How to Choose an Operations Management MBA?

Operations managers plan, coordinate and implement various operations or tasks within an organization. Professionals from many different fields of work pursue an MBA in Operations Management to advance their careers and take up leadership positions. Also known as general managers, operations managers are responsible for the smooth functioning of various projects and programs within an organization. Your role will depend on your education and experience as well as the type and size of your employer.

Common responsibilities may include formulating procedures and protocols within the organization; managing day-to-day operations; recruiting human and material resources required for the completion of the project; negotiating with vendors and suppliers; and dealing with the production, pricing, distribution and sale of the products. You may also be responsible for establishing a budget for the program and maintaining the fiscal responsibility. Some operational managers may also be required to deal with legal regulations and government permits related to their projects and products.

How to Get an MBA in Operations Management

A Masters of Business Administration in Operations Management will give you the knowledge and expertise related to the basic structure and function of a business. Many colleges and universities across the United States offer the MBA program. You should, however, consider several factors before signing up for a program. These include:

• Scope of the program
• Accreditation of the program. Make sure its quality and usability have been approved by a standard agency
• Total cost of the program
• Duration of the program
• The enrollment and graduation criteria.

The enrollment criteria for an MBA in Operations Management will depend on the university. Common prerequisites include a Bachelor’s degree in management or a related field, GMAT scores, letters of recommendation from former employers of faculty members, a statement of intent indicating your interest and passion for the program, and work experience.

Some colleges are flexible about their enrollment process while others are highly rigid. You should contact the university’s Admissions Office to learn more about the process. Top ranking business and management schools such as the Harvard Business School or the Wharton School of Management receive thousands of applications each year. They are highly competitive and have strict enrollment and graduation criteria. However, management professionals with degrees from such reputed colleges and universities have improved job prospects and tend to receive higher salary packages as well.

You will find both online and traditional, campus-based MBA programs in Operations Management. Each program has its own benefits and drawbacks. The online MBA programs are great for working professionals who wish to pursue a higher academic degree without altering the work schedule. The programs are highly flexible and can be completed at anytime from the convenience of your home or office. The traditional programs are ideal for students looking to build a professional network with peers and faculty members. The highly structured programs can be completed on time. Unlike the past, recent surveys have indicated that about 85 percent of employers have a positive impression about online programs as well. The best program will ultimately depend on your personal preferences and existing lifestyle.

Most MBA programs in Operations Management take about two to three years to complete. Common topics within the coursework may include:

• Supply Chain Management
• Design of Operations
• Quality Management
• Operations in Entertainment
• Information Technology
• Retail Operations
• Decision Models
• Operations in Real Estate Development
• Operational Risk
• Operations for Global Entrepreneurs
• Operations Strategy
• Service Operations

Online Degree Programs

Students or professionals who are considering a career in operations management will likely want to consider obtaining a bachelor’s or master’s degree in operations management. Possible master’s degree programs to consider include these:

Southern New Hampshire University

SNHU offers an online MBA in Operations and Supply Chain Management that will hone your skills to develop, improve and manage the processes that are used to support, transport and product services, products and people. This degree program will help you to reduce costs, increase profits and boost the satisfaction of customers, while also educating you about the importance of long-term sustainability. SNHU is also featured in our 50 Most Affordable Online MBA programs.

Students in this online operations management degree can specialize either in logistics and transportation, or project management.

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Arizona State University

Arizona State University offers an MBA in Supply Chain Management that is highly ranked by both US News and World Report, and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, or AACSB.

The degree will arm you with the operations management tools that you need to succeed in this competitive industry. The focus in this two year program is on organization, motivation, hiring skills and abilities, and resource development.

Required courses are in decision models for the supply chain; operations planning and execution; strategic procurement; and services in the supply chain.

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Kettering University

Kettering University offers a Master of Science in Operations Management that will provide you with the skills, expertise and leadership skills to effectively link performance, people and processes of workflow to ensure that your organization has the best possible efficiency.

After you have mastered these operations management skills, you will have nearly unlimited career possibilities around the world. Graduates of this online master’s program typically work in management positions in procurement, revenue and operations.

Request FREE information direct from Kettering University.

Popular Careers and Future Outlook

Individuals from many different fields of work take up an MBA in Operations Management to advance their careers. Their new graduate degree can help them find work as:

• Retail managers
• Production managers
• Supply chain managers
• Executive managers
• Construction site managers

You can work in a variety of settings including technology companies, government agencies, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, financial institutions, and other large multinational corporations. Your area of work may also depend on your overall experience and other academic degrees.

Most individuals with a graduate level degree in Operations Management will see a salary hike and improved job profile. You may receive a promotion or develop the confidence to apply for a leadership position at another top company.

One of the most in-demand jobs in the operations field is that of operations research analyst. These professionals use methods in mathematics and advanced analysis to assist organizations to solve their business problems and to make better financial and personnel decisions.

An operations research analyst is usually involved in every facet of the company. They assist senior level managers to determine the most efficient ways to allocate company resources, and how to develop production schedules that make financial sense. The most important part of this job is determining with problem or problems have to be solved in the business and the most efficient way to do so.

Operations research analysts will see a rapid 30% hike in demand by 2024, and a median salary of $79,200. Many such analysts eventually move into an operational management position after several years of work experience.

Operational managers earn an annual median pay of around $91,570. The salaries range from $45,410 to 166,400, depending on your field of work and experience, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Perks of MBAs

Operations managers can work in a variety of settings. An MBA in Operational Management can give you the knowledge and expertise to be a leader. You will have the confidence to supervise a team of technical and support staff to complete the project and to achieve the organizational goals.

References

• Operations Research Analysts. (2015, Dec. 17). Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/math/operations-research-analysts.htm#tab-5