Production/Operations Management

Production/Operations Management Overview

Production and Operations Management Course Sequence

Production and Operations Management Flowsheet

What is Production & Operations Management?
It is the management of processes and operations used by businesses in the production of their goods and services. It is the study of design, operation, and improvement of production systems for efficiency and effectiveness.

What can I do with a Production & Operations Management degree?
Manufacturing plants are the main employers of production/operations management personnel, but many service organizations, including health care organizations, banks, logistics and distribution companies, also hire graduates as operations analysts or quality and productivity analysts.

Production & Operations Management at Tennessee Tech
The Production/Operations Management program prepares students for various careers in operations management, with a focus on analytically based decision-making and the improvement of processes, quality, and productivity. Tennessee Tech’s College of Business holds the highest national accreditation from AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. This distinction is held by less than five percent of business schools in the world.

Career Opportunities

Manufacturing plants are the main employers of production/operations management (POM) personnel. Many service organizations, including health care organizations and banks, also hire POM graduates as operations analysts or quality and productivity analysts. Having good computer skills will enhance the marketability of POM graduates. Opportunities abound in manufacturing and service industries for Production/Operations Management graduates. Business in Tennessee ranging from Knoxville to Memphis and from Chattanooga to Clarksville interview and hire our College of Business students.  The Wall Street Journal rated Nashville third in metropolitan areas where job growth and low costs create a window of opportunity for our graduates.

Industries with demand for Production/Operations Management graduates include:

  • Automotive
  • Manufacturing
  • Railroad
  • Transportation

The following are common position titles held by general production/operations management graduates:

  • Plant Manager
  • Materials Manager
  • Master Scheduler
  • Inventory Manager
  • Quality Assurance Manager
  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Buyer/Planner
  • Vice-President of Operations
  • Vice-President of Process Improvement

The national average yearly salary for students graduating in the curriculum of Business Administration/Management is $47,617. (Based on the September 2008 Salary Survey of the National Association of Colleges and Employers.)

For additional information on career placement and internships contact your advisor and career services.

American Production and Inventory Controls Society (APICS)

Advisor: Dr. Ramachandran Natarajan
Office: JH 407A, 372-3001
E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

APICS, the Association for Operations Management, is open to any student interested in Production and Operations Management. Student members may attend the Upper Cumberland Parent Chapter's monthly meetings. Mentoring opportunities with local area professionals are also provided. Full-time students may become national members and receive APICS publications with payment of $25 national dues. The UC Parent Chapter also funds a scholarship for COB students.

FAQ

What is Production & Operations Management?
 
It is the management of processes and operations used by businesses in the production of their goods and services. It is the study of design, operation, and improvement of production systems for efficiency and effectiveness. 
 
What can I do with a Production & Operations Management degree?
 
Manufacturing plants are the main employers of production/operations management personnel, but many service organizations, including health care organizations, banks, logistics and distribution companies, also hire graduates as operations analysts or quality and productivity analysts.