Operations-Management-books-scaled
29 Jul

13 Operations Management Books Every Supply Chain Professional Should Read

There are so many different facets of Operations Management books recommended to every supply chain professional; it can be awe-inspiring when it comes to really selecting which reference Operations Management text books to read. Some of you have asked if can I recommend best operations management books , this led me to writing this blog. Some of the books listed below do serve as leading operations management textbooks.


Get 5S – Kaizen Guide to Organize the Workplace for Flow

I have written other blogs recommending a curated list of highly-rated books, such as :

You will also find the Practical Guides, Tools, and list of Supply Chain Resources useful.

In this blog, I will give you my pick of the Best 13 Operations Management textbooks in no particular order that I believe will not only help with theoretical scenarios but will equip every Supply Chain Professional to tackle and adapt to any real-world situation in operations world.

Recommended Best 13 Operations Management Books

1. Operations Management (McGraw-Hill Series in Operations and Decision Sciences)

Operations Management

This is an all-inclusive Operations Management book that covers much more in complexity than most college texts. This Operations Management book can also act as a reference to various courses since several concepts are discussed with abundant detail which I found useful. The book also offers a pleasant sense of balance with theory and application in the formulation and calculation course. The text is well organized and the author did a great job in keeping explanations as modest as possible.

 

I have read this book in my Masters at Chalmers University of Technology as the main Operations Management textbook.

Reviews from Amazon.: 4.0 out of 5 stars from 156 reviews
• “Got this because I didn’t want to spend $160 on the new edition. Turns out that other than some chapter renumbering, it’s pretty much the same book. Even the end of chapter questions are the same. I recommend” – Kristin B on 8 November 2012

2. Operations Management (11th Edition)

Operations Management (11th Edition) 11th Edition

This Operations Management book offers a comprehensive and real-world overview to operations, strengthened with an all-embracing assemblage of practice exercises. Operations Management (11th Edition) offers a wide-ranging overview to Operations Management field operations in a genuine and practical way, while providing the highest and most assorted collection of problems among other Operations Management books. The problems within this text also comprise of abundant support including worked examples and MyOMLab ™ as provision for online tutorials. Again it si considered one of the famous amongst many operations management textbooks.

leadership in business

Comprehensive Insights to Leadership in Business

Warehouse designs

Warehouse Design and Operations Diagnostics

« » page 1 / 10

• Reviews from Amazon.com: 3.7 out of 5 stars from 251 reviews
• “I purchased this book for an Operations Management class and it is surprisingly easy to read with tons of information. I like how they lay out all the definitions in the margins and go into further detail in the reading. There are good practice problems at the end of each chapter that can help you with your understanding of the reading as well as prepare you for the exams” – GadgetBuyer on September 24, 2016

Well Researched Warehouse Audit Tool – To Improve Warehouse Performance

3. Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains (11th Edition)

Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains 11th Edition

This Operations Management book offers a managerial style to Operations Management. This book offers students and readers alike with a complete framework for addressing operational process and supply chain problems. The author used a systemized method while concentrating on subjects of present interest. The text provides plentiful prospects for students to practice the role of a manager with stimulating cases and problems. A personalized library of videos for distinct chapters, practical exercises, simulations, and online resources securely integrated with MyOMLab.

  • Reviews from Amazon.com: 3.6 out of 5 stars from 83 reviews
  • “I ordered this book for a course, I learned a great deal” – LuAnn Elise on June 22, 2016

4. Jack: Straight from the Gut by Welch, Jack, Byrne, John A. (October 1, 2003) Paperback
Jack: Straight from the Gut

This Operations Management book is an outstanding autobiography on Jack Welch takes us on the hurly-burly ride that has been his amazing life. In his 20-year career at the top of General Electric, Jack Welch defied conventional wisdom and turned an aging corporation into a lean, mean engine of growth and corporate innovation. From his working-class childhood to his early days in G.E. Plastics to his life at the top of the world’s most successful company, Welch tells his intensely personal story with his well-known fire and candor.

