Operations Management
Operations management degrees are offered at many colleges and universities across the country and are generally offered at the associate's and bachelor's degree level. Some universities may offer master's degrees in operation management as well. Operations management degree programs prepare students with the solid business background they will need to excel in the professional and career world. Some of the concepts and training students will learn include how to schedule and allocate projects, manage budgets, purchases, and inventory, and ensure that quality and efficiency are optimal. Operations management degrees are good for students that want hands on tasks in the business world and for those that can take control of situations and issues in the workplace.
Common Career Paths:
Operations Manager
An operations manager, which is pretty much the same thing as a general manager, is responsible for the supervision of staff, project management, and building working and business relationships with clients. On a daily basis, operations managers resolve issues in the workplace, work with other employees to promote and improve customer service, ensure that other staff are working effectively and efficiently, and ensure that projects and deadlines are met by staff and other employees. Operations managers are needed in a wide area of industries to monitor and oversee the general well-being of the organization, and sometimes their duties can overlap with those of CEOs. While specific hiring and educational requirements will vary between employer, most employers prefer to hire operations managers that have at least a bachelor degree in business administration, liberal arts, management, or a closely related field. Some employers may even require operations managers to possess a graduate degree in the field. Because operations managers are needed for many industries to run smoothly, job growth will be dependent on the industry outlook at the time. Annual salaries of operations managers are likely to vary widely between employers, experience, and location, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the median annual salary of an operations manager was $91,570 in 2008, which was the most recent information provided by the Bureau.
Operations Research Analyst
A operations research analyst generally uses analytical techniques to help managers and management make better decisions about their companies while also helping them to solve any problems or issues the company may have. They formulate and apply mathematical modeling methods and statistics to develop and interpret information that assists management with forming policies and other functions of management that are essential to the success of a business or organization. They are often involved with strategizing, planning, and forecasting, as well as allocating resources, measuring performance of staff, designing systems, managing supply chains, analyzing databases, and coordinating transportation and distribution. Most operations research analysts have a bachelor degree in operations management or research, management science or a closely related field and most employers prefer workers that have completed advanced math courses and are familiar with the subject area. Operations research analysts are commonly employed with financial service firms, computer system design firms, insurance firms, management firms, telecommunications companies, and technical consulting firms. They often work for the Federal Government or with the Department of Defense, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Bureau also reported that employment of operations research analysts is expected to grow much faster than the average occupation, by 22% over the next several years. The Bureau further reported that the median annual salary of operations research analysts were $69,000 in 2008, which was the most recent information provided by the Bureau.
Operations Consultant
An operations consultant works to assist various types of businesses and organizations in evaluating and accessing their internal policies, strategies, procedures, and the overall general operation of the company with relation to its workforce. Operations consulting does not necessarily focus on manufacturing or production, but rather on several aspects of companies that are both service and product based. Operations consultants begin their work by evaluating and examining the workflow of a business or organization. In order to do so, the consultant examines the division of labor in various departments within the organization and how they relate to one another in order to fulfill customers demands. With this information, operations consultants can then change or develop procedures and policies in order to enhance the operation of the business and ensure that it is working as efficiently and effectively as possible. Operations consultants are needed in various companies and organizations and are used in a wide variety of industries. They typically work with auditors and compliance personnel and report to a senior compliance officer. Operations consultants must have good written and oral communication skills and the educational requirements of most operations consultants generally consist of a bachelor's degree in business management, operations management, business administration, or a closely related discipline. According to Payscale, entry level operation consultants earn between $55,955 and $72,440 annually, depending on employer and location in which they work.
