Business operation managers are called on to improve an operation’s effectiveness. They also improve the transfer of information between various internal departments so that they might work efficiently together.
By playing a role in the company’s strategic planning and aligning strategies with internal resources, business operations managers help facilitate the company’s overall goals. Business operations managers play a significant role in cost-based management practices and the company's financial management. They oversee and develop annual budgets alongside the department heads, and they often work side by side with the finance department to ensure that budgets are maintained and adhered to.
A large part of their responsibilities includes inventory and supply chain management and managing a company’s logistics requirements. This part of their job is often viewed as the most important part. They must reduce production costs all the while delivering the product to customers in a cost-efficient manner. The position of business operations manager can be very demanding. Below are a few of the qualities they must have:
- Able to multi-task
- Lead multiple cross-functional project teams
- Control cost and improve service
- Redesign business operations
- Maintain business efficiency
- Plan strategically
- Maintain effective production of company’s services
- Coordinate and communicate between departments
The territory comes with a lot of responsibilities because business operations managers oversee many aspects of a business’ functions, from hiring talent, negotiating contracts, balancing budgets, and guiding company policies and projects. As such. They are often well-compensated for their performance. Another benefit is that operations managers tend to have solid career advancement opportunities both within and beyond their organizations.
21st Century Skills required for this profession:
Critical Thinking
- Develop company strategies.
- Evaluate different options and balance cost-benefit scenarios.
Collaboration
- Work with disparate groups to determine goals and priorities.
- Listen to the needs of each department and employee.
Communication
- Manage diverse teams and their needs.
- Develop communication strategies between branches of a business.
- Communicate company goals and objectives.
Creativity
- Determine optimal strategies to maximize priorities.
- Develop effective procedures and practices.
MyStemKits, an award-winning online STEM curriculum repository, has kits that enrich skills related to measurement, statistics, and data. These include:
Balancing Currency Kit
Subjects: Mathematics, Science
Grade levels: K-5
Strand: Algebraic Thinking, Physical Sciences
Reinforce the understanding of the value of coins and currency with this innovative kit. Use specially weighted coins on our balance to allow students to explore the value of combinations of coins and/or dollars.
To watch a video, click here – Balancing Currency Kit.
Lionfish Sampling Kit
Subjects: Mathematics, Science
Grade levels: 6-8, 9-12
Strand: Algebraic Thinking; Statistics, Probability, Measurement, and Data; Biological Sciences
Explore lionfish populations with this kit designed to replicate real-world problem solving and sampling. Having 50 fish, each labeled with a habitat identifier and number to represent the population in millions, this kit integrates math concepts with ecology in a hands-on manner!
To watch a video, click here – Lionfish Sampling Kit.
Boats Kit
Subjects: Mathematics, Science
Grade levels: K-5, 6-8, 9-12
Strand: Algebraic Thinking, Physical Sciences
Set sail into STEM learning with these 3D-printed boats perfect for exploring real-world challenges and Archimedes’ Principle. Investigate each boat’s unique design to determine the most effective model for a given purpose. Analyze carrying capacity, drag, depth, stability, and more.
To watch a video, click here – Boats Kit.
For information on Boxlight teaching and learning solutions, including MyStemKits STEM curriculum, visit www.boxlight.com.
