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Operations Management:Operating on a Higher LevelJason YearwoodCAPS-495 Senior CapstoneNovember 1, 2014Mr. Nam PhamSouthwestern College Professional StudiesAbstractThis research paper discusses the opportunities that come with obtaining a bachelor’s of science degree in Operations Management from Southwestern College. After conducting thorough research, I have found several positions that relate to the operations management field that is best suited for my knowledge, skills, experience, and abilities. After researching the Bureau of Labor Statistics webs site, , academic journals, and , I am confident that operations management is the career path I will pursue; I fully aware of what needs to be done in order to experience a successful career. Operations manager is a job that is needed in almost every industry and there are several career options available in the federal government and private sector. There are also numerous organizations that focus on developing an operations manager to be multifaceted and successful in the world of operations management. Operations management requires the individual to be certified in certain specialty areas, but the career path is filled with careers that are similar, so transitioning to another career in the logistics field will not be a major task. Operations Management: Operating on a Higher LevelAs Deepa (2014) explains, “Every business has Operations…. it’s not an art but a science. Operations management is an area of management concerned with overseeing, designing, and controlling the process of production and redesigning business operations in the production of goods or services” (para 3). Operations management because of its multidisciplinary areas makes it a career that is in demand and opens the door to a fulfilling and rewarding career. Operations management’s reach is broad and is found at different levels in organizations. This research paper will outline my future career path, trends in the career field, career opportunities in operations management, and how my skills, knowledge, abilities, and experience will make me a successful operations manager for an organization. Career OpportunitiesOperations management is a broad career field and almost every industry relies on operations manager to effectively manage their operations along with other assigned tasks or areas of responsibility. A bachelor’s degree in operations management will qualify me for numerous career opportunities in several industries and organizations. Some of the careers I will qualify for are Purchasing Manager, Storage and Distribution Manager, and Logistical Analysts, (, 2011, para 15). These careers all involve the supply chain, analyzing data, they also deal with managing, warehousing, distribution, planning and forecasting, and recommend changes to current processes. The skills, knowledge, abilities and work activities are somewhat similar and they are often working together for the betterment of the organization. Anyone seeking employment in these careers need to be a complex problem solver, critical thinker, active listener, and outstanding decision maker (, para 5, 6). The experience I have gained from 9 years in the logistical management field in the Army and the knowledge skills, and abilities I have gained from my courses at Southwestern College will enable me to be successful in all of these careers.Career PathAfter extensive research on several career options, I have decided I would like to become a Logistical Management Analyst with either the federal government or the private sector. This title will vary in every organization; it depends on what the position entails and the way the organization is structured. Most of the logistics positions require a bachelor’s degree or higher and certifications, especially as you move up the corporate ladder. The first job on my career path is a Logistics Analyst, a job in which the individual primarily “Analyze product delivery or supply chain processes to identify or recommend changes. May manage route activity including invoicing, electronic bills, and shipment tracing” (, 2011). This position requires the individual to be familiar with web-based logistics information systems, supply chain programs and software as well as other analytical tools. This position is forecasted to grow much faster than average (22% or higher), currently there are 126,000 individuals employed in this job and projected job numbers for 2012-2022 is 42,200 new hires. The median wage is $35.29 hourly, $73,400 annually and you will find most logistics analyst either working for the government or the manufacturing sector. This job will help the individual get acquainted with the many supply and logistics functions, establish and develop their processes for analyzing and managing logistics activities, prepare logistic reports, work with other logistics analysts as part of a management team and establish procedures and techniques that will assist them in advancing to the next level of logistics which is a logistics manager (, 2011).Logistics Managers “plan, direct, or coordinate purchasing, warehousing, distribution, forecasting, customer service, or planning services. Manage logistics personnel and logistics systems and direct daily operations” (, 2011). This position requires the individual to obtain a bachelor’s degree or higher and certification in one or several areas related to logistics and supply. The Logistics Manager supervises the work of logistics analyst, planners and schedulers. Collaborate with other departments throughout the organization to integrate logistics with business systems or processes. Direct or coordinate logistical or reverse logistics functions for product life cycles, negotiate with suppliers or customers to improve supply chain efficiency or sustainability. This position requires the individual to be familiar with web-based logistics systems, transportation management software, database software, supply chain software. The position calls for the knowledge of transportation systems, law and government, economics and accounting, the skills of complex problem solving, critical thinking, monitoring and assessing performance, and coordinating. Some of the work activities include analyzing data, developing objectives and strategies, guiding, directing and motivating subordinates, and developing and building teams. The job outlook is slower than average (3% to 7%), there are currently 105,000 individuals employed under this title and is currently projected to hire 29,100 in the next 8 years. Logistics Managers earn $40.33 hourly and $83,890 annually (, 2011).One of the latest trends in logistics operations is reverse logistics. As Xiang Li discusses (2014) “A typical field in green logistics and supply chain management is reverse logistics, sometimes called closed-loop supply chains, in which there are reverse flows of used products (postconsumer) back to manufacturers” (para, 20). One of the ethical dilemmas that required Starbucks to utilize the framework for ethical decision making was trying to develop a plan to recycle the 3 billion disposable cups that ended up in the landfill every year. Starbucks has made the right decisions concerning this issue, but has not made any headway in resolving the