  • Reviews from Amazon.com: 4.1 out of 5 stars from 326 reviews
  • “Great book. Jack has great insights” – Greg Burkhart on June 23, 2017


5S – Kaizen Guide: Organizing the Workplace for Flow

5. The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement

The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement

Written in a fast-paced thriller style, The Goal, a gripping novel, is transforming management thinking throughout the world. It is part of the best books on Operations Management and recommends for everyone. The story of Alex’s fight to save his plant is more than compulsive reading. It contains a serious message for all managers in industry and explains the ideas, which underline the Theory of Constraints (TOC), developed by Eli Goldratt.

I have read this book and it is unquily written. In my opinion this should always be part of operations management textbooks.

  • Reviews from Amazon.com: 4.6 out of 5 stars from 1013 reviews
  • “Great book. Recommend it for anyone who wants to know about constrained planning” – Andy on July 24, 2017

 

6. Competing Against Time: How Time-Based Competition is Reshaping Global Markets

Competing Against Time: How Time-Based Competition is Reshaping Global Markets
Geeky Gaming & Movie T Shirts From £4.99!!
By analyzing the discipline of getting things done, this Operations Management book has helped thousands of business people to make the final leap to success. Execution shows how to link the three fundamental elements of every organization and create a business based on exchange of ideas, intellectual honesty and realism. With case histories from the real world, Execution offers the realistic and hard-nosed approach to business success.

  • Reviews from Amazon.com: 4.1 out of 5 stars from 429 reviews
  • “Good book. Solid principles. If you are looking to shift gears in your productivity, this book will give you good pointers to change habits and get things done” – David Niccum on September 22, 2016

7. Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done

Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done

By analyzing the discipline of getting things done, this Operations Management book has helped thousands of business people to make the final leap to success. Execution shows how to link the three fundamental elements of every organization and create a business based on exchange of ideas, intellectual honesty and realism. With case histories from the real world, Execution offers the realistic and hard-nosed approach to business success.

  • Reviews from Amazon.com: 4.1 out of 5 stars from 429 reviews
  • “Good book. Solid principles. If you are looking to shift gears in your productivity, this book will give you good pointers to change habits and get things done” – David Niccum on September 22, 2016

8.Operations Management (7th Edition)

Operations Management

This Operations Management textbook focuses on the sustainable and socially responsible imperatives of operations management, using over 120 cases and illustrations of real-life operations around the world.

• Reviews from Amazon.com: 4.4 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews
• “Very easy to read, good book” – Andor on January 17, 2015


Six Sigma Project Examples to Get You Certified

9. Managing Process Innovation: From Idea Generation To Implementation (Series on Technology Management)

Managing Process Innovation: From Idea Generation To Implementation

Written by best-selling authors in the field, this Operations Management book inspires a critical and applied mastery of the core principles and process which are fundamental to successfully managing business operations. Approaching the subject from a managerial perspective, this brand-new text provides clear and concise coverage of the nature, principles, and practice of operations and process management.

  • Reviews from Amazon.com: 4.6 out of 5 stars from 3 reviews
  • “Happy with the purchase. No highlighting and very clean like new book” – Heidi Hinkson on March 6, 2017

10. Operations Strategy: 1st (First) Edition

Operations Strategy

This new Operations Management book provides a comprehensive and refreshing insight into the more advanced topic of operations strategy. It builds on concepts from strategic management, operations management, marketing, and human resources. A three-part organization covers the nature, content, and process of operations strategy.
Reviews from Amazon.com: 3.8 out of 5 stars from 6 reviews
• “Great book” – Maks on September 8, 2014

11. Operations Management For Dummies

Operations Management For Dummies

This Operations Management book serves as an extremely resourceful aid for this difficult subject. Tracks to a typical course in operations management or operations strategy, and covers topics such as evaluating and measuring existing systems’ performance and efficiency, materials management and product development, using tools like Six Sigma and Lean production.
• Reviews from Amazon.com: 4.6 out of 5 stars from 42 reviews
• “Excellent book. Highly recommend. Compared and contrast with academic books used in universities – and this was excellent” – DaveIndy on June 15, 2017

12. Operations Management: An Integrated Approach

Operations Management 5th Edition

In the 5th Edition of Operations Management, the authors have strengthened their commitment to improve the teaching and learning experience in the introductory operations management course. This Operations Management book offers a solid foundation of Operations Management with clear, guided instruction and a balance between quantitative and qualitative concepts. Through an integrated approach, the authors illustrate how all business students will interact with Operations Management in future careers.

