The main difference between supply chain management and operations management is that the supply chain is mainly concerned with what happens outside the company (obtaining materials and delivering products), while operations management deals with what happens inside the company. If you're a qualified engineer or technician, but need to add these skills, a master's degree in operations management or supply chain management provides the necessary information, training and knowledge. If you're a professional prepared to rise to a managerial or leadership position, it's important to consider the similarities and differences between the fields of operations and supply chain management before taking the next step in your career. Depending on the size of the organization, operations managers manage the daily operations of the entire company or may manage a specific part of the production process.
While operations managers and supply chain managers lead different areas of an organization, both are called to contribute to business value. When describing the roles and responsibilities that come with operations management and supply chain management, it can be a little confusing to differentiate the two areas because there are many similarities between the two disciplines. Operations are the way to do that, said Lee Buddress, associate professor of supply management and logistics at Portland State University. To learn more about how you can contribute to more successful outcomes by moving up to a position in operations management or supply chain management, talk to a professional advisor at Kettering University.
Operations management takes resources and uses them to achieve business objectives, taking into account the needs of all stakeholders.
