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10 Decision Areas of Operations Management: Google 'S Human Resource Management

Google applies operations management across 10 decision areas: 1) Design of goods and services through market research and forecasting user needs. 2) Quality management using iterative testing, debugging, and user feedback to minimize errors. 3) Process and capacity design through standardized software development and outsourcing production of goods like Nexus phones to contract manufacturers who handle capacity decisions.

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Mian Rehman
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475 views

10 Decision Areas of Operations Management: Google 'S Human Resource Management

Google applies operations management across 10 decision areas: 1) Design of goods and services through market research and forecasting user needs. 2) Quality management using iterative testing, debugging, and user feedback to minimize errors. 3) Process and capacity design through standardized software development and outsourcing production of goods like Nexus phones to contract manufacturers who handle capacity decisions.

Uploaded by

Mian Rehman
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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10 Decision Areas of Operations Management

1. Design of Goods and Services. Google’s product design involves different teams for
the company’s various products. This decision area of operations management is
applied based on market research, trends and forecasting. For example, Google uses
forecasts of future expectations of users to develop cutting-edge apps for desktop and
mobile users.

2. Quality Management. This decision area of operations management is applied at


Google through iterative testing, debugging and innovation, and through user
involvement. Iterative testing and debugging are used in the company’s facilities to
ensure that products have minimal errors or bugs when released to the market. Also,
Google frequently invites users to send error reports and reviews that the firm can use to
improve product quality.

2. Quality Management. This decision area of operations management is applied at


Google through iterative testing, debugging and innovation, and through user
involvement. Iterative testing and debugging are used in the company’s facilities to
ensure that products have minimal errors or bugs when released to the market. Also,
Google frequently invites users to send error reports and reviews that the firm can use to
improve product quality.

3. Process and Capacity Design. For Google’s web-based and software products, this
decision area of operations management is of minimal consideration because the
company maintains almost the same number of workers even if the demand for these
products increase. Web-based or software products can be easily distributed through
the Internet without significantly impacting the company’s HR capacity. Capacity design
is addressed at Google through standardized conventional processes in software
development. However, for goods like Nexus and Chromecast, this decision area of
operations management has a bigger impact. Google applies process and capacity
design through contract manufacturing. For example, Google develops its Nexus
smartphones, but outsources the production to original equipment manufacturers
(OEMs). Thus, the OEMs make decisions on process and capacity design for these
Google products.

4. Location Strategy. For Google’s web-based digital products, this decision area of
operations management is a minimal consideration because these products are
distributed through the Internet. However, for support activities, the company maintains
facilities around the world, such as offices in California and Singapore. For goods like
Nexus and Chromecast, this decision area of operations management is applied at
Google through networking with suppliers or original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

5. Layout Design and Strategy. This decision area of operations management applies
at Google in terms of the company’s design of its workflows and facilities. The firm is
known for innovative and creative work environments. In developing web-based and
software products, Google uses efficient workflows integrated with creative ideas for its
offices, such as the ones in Googleplex in California. This strategy combines efficiency
and creativity.

6. Human Resources and Job Design. Google’s human resource


management addresses this decision area of operations management through emphasis
on smartness and excellence in employees. The company favors smart employees, with
less regard for experience. To retain talent, Google uses highly competitive
compensation packages that include high salaries and incentives like free meals.

7. Supply Chain Management. Google uses its advanced information systems to


manage its supply chain. For this decision area of operations management, the
company analyzes inventory records to predict demand and inform suppliers and original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

8. Inventory Management. In this decision area of operations management, Google’s


inventory management uses different types of inventory that correspond to the needs of
its various businesses. The company also uses automation to monitor and control
inventory. Such automation is especially significant in managing Google’s inventory of
web-based and software products.

9. Scheduling. In this decision area of operations management, Google has perfected


the application of automation. The company automates certain processes, such as
checks and monitoring of productivity levels. For the activities in offices, Google also
applies scheduling through flexible approaches, in consideration of changes in the
availability of employees.

10. Maintenance. Google needs to maintain information systems, servers and facilities.
To do so, the company has dedicated teams for maintenance. These teams are
classified as Operations & Support. Through the activities of these personnel, Google’s
operations management keeps all equipment and facilities running smoothly to address
this decision area.

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