1) Differentiate Operations Management from Business Management.

Giving some examples would explain your point better.

Using Mercury Drug in the Philippines as an example, here's how Operations

Management and Business Management differ:

Operations Management at Mercury Drug deals with the daily operations of

the stores. This includes:

 Inventory Management: Ensuring that essential medicines and products

are consistently available and properly stocked.
 Logistics: Coordinating with suppliers to maintain timely deliveries and
managing the distribution of products across all branches.
 Customer Service: Overseeing the efficiency of store operations, including
staff performance and checkout processes, to ensure a positive customer
experience.

For example, an operations manager might focus on optimizing stock levels to

prevent shortages and ensure compliance with pharmaceutical regulations
across all stores.

Business Management at Mercury Drug, on the other hand, is responsible for

the overall strategic direction of the company. This involves:

 Expansion Decisions: Choosing new locations for store openings, such as

expanding into rural areas or new cities.
 Strategic Initiatives: Launching new services like online medicine delivery
or adding a line of health and wellness products.
 Financial Oversight: Managing budgets, setting financial goals, and
making decisions about investments or partnerships that will drive the
company’s growth.

For example, business management might decide to diversify the product

offerings or enter into partnerships with healthcare providers to enhance the
company's market presence.

2. Describe briefly the evolution of Operations Management.

Operations Management (OM) has evolved significantly from its early roots to
the complex, technology-driven field it is today.

1. Early Industrial Era:

The origins of OM can be traced back to the Industrial Revolution in the late
18th and early 19th centuries. During this period, factories emerged, and the
focus was on improving production efficiency through specialization,
mechanization, and labor division, as seen in early manufacturing plants like
those of textile industries .

2. Scientific Management (Late 19th to Early 20th Century):

Frederick Taylor's principles of Scientific Management marked a major
development in OM. Taylor introduced time-and-motion studies, standardized
work processes, and a focus on increasing worker productivity by optimizing
tasks and workflows .

3. Mass Production and Assembly Line (Early 20th Century):

Henry Ford further revolutionized OM with the introduction of the assembly
line in the automobile industry. This innovation allowed for mass production,
drastically reducing the time and cost of manufacturing while increasing
output .

4. Post-World War II and Quality Management:

After World War II, Japan pioneered Total Quality Management (TQM) and
Just-In-Time (JIT) production, which emphasized reducing waste, improving
quality, and responding more flexibly to customer demand. These
methodologies were later adopted globally, influencing OM practices
worldwide .

5. Technological Advancements (Late 20th Century to Present):

With the advent of computers and the internet, OM evolved to incorporate
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, automation, and data
analytics. Today, OM also involves supply chain management, lean
manufacturing, and sustainability practices, reflecting the growing complexity
and global nature of operations .

Citations:

1. Encyclopedia of Business and Finance. (2001). "Industrial Revolution."

2. Taylor, F. W. (1911). The Principles of Scientific Management. Harper &
Brothers.
3. Ford, H. (1922). My Life and Work. Doubleday, Page & Company.
4. Deming, W. E. (1986). Out of the Crisis. MIT Press.
5. Hammer, M., & Champy, J. (1993). Reengineering the Corporation: A
Manifesto for Business Revolution. Harper Business.
6. Heizer, J., & Render, B. (2013). Operations Management: Sustainability
and Supply Chain Management. Pearson.

3. In a business entity setting or environment, what do you understand

by Operations and Management?

In my perspective as a mother of three, who is currently a full-time mom and

studying for a master's in management, I see operations and management as
two vital aspects of running a business, much like how I manage my
household.

Operations are like the day-to-day tasks I handle at home—preparing meals,

organizing the kids’ schedules, managing the household budget, and making
sure everything runs smoothly. In a business, operations involve all the
processes needed to produce goods or deliver services, ensuring that things
are done efficiently and meet the needs of customers (Slack, Brandon-Jones,
& Johnston, 2019).

Management, on the other hand, is more like the strategic planning I do for
my family’s future—deciding on the best ways to support my kids’ education,
managing our finances, and setting long-term goals for our household. In a
business setting, management involves making decisions about how the
company is run, setting goals, organizing resources, and ensuring that all the
different parts of the business are working together towards those goals
(Robbins & Coulter, 2021).

In both roles—whether managing a household or a business—there’s a need

for careful planning, coordination, and the ability to balance multiple tasks to
achieve success.

4) Operating system (in a business) may be understood or interpreted

differently. Let us know your point of view and elaborate a bit with an
example

From my point of view, as a mother of three and a student of management, I

see an operating system in a business as the framework or set of processes
that keep everything running smoothly, much like how routines and systems
at home help manage daily life efficiently.

