The “operations” function of any organization does what the organization is “in business” to do. If the organization is a manufacturing company, then it’s operations that manufactures the products. If the organization is a service provider, then operations provides the services. Operations “management” involves managing operations.
Doctoral Program:
The program of study for a PhD in Operations Management is designed to achieve two goals: First, to help each student develop her/himself into a first-class researcher; second, to help each student develop her/his skills in teaching operations management. Applicants should have a solid background in engineering, applied mathematics, and/or operations research. Work experience in operations management is very desirable. A strong work ethic is essential.
More detailed information can be found at the PhD Program in Supply Chain and Operations Management Web page.
Masters Program:
The Operations Management Option (major) in the MBA program at the Mitchell E. Daniels, Jr. School of Business is designed to prepare Masters students to be leaders in their operations management careers. In recognition of this, US News and World Report and Business Week consistently rank the school's Production/Operations Program in the “Top 5”. The school's “OM ” faculty have unique strengths in supply-chain, logistics, and e-commerce operations management, but every important topic in supply chain and operations management is covered in our state-of-the-art courses.
Operations Club:
The Graduate School of Management Operations Club helps students gain the industry exposure needed to be effective managers in the workplace. We do this by providing guest speakers, kaizen events, plant tours, case competitions, workshops, meetings with alumni, and numerous leadership opportunities. We also serve as the student chapter of the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) for Purdue University.
Distinguishing Characteristics
The MBA Operations Management option has been recognized for its excellence by every national publication that ranks such options/programs/specialty areas. Recent examples are:
US News and World Report ranked our option #3 in the U.S. in 2022.
QS Global MBA Rankings ranked our option #13 globally in 2021.
Supply Chain and Operations Management students enjoy an affiliation with the Global Supply Chain Management Initiative whose programs provide intellectual and financial resources to support Supply Chain and Operations Management.
Rankings in the News
2023:
U.S. News & World Report (MBA): #3 in Production/Operations
U.S. News & World Report (MBA): #9 in Supply Chain/Logistics
U.S. News & World Report (MBA): #7 in Project Management
U.S. News & World Report (Undergraduate): #9 in Production/Operations Management
U.S. News & World Report (Undergraduate): #12 in Supply Chain Management/Logistics