Manager's Guide to Operations Management

Operations Management as a System: Supply Chain—The Tie That Binds and Creates Value

As described in Chapter 1, the supply chain is the series of processes by which inputs are transformed into outputs and delivered to downstream customers. In addition to the processes within the organization, the chain necessarily includes suppliers, sub-tier suppliers, distributors, and downstream distributors. The processes are linked by logistics and, more importantly, information.

Supply Chain

The supply chain is simply that network of operations across all the companies that provide the goods or services to the end consumer. Take, for example, that kid’s ...