Understanding of Operating System in Business:

In a business context, an operating system can be understood as the
combination of processes, procedures, and technologies that support the day-
to-day operations of the company. It’s the backbone that ensures different
departments, from finance to marketing to production, work together
seamlessly. The operating system in a business could include everything from
workflow management software, communication platforms, and inventory
systems, to the way employees interact with these tools to achieve business
goals (Laudon & Laudon, 2020).

Example:
For example, consider a retail business like a clothing store. The operating
system might include a point-of-sale (POS) system that tracks sales,
manages inventory, and processes payments. This system ensures that the
store has up-to-date information on what products are selling well, what needs
to be reordered, and how much revenue is being generated. This allows the
business to operate efficiently and make informed decisions, such as
restocking popular items or offering discounts on slower-moving inventory.

In my home, this is similar to having a meal planning system that tracks what
groceries we need, what meals we’re preparing, and what’s available in the
pantry. This system helps me manage our household budget, reduce waste,
and ensure that everyone is well-fed.`

5) Cite few examples of products which may fall under mass production
system. What is its most distinct characteristic?

Examples of Philippine Products Under Mass Production:

1. Jollibee’s Chickenjoy: A widely recognized fast-food item, Chickenjoy is

produced in large quantities to meet the high demand across hundreds of
Jollibee outlets nationwide.
2. San Miguel Beer: San Miguel Brewery produces millions of liters of beer
each year, using automated processes to ensure consistency and efficiency.
3. Lucky Me! Instant Noodles: A staple in many Filipino households, Lucky
Me! noodles are produced on a mass scale, with factories churning out
thousands of packets daily to supply markets across the country.
4. Bench T-Shirts: The popular clothing brand Bench produces basic T-shirts
and other apparel in large quantities, using standardized designs and sizes to
cater to a broad market.

Most Distinct Characteristic:

The most distinct characteristic of a mass production system is
standardization. Products are manufactured in large quantities using
standardized processes, machinery, and designs to ensure uniformity and
efficiency. This allows for economies of scale, where the cost per unit
decreases as production volume increases, making products more affordable
and widely available to the market (Heizer & Render, 2013).

6) What is the distinct characteristic of job shop production system?

Example/s will make it easier to understand.

The most distinct characteristic of a job shop production system is

customization. Unlike mass production, which focuses on producing large
quantities of standardized products, job shop production is designed for highly
customized, small-batch production. In a job shop, each job or order is unique
and requires different setups, tools, and processes. This system is flexible
and adaptable, allowing for a wide variety of products to be made in small
quantities according to specific customer requirements.

Examples:

1. Custom Furniture Makers:

 Example: Muebles Italiano is a local company that specializes in crafting
custom furniture pieces tailored to individual client preferences. Each item
is designed and manufactured according to specific requirements, making
it a prime example of job shop production.

2. Bespoke Tailoring Shops:

 Example: BenCh, a well-known tailoring shop in the Philippines, offers
custom-made clothing like suits and dresses tailored to individual
 measurements and styles. This customization is a hallmark of job shop
production.

3. Specialty Printing Services:

 Example: Print Street offers custom printing services for a variety of
products, including personalized wedding invitations, custom business
cards, and unique promotional materials. Each order is unique, reflecting
the job shop’s ability to handle diverse and specialized printing needs.

4. Artisan Jewelry Makers:

Example: Philippine Craft creates custom jewelry pieces crafted by local
artisans. Each piece is made to order, reflecting the unique tastes and
specifications of clients.

Distinct Characteristic:
The most distinct characteristic of the job shop production system is its
customization. Unlike mass production, which focuses on standardizing
products for large-scale production, job shop systems are designed to handle
small batches of highly customized products. This system is adaptable,
allowing for flexibility in production processes to meet specific customer
requirements and unique orders.

7) What do you understand by process analysis? expound briefly.

Process analysis involves the systematic examination of a business process

to understand its structure, inputs, outputs, and workflow. The goal is to
improve efficiency, effectiveness, and quality by identifying areas for
optimization and eliminating inefficiencies.

Company Example: Monde Nissin Corporation

Overview:
Monde Nissin, a major player in the Philippine food and beverage industry, is
well-known for its Lucky Me! instant noodles. The company employs process
analysis to optimize its manufacturing operations.

Steps in Process Analysis:

1. Mapping the Process:
Monde Nissin maps out its production process, from receiving raw ingredients
like flour and seasoning to mixing, cooking, drying, packaging, and storage.
This helps visualize the workflow and identify each stage of production.

