Operations Management is one of the three major functions of any organisation. No organisation can do without the Operations function. It exists for manufacturing and service organisations as well as to profit and non-profit making organisations. It is such a costly part of an organisation but contribute to a large extent to the success of the organisation. However, organisations are impacted continuously by business pressures and these provide them with the biggest challenges. Organisations often look to the Operations functions to respond to the business pressures.
(a)Carry out a literature review on the Operations Management Function, indicating a definition of Operations Management, its importance to organisations and how it contributes to the success of the organisation.                      (1500 Words: 30 marks)

(b)With reference to an industry you are familiar with, identify five business pressures impacting on the industry and discuss how these challenges can be addressed by the operations functions of the latter.                                   (1000 Words: 20 marks)