International Operations Management: Lessons in Global Business

Bearing as they do, On the efficiency and effectiveness of so many critical aspects of business enterprises, case studies in operations management are always of interest to those teaching and learning in business schools, As well as to practitioners. Previously available case study literature has tended to focus on the practical lessons to be drawn from the cases presented, but has perhaps not helped either students or non-academic practitioners to link conceptual and practical approaches or to set individual cases in a wider context. it can also be argued that the on-going internationalisation of operations management has not yet been thoroughly analysed. This new book focuses on cases researched during the 'International Operations Management' project sponsored by the European Commission. This involves an exciting collaboration between universities and schools of management in Europe and China, under the 'Asia-Link' programme. Professor De Toni and his eminent European and Chinese Team have produced, In one valuable book, a fascinating selection of studies of businesses based in both Western and Eastern traditions ranging from China Post and Flextronics International( Singapore) to Electrolux, Ford, and GlaxoSmithKline. The cases in 'International Operations Management' are presented in sections of the book focusing on five macro areas: International Ops. Management Strategy Sourcing and Manufacturing New Product Development Logistics Networked Organisations Throughout the book, theory is introduced to aid understanding of the cases studied, comparison between 'Western' and 'Eastern' approaches is made, and a full understanding of the real consequences of internationalisation is facilitated. With its balance of theoretical and applied content, this volume serves as both a primary and supplementary source for higher level students and educators, and as a worthwhile read for interested practitioners.