Operations Management

Major/Career Profile

General Description

Operations management consists of two primary areas. Production managers work in a manufacturing setting and are responsible for supervising personnel, setting schedules and priorities, analyzing production, and preparing reports. Purchasing and materials managers buy equipment, parts, and other supplies needed for an organization's operation. They review requisitions, examine products, evaluate prices, and coordinate shipments. Declining costs of computer hardware and software will accelerate the need for people with expertise in manufacturing planning and control systems as well as purchasing and materials management systems. The CSULB operations management option within the College of Business Administration offers classes to train students in these areas.

Career Options

Graduates with this major find work as: Purchasing Agent, Expediter, Materials Manager, Inventory Control Clerk, Production Manager, Operations Auditor, Planner, Quality Assurance Clerk, Traffic Manager, Buyer, Plant Manager, Procurement Manager, Industrial Buyer, and Contract Administrator. Some of these careers require additional education or experience. Various entry-level trainee positions in business and industry are available for graduates regardless of academic discipline.

Typical Employers

Computer industry, electrical manufacturers, government agencies, hospitals and clinics, insurance companies, aerospace companies, agricultural industry, banks, colleges and universities, machinery manufacturers, petroleum industry, utilities, and wholesale/retail merchandisers.

Salary and Employment Outlook

Employment of purchasing manager, buyers and purchasing agents is expected experience little or no change through the year 2010. More than one half of all jobs in this field can be found in wholesale or manufacturing companies. A smaller number of jobs will be found in the retail trade and service industry as well as in the government sector. Two major factors which have been attributed to a decline in employment include use of the Internet to conduct electronic commerce and computer technology.

Salaries will vary by position, size and type of company, geographic location, experience and level of education. Visit the Career Development Center for current local and national salary information.

For further information, contact