Previous issue: Oxford : Palgrave Macmillan, 2002.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

PART I: STRATEGIC CONTEXT. 1. Strategic Management. 2. Business Environment. 3. Strategy Design. PART II: AN OPERATIONS STRATEGY. 4. Role of Operations Management. 5. The Concept of an Operations Strategy. 6. Designing an Operations Strategy. 7. Analyses for Strategy Design. 8. Implementing the Strategy. PART III: STRATEGIC DECISIONS IN OPERATIONS. 9. Products and Innovation. 10. Quality Management. 11. Process Planning and Improvement. 12. Capacity Management. 13. Structure of the Supply Chain. 14. Movement of Materials.

This brand new book takes a broad view, covering the key areas of operations strategy in all types of organisation. Its main area of coverage is devoted to operations strategy for those businesses competing in the services sector. It also includes relevant coverage of the increased nature of operations in a global context. Waters approach takes the view that operations strategy gives the long-term direction for all aspects of operations management. In particular, it forms the link between broader organisational strategies and the more detailed operations; it builds the context in which other operations are performed. By taking this approach the book encourages discussion and exploration of different views. Recognising that this is a developing field, substantial additional case studies are available on the accompanying website. Ensuring that the latest developments are available to both the lecturer and reader. The book itself contains many short case studies, designed to draw the reader into the subject without intimidating them.