Operations refers to those ongoing cyclic activities involved in the running of a business for the purpose of producing value for the stakeholders. Operations includes the conversion of inputs (resources) into outputs (goods and services). This conversion is known as transformation. Thus, operations processes are those processes involved directly with transformation. • Operations processes entails different processes relevant to transformations.
Sequencing and Scheduling are two essential aspects that assist with structuring and ordering the transformation processes. Sequencing refers to the order in which activities in the operations process occur. Scheduling refers to the length of time activities take within the operations process. The two main scheduling tools are Gantt charts and
Critical Path Analysis (CPA). An understanding of both sequencing and scheduling is necessary for operations managers.
• As well as operations, technology is another aspect of the operations process which is relevant to transformations. Business technology involves the use of machinery and systems that enable businesses to undertake the transformation process more effectively and efficiently. Business technology may include a computer, keyboard and mouse, mobile telephones, printers etc. Manufacturing technology includes robotics, computer-aided designs (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).
• Task Design is relevant to transformations as it involves classifying job activities in ways that make it easy for an employee to successfully perform and complete a task. It overlaps the employment relations function of job analysis, job description and person specification. • A plant layout is the arrangement of equipment, machinery and staff within the facility
(either a factory or office). The plant layout have an impact on the