This book is a novel treatment of Operations Management. It takes a fresh insight to this increasingly important topic, exploring fundamental principles equally applicable to service and manufacturing situations. The book adapts a strategic stance by providing a framework for effective decision making and is aimed at practising managers who need to design working processes, manage change and make decisions within a strategic framework. The framework and supporting case vignettes allow the practitioner to grasp essential concepts quickly in a range of different operational contexts. Bamford and Forrester have done an excellent job in creating a concise, salient, and appealing approach - they have captured the essential elements of designing processes, products and work organizations; exploring approaches to operations planning and control; managing change through effective project management and technology transfer; and then managing quality and improvement strategies . Professor Rob Handfield, Professor of Supply Chain Management North Carolina State University, USA This is an excellent concise text that introduces students to all of the key areas - it s an invaluable aid for students in understanding all of the major aspects of operations and their importance to the success of businesses . Professor Steve Brown, Professor of Management University of Exeter Business School, University of Exeter, UK For today s or tomorrow s business leaders this text has well structured invaluable content ready for immediate adoption. Follow the guide, put it into practice, and the rewards will follow . Mr Vernon Barker, Managing Director First TransPennine Express, First Group Plc, UK This book combines technical theory book smarts with real life experience street smarts in a flowing read . Mr Stephen Oliver, Vice President Marketing & Sales Vicor Corporation, Boston, USA.