People |
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| People-human resources- are the most important part of the operations system. Even in the factories where machines do much of the work, people are still needed to plan and supervise the processing operation. No matter how automated a factory becomes, people must still program the computers, repair malfunctioning machines, and watch over the processing operations. Because people are the most important ingredient in the operations system, managers try to plan the content and methods of work in a job. In some factories, the mangers focus on the task. They determine how a job can be done most efficiently. They train workers to perform the job in just that way. In other plants, the managers focus on the workers. They try to motivate their workers to do the best job they can. They listen to their employees' ideas and may change their assignment frequently. In still other facilities, managers use a combination of these two techniques. In any case, the manager's goal is the same- to produce the most goods or services at the lowest costs.
Some American companies with global operations have found it helpful to diversify management, which means that they company employs managers who are citizens of the country in which they have operations. For example, an American company with manufacturing facilities in Chine would employ Chinese managers. Companies who have such diversified management allow their local managers to operate with a significant degree of independence. Because locally hired managers better understand their country's cultural concerns, consumer habits, and government regulations, companies have found that the strategy results in greater productivity. |
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