Again this book are recomended as operations management textbook in most universities.

    • Reviews from Amazon.com: 4.1 out of 5 stars from 27 reviews
    • “Good read, easy to understand. Over all one of the better college texts I have had to study” – Kenneth Madere on November 16, 2015

13. Operations Management for MBAs

Operations Management for MBAs

Operations Managers can use this Operations Management book as a resource that will enhance their experiences with relevant examples and discussions. This fourth edition arms them with the information needed to succeed. The material has been completely reorganized with a focus on the current thrusts of operations management. Several case studies have been added to show how the concepts are applied on the job. In addition, the heavier quantitative material is minimized to provide every supply chain professional with just the attention needed to illustrate a particular concept.

  • Reviews from Amazon.com: 3.4 out of 5 stars from 25 reviews
  • “Excellent Product, very Satisfied with the purchase, exactly as advertised” – Juan C. Marquez

Final Thoughts:

 

Leaders are readers. If you want to have any level of success in your supply chain efforts, you should be constantly reading great books so you can learn from people who are already successful.

The best leaders consume more information than anyone else. They then take that information, digest it and then use it to help themselves and others.

So, here you have it, here are my 13 Best Operations Management books every supply chain professional should read. I hope you will find these operations management textbooks as beneficial as many of us have.

These are just a few of the great Operations Management books out there right now. Did I miss one? Make sure to comment below.

If you are interested in finding out list of best books for Supply Chain Management, Logistics and Procurement, S&OP or Project Management you can find in this blog!

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the 7 main function of operations management?

Operations management involves overseeing the core functions within an organization to ensure efficiency and effectiveness in delivering products or services. The seven main functions include:
1. Planning, which involves setting objectives and determining the best course of action.
2. Organizing, which structures resources and tasks to meet goals.
3. Staffing, ensuring the right personnel are in place.
4. Directing, overseeing day-to-day activities.
5. Coordinating, harmonizing different aspects of operations.
6. Reporting, tracking performance against goals.
7. Budgeting, managing financial resources to optimize productivity and control costs.
These functions collectively contribute to the seamless execution of organizational strategies.

What are the major topics in operations management?

1. Quality
2. Capacity
3. Inventory
4. Supply Chain
5. Forecasting
6. Process Design
7. Project Management
8. Scheduling
9. Lean Operations
10. Technology
11. Risk Management
12. Strategic Planning
13. Facility Layout
14. Maintenance
15. Customer Relationship
16. Performance Measurement
17. Sustainability
18. Global Operations
19. Decision Analysis
20. Cost Management

Why study om?

Studying operations management is essential for individuals seeking to understand and optimize the processes that drive organizational efficiency. It provides a foundation for effective resource allocation, strategic decision-making, and overall business success. By delving into topics such as quality control, supply chain management, and process design, students gain the skills necessary to streamline operations, enhance productivity, and contribute significantly to an organization’s competitiveness in today’s dynamic business environment.

What is operations strategy?

Operations strategy refers to the overarching plan that guides an organization’s operations to achieve its long-term goals and objectives. It involves making decisions about how to structure, design, and manage processes to gain a competitive advantage. This strategy aligns operational activities with the overall business strategy, addressing key factors such as cost, quality, speed, flexibility, and innovation to ensure optimal performance and responsiveness to market demands. Operations strategy is crucial in achieving efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability in the production and delivery of goods and services.

About the Author- Dr Muddassir Ahmed

Dr MuddassirAhmed is the Founder & CEO of SCMDOJO. He is a global speakervlogger and supply chain industry expert with 17 years of experience in the Manufacturing Industry in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and South East Asia in various Supply Chain leadership roles.  Dr. Muddassir has received a PhD in Management Science from Lancaster University Management School. Muddassir is a Six Sigma black belt and founded the leading supply chain platform SCMDOJO to enable supply chain professionals and teams to thrive by providing best-in-class knowledge content, tools and access to experts.

You can follow him on LinkedInFacebookTwitter or Instagram