How And What

Just-in-time – definition and benefits of just-in-time

By: M Rahman | Tags: Operations Management

Definition of Just-in-time Just-in-time (JIT) refers to everything happening just in time. As a concept, it is easy to understand; however, implementing it in practice is a different thing. According to Toyota (2016), Just-in-time means making only what is needed, when it is needed, and in the amount needed. It is a philosophy of complete elimination of waste. According to Beasley (n.d), Just-in-time originated in Japan. Toyota motor company started using this method in the 1970s. JIT was initially known as the ‘Toyota Production System’. Many people regard Taiichi Ohno […]

What is business process?

By: M Rahman | Tags: Operations Management

Business process refers to a standardized set of activities that accomplish a specific task, such as processing a customer’s order (Baltzan & Philips, 2009). It converts a set of inputs into a set of outputs (goods or services). Examples of business process Business process can be easily understood by examples. Each organisation has its own distinctive process. Let us consider the process of depositing money at Barclays and many other banks in the UK. Once the customer is at the branch, she/he has two options to deposit money/cheque. The customer […]

What is Operations Management?

By: M Rahman | Tags: Operations Management

What is operations management? Operations management deals with integrating business processes within organisations. It consists of the managerial activities and techniques used to transform resources such as raw materials and labour, into end products and services. (Adam and Ebert, 1989). It applies to all organisations, not just manufacturers as some people may think. Some organisations produce products e.g. Apple produces smart phones, computers etc. On the other hand, some others produce services. For example, British Airways, Travelodge, Premier Inn, colleges and universities produce services. However, both types of organisations face […]