Best MBA in Operations: What Program is Right for You?

Effective and streamlined operations are a crucial aspect of business success.

Without effective operations, a company can quickly become inefficient, leading to decreased productivity, increased costs and a negative impact on the bottom line.

An MBA program focusing on operations management can help you develop high-level skills to excel in this thriving and important business area. These include managing complex operational processes, implementing best practices, driving continuous improvement within organizations and so much more.

What Is an MBA in Operations?

An MBA in operations management is a graduate-level program that focuses on strategic management and optimizing an organization's complex protocols and systems. It combines advanced business concepts with specialized knowledge and techniques for improving operational efficiency, productivity and overall performance.

This is not to be confused with a master's in operations management, which focuses solely on operational processes and techniques. 

Instead, an MBA in operations takes a broader approach, combining operational expertise with core business disciplines such as finance, marketing and strategy.

By specializing in operations management, you can gain a deep understanding of optimizing processes, reducing waste and enhancing operational efficiency—ultimately contributing to your work environment's bottom line and long-term sustainability.

What Are the Different Branches of Operations Management?

Operations management can include multiple areas of specialization, each focusing on specific aspects of an organization's operations.

By zoning in on a particular branch, you can develop targeted expertise and skills that align with your career goals and industry preferences. It can also give you a competitive advantage in the job market and better equip you to tackle industry-specific challenges.
 

Business Management

Business management focuses on the overall strategic planning, decision-making and execution of an organization's operations. It includes areas such as project management, process improvement, resource allocation and performance evaluation.
In this branch, you'll develop leadership, problem-solving and change management skills, enabling you to drive operational success across various business functions.

Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management involves coordinating and optimizing the flow of goods, services and information from suppliers to customers. This branch covers topics such as procurement, logistics, inventory management and distribution strategies.
You'll gain expertise in managing complex supply chains, mitigating risks and leveraging technology to improve efficiency and responsiveness.

What matters most when choosing a master’s program? Compare features, benefits and cost to find the right school for you.

Production Management

Production management focuses on the planning, execution and control of an organization's manufacturing and production processes. It encompasses areas such as production planning, quality control, lean manufacturing and resource optimization.
If you choose to specialize in this branch, you’ll develop skills in process design, continuous improvement methodologies and effective resource utilization to maximize productivity and minimize waste.

Logistics and Transportation Management

Logistics and transportation management involves efficiently moving and storing goods and materials within the supply chain. This branch covers topics such as transportation modes, warehousing, distribution networks and fleet management.
Moving into this area of expertise will help you gain expertise in optimizing logistics operