focus. C. Sustainable production is giving way to a low-cost focus. D. Rapid product development is partly the result of shorter product cycles. E. The goal of mass customization is to produce customized products, whenever and wherever needed. |
The Correct Answer Is:
C. Sustainable production is giving way to a low-cost focus.
Correct Answer Explanation:
Operations management deals with the administration of business practices to create the highest level of efficiency possible within an organization. Let’s dissect each statement provided and discuss why the false statement is indeed false, followed by explanations on why the other statements are true.
C. Sustainable production is giving way to a low-cost focus.
This statement is incorrect. In contemporary operations management, there’s a significant emphasis on sustainability. Modern businesses increasingly prioritize sustainable practices in their operations to reduce their environmental impact, meet consumer demands for eco-friendly products, and align with global sustainability goals.
Companies are adopting sustainable production methods, incorporating renewable resources, reducing waste, and aiming for energy efficiency. The trend is towards balancing cost-effectiveness with sustainable practices rather than sacrificing sustainability for low costs.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect:
A. Job specialization is giving way to empowered employees.
Traditionally, organizations had a highly specialized workforce where each employee focused on a specific task or set of tasks. However, in contemporary operations management, there is a shift towards empowering employees.
This means providing employees with more autonomy, decision-making authority, and a broader range of skills. Empowered employees are better equipped to adapt to changing situations, contribute to problem-solving, and foster innovation.
This shift recognizes that employees at various levels often have valuable insights and ideas that can contribute to the overall success of the organization.
B. Local or national focus is giving way to global focus.
The globalization of markets and the interconnectedness of economies have significantly impacted operations management. In the past, businesses often operated with a focus on local or national markets.
However, due to advances in technology, communication, and transportation, companies are increasingly looking beyond their borders. A global focus allows organizations to tap into new markets, access diverse talent pools, and take advantage of cost-effective resources worldwide.
This shift requires a reevaluation of supply chain strategies, cultural considerations, and regulatory compliance on a global scale.
D. Rapid product development is partly the result of shorter product cycles.
The pace of technological innovation and the changing preferences of consumers have led to shorter product life cycles. This means that products become outdated or less desirable more quickly, necessitating a faster pace of product development.
Companies must innovate and bring new products to market swiftly to stay competitive. This rapid product development requires agile and flexible operations, efficient collaboration between departments, and the ability to adapt to evolving market trends.
E. The goal of mass customization is to produce customized products, whenever and wherever needed.
Mass customization is a strategy that seeks to combine the advantages of mass production with the personalization of customized products. Instead of producing large quantities of identical items, companies employing mass customization aim to cater to individual customer needs on a larger scale.
This involves using flexible manufacturing processes, advanced technology, and data analytics to produce customized products efficiently. The goal is to provide consumers with products that meet their unique requirements while maintaining the economies of scale associated with mass production.
In conclusion, these trends in operations management reflect the dynamic nature of the business environment, influenced by factors such as technology, globalization, and changing consumer expectations. Organizations that adapt to these shifts are better positioned to thrive in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
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