This book introduces students to the fundamental processes of managing and controlling a variety of operations. It addresses the increasing trend away from lengthy, highly quantitative texts toward more pragmatic, managerial issues that confront today's operations managers. There is increased coverage of service operations rather than the more traditional factory or manufacturing approach. The style is suitable for non-majors with no prior background in the field of operations. Davis covers introductory and numerical examples and quantitative methods, but the main focus is on general concepts and applications.

From the Publisher

New Chapter on 'Product Development': This chapter replaces the chapter on 'Project management' in the previous edition and will emphasize the process involved in developing and introducing new products into the market. The technical aspects of project management will be covered in a supplement to the new chapter. This gives the student a more current and thorough view of product development.
New Chapter on 'Information Technology': Two important topics'e commerce and ERP'will dominate the material covered in this chapter. Much of the coverage of advanced MRP found in the previous edition has been replaced with material on ERP. Updated coverage of the Internet is also included, providing a broader and more up-to-date view of information technology.
More extensive use of Excel spreadsheets throughout: Although FOM 4/e maintains its non-quantitative emphasis, this new edition, in response to reviewer recommendations, makes greater use of Excel spreadsheets to help clarify those topics that require more analysis.
Greater number of service examples: FOM has always contained the strongest coverage of services among introductory operations management textbooks. The Fourth Edition bolsters this perception with a number of new service-oriented examples.
Packaged with CD-ROM including Excel templates and data.
Supply Chain Management chapter addresses the fact that suppliers are not only located worldwide, but that their relationship with the firm is an integral element in that firm's success.
Covers the application of the tools of operations management to other functional areas such as marketing, accounting, MIS, finance, etc. These are highlighted by a cross-functional logo in the text.
Coverage of yield management that focuses on improving capacity management in service operations.
Icons added indicating global and service examples
Internet Update feature at the end of chapters lets students prepare projects and get information using the web.
Answers to selected problems appendix are included.

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