issue (Ferrell, Fraedich, & Ferrell, 2013, p. 11). However, there is a British engineer that has developed a “100% recyclable paper cup….and is currently in talks with several coffee chains” (Smithers, 2014, para 4, 6). After years of managing several logistics analysts, gaining years of experience and a master’s in Business Administration I will be prepared to be a Logistics Management Analyst. A Logistics Management Analysts, “often called management consultants, propose ways to improve an organization's efficiency. They advise managers on how to make organizations more profitable through reduced costs and increased revenues” (, 2014, para, 1). They also manage several teams at the senior level. The outlook for a Logistics Management Analyst 19% (faster than average) the pay is $37.79 per hour or $78,600-$84,530 per year and there are currently 718,700 Management Analysts employed and is expected to grow by 133,800 new hires in the next 8 years. Some of the important qualities an analyst must possess are analytical, communication, interpersonal, problem-solving and time-management skills. The Institute of Management Consultants offers the Certified Management Consultant designation to gain a competitive advantage over other job seekers (, 2014). One of the trends and tasks that a Management Analyst might be focused on is how the organization can establish and maintain “sustainable operations management (SOM) [and ensuring] the operations strategies, tactics and [develop] techniques and operational policies to support both economic and environmental objectives and goals….. [because] sustainability has gained much attention from both researchers and practitioners in the past 6–8 years” (Gunasekaran, Zahir, & Papadopoulos, 2012, para 1). This career path is one that can take you in any direction and you will still be successful and has upward mobility whether you work for the government or a private organization. The outlook for this career path is bright and there is demand at each level of this career path. There are other careers within the logistics field that I can also be successful as well. Some of the fields I can work in with an Operations Management degree are Storage and Distribution Manager, and Purchasing Manager. Storage and Distribution managers “Plan, direct, or coordinate the storage or distribution operations within an organization or the activities of organizations that are engaged in storing or distributing materials or products” (, 2011). The outlook for a Storage and Distribution Manager is slower than average, by 2022 only 29,100 new hires are projected, the median wages (2013) are $40.33 hourly and $83,390 annually. Some of the knowledge, skills and abilities a Storage and Distribution Managers must possess are production and processing, transportation, critical thinking, management of personnel resources, deductive and inductive reasoning, and near vision (, 2011). A Purchasing Manager “Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of buyers, purchasing officers, and related workers involved in purchasing materials, products, and services. Includes wholesale or retail trade merchandising managers and procurement managers” (, 2010). The outlook for Purchasing Manager will have little or no change, by 2022 only 17,300 new hires are projected; the median wages (2013) are $49.89 hourly and $103,780 annually. The knowledge, skills, and abilities a Purchase Manager must have are economics and accounting, law and government, coordination, critical thinking, monitoring, information ordering, and deductive reasoning. These two careers are somewhat similar, so transitioning will not be that difficult. Some of these careers might require me to be certified, but the degree is the foundation for all these careers. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and ExperienceLogistics is a field that is never boring, or will not fade away because almost every industry requires someone to manage their logistics. I know that currently a lot of organizations are using third party contracts to manage their logistics (3PL), but anywhere there are services or manufacturing taking place there is a need for a logistician. I have worked at the supervisory and management level of logistics for over 9 years and have gained the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to give me a basic foundation in the field of logistics. My degree in Operations Management increased my knowledge, abilities and skills, as well as strengthens my foundation in the field of logistics. I am confident that regardless of the organization, I can be a valuable asset to any organization’s logistics management team. The courses I have taken while pursuing this degree provided me with the latest information, procedures, and techniques to put me ahead of my peers. Joining several organizations dedicated to informing, certifying and improving the work operations managers’ conduct on a daily basis like APICS and POMS will keep me abreast of the latest information that will make me a success. These organizations are world leaders in the fields of operations and supply chain management and deliver the best practices, trends, education, and certification programs for operations managers.ConclusionWhen I chose operations management as a degree, I was assured this was the career for me. Turns out, it was the right choice for me. I have the logistics experience, talent, knowledge and abilities to make a difference and stand out amongst my peers. While I expect this career to be demanding, I am up to the challenge. I look forward to moving up the corporate ladder and one day leading a team of analysts on a project or major task for our organization. I enjoy interacting with customers, suppliers, and manufacturers, being on the go, and I enjoy working in the background making things happen. I enjoy the fact that this is not a dead end career and it has upward mobility and you could venture into other areas of the logistics field. ReferencesAgeron B., Gunasekaran A., & Spalanzani A. (2012). Sustainable supply management: An empirical study. International Journal of Production Economics. Retrievedfrom Bureau of Labor and Statistics (2014). Management Analyst. Retrieved from Deepa. (2014). Operations Manager: The Unsung Hero. Retrieved from Ferrell, O.C., & Fraedrich, J., & Ferrell, L.? (2013).?Case Study 2: Starbucks Mission: Social Responsibility and Brand Strength.? (9th Edition). Mason, OH: South-WesternNational Center for O*NET Development. 13-1081.02 Logistics Analyst. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved November 1, 2014, from Center for O*NET Development. 11-3061.00. O*NET OnLine. Purchasing Managers. Retrieved November 9, 2014, from Center for O*NET Development. 11-3071.02. Storage and Distribution Manager O*NET OnLine. Retrieved November 9, 2014, from Center for O*NET Development. 11-3071.03 Logistics Managers. O*NET OnLine. Retrieved October 31, 2014, from , R. (2014). World's first fully recyclable paper cup to hit UK high streets. Retrievedfrom Xiang Li, “Operations Management of Logistics and Supply Chain: Issues and Directions,” Discrete Dynamics in Nature and Society, vol. 2014, Article ID 701938, 7 pages, 2014. doi:10.1155/2014/701938 ................
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