2. Identifying Inputs and Outputs:

Inputs include raw materials, water, and energy, while outputs are the final
packaged instant noodles. Process analysis helps monitor how these inputs
are used and whether the outputs meet quality standards.

3. Evaluating Efficiency:
The company assesses various performance metrics such as production
cycle times, energy consumption, and material efficiency. For example, they
review how long it takes to cook and dry the noodles and analyze if energy
use is cost-effective.

4. Spotting Inefficiencies:
Analysis might uncover delays in stages like drying or excess waste during
ingredient handling. Monde Nissin could identify bottlenecks in the packaging
process or machinery that isn’t operating optimally.

5. Implementing Improvements:
Based on the analysis, Monde Nissin might implement changes like upgrading
drying equipment for better efficiency, optimizing ingredient handling to
reduce waste, or automating the packaging process to streamline operations
and cut costs.

Impact:
Through process analysis, Monde Nissin enhances its manufacturing
efficiency, lowers production costs, and maintains high product quality. This
approach ensures that the company can effectively meet consumer demand
and make the best use of its resources.

Reference: Mondé Nissin Corporation. (2024). Company Profile. Monde

Nissin. Retrieved from the official Monde Nissin website. This source offers
specific information about Monde Nissin's production processes and
operational practices.

8) What is systems analysis and why is it important?

Systems analysis involves examining and understanding how a system
operates to identify ways to improve its efficiency and effectiveness. This
process begins by gathering and defining the needs of the system, which
includes understanding what users and stakeholders require. Analysts then
create visual models, such as flowcharts and diagrams, to represent the
system’s processes and data flows. This helps in identifying any problems or
inefficiencies in the current system. Once issues are identified, solutions are
proposed to enhance the system, which might include redesigning processes
or upgrading technology. The final step involves implementing and testing
these changes to ensure they achieve the desired improvements. Systems
analysis is crucial because it boosts efficiency by streamlining operations,
improves overall performance, supports better decision-making with clear
insights, facilitates necessary upgrades, and enhances user satisfaction by
addressing their needs and improving system functionality.

9. What do you understand by operations strategy?

From my perspective as a former store cashier at Mercury Drug in

Cabadbaran City, operations strategy refers to the approach the store takes to
manage its day-to-day operations in a way that supports its overall business
goals. It involves planning and making decisions about how to efficiently
handle tasks like stocking shelves, managing inventory, and providing
customer service.
In my role, operations strategy meant ensuring that the store ran smoothly
and effectively. This included:

1. Efficient Inventory Management: Ensuring that products were well-stocked

and readily available for customers. This required coordinating with suppliers
and keeping track of inventory levels to prevent shortages or overstock
situations.

2. Streamlined Checkout Processes: Implementing efficient checkout

procedures to reduce wait times and enhance customer satisfaction. This
involved using the point-of-sale system effectively and handling transactions
accurately.

3. Customer Service Excellence: Providing high-quality service by being

attentive and responsive to customer needs. This contributed to a positive
shopping experience and encouraged repeat business.

4. Staff Coordination: Working closely with other team members to ensure

that all store operations, from stocking to customer service, were carried out
efficiently and effectively.

In essence, operations strategy at Mercury Drug involved creating and

following practices that helped the store meet its goals, deliver excellent
service, and ensure that customers had a positive experience.

10) What is the ultimate purpose of quality management system?

From my perspective as a former store cashier at Mercury Drug, the ultimate
purpose of a quality management system (QMS) is to ensure that every
aspect of a business consistently meets high standards of quality.

In my role, this meant that the QMS was crucial for several reasons:
1. Consistency and Reliability: A QMS ensures that products and services
meet consistent quality standards. For instance, ensuring that the medications
and products on the shelves were always in good condition and accurately
priced was a key part of maintaining customer trust and satisfaction.

2. Customer Satisfaction: By adhering to quality standards, the QMS helps in

delivering reliable and effective products. For example, ensuring that every
transaction at the cashier was accurate and efficient directly impacted the
customer’s experience and satisfaction.

3. Continuous Improvement: A good QMS promotes ongoing improvement.

This meant that feedback and observations from my work at the cashier could
be used to enhance processes, like streamlining checkout procedures or
improving inventory management.

4. Compliance and Safety: In a pharmacy setting like Mercury Drug, a QMS

ensures that all products, especially medicines, comply with regulatory
standards, which is crucial for customer safety and legal compliance.

Overall, the QMS in my experience was all about maintaining high standards,
improving service quality, and ensuring customer satisfaction by addressing
any issues that arose and continually refining processes.