People- human resources- are the most important part of the operations system. Even in 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 operation system, Managers try to plan the content and methods of work in a job.(In some factories the managers focus on the task. They determine how a job can be done most efficiently. Then the train workers to perform the job in just that way. In other plants, the managers focus on the workers. They try to motivate there workers to do the best jog they can. They listen to their employees' ideas and may change their ass. frequently. In still other facilities, managers use a combinations of these two techniques. In any case, the managers goal is the same to produce the most goods or services at lower costs.

Some American companies with global operations have found it to be helpful to diversify management, which mean that the company employs managers who are citizens of the country in which they have operations. For example, an American company with manufacturing facilities in China 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.