Operations and Project Management Essay

If we consider the operational process of any organization for example a manufacturing industry, we find that most of such organizations use a bureaucracy structure. Tasks are divided in accordance to various departments. To complement these various departments and make work flexible, most organizations adapt a teamwork system which makes workers more effective in their duties as Styhre,2000, states. This chain of duties determines what will work best within the department area of control. Such an organization therefore must be spearheaded by an established board of directors. This team must have a vision for growth and direction of the entire organization. They are liable to the final decision making with regard to any proposals made by various departmental heads. Next the operations management team must be quick to gather or set goals and implement ideas working efficiently and making the most of available resources and opportunities. According to Hill,2000, they must be able to consistently evaluate the growth and diversity of resources and also any other managerial concerns of the organization. They must manage and ensure that the process of production runs efficiently and also determine whether the product is able to satisfy the current market. Hill further adds that, they must ensure also that the company is running profitably. The administration department is to administer and ensure that all the departments are running smoothly. The human resources department oversees the plight of the employees and their relationship with the employer. They visualize and implement any proposals, ideas, concerns, criticisms from the employees and adapt ways to keep the employees focused on the company’s objectives and plan on employees’ yearly evaluation scheme and remuneration. They are supposed to consistently look for ways to complement and motivate them in order to retain employees. The financial department works supportively with the accounts to present data including Local Purchase Orders. The logistics team must be able to properly evaluate minimal operating costs e. g. arket supply, raw materials and availability of cheap labor etc. They are to ensure the operational data and costs are rationalized including manufacturing and environmental costs. Procurement of materials, supplies and equipment, is also a duty vested on the logistics team. There is also the marketing department whose main function is to create or re-establish business opportunities and explore new markets for the finished goods in the case of manufacturing organizations or marketing of services for the service oriented firms. Another important component is the project management team which is supposed to propose new projects as well as plan for new ones and also implement the existing ones(Dilworth 2000). They must understand the demand of the market and how well they serve the corporate objective. In a manufacturing firm the chain of supply to the customer is the most crucial process. The production department ensures that the manufactured goods are of quality and are up to standard. Thorough attention is required especially to the products’ quality, cost and delivery because end product is of value than the raw material. Of equal importance is the customer services department whose role is to make sure that customers are satisfied with the services being rendered and how the same can be improved. Its significance derives from the fact that the customer is the pillar of any organization because they provide the market for the goods and services being traded and without whom there wouldn’t be continuity of any organization. Communication amongst all departmental heads is a crucial necessity for the successful operation of any organization and can only be accomplished by an information/IT analysis team. It ensures fast execution of duties. Throughout the organization, coordination and effective cooperation will make this process effective. The maintenance department maintains the company’s assets and also ensures that all repair work is done on time. These are some of the various departments and how they function to ensure effectiveness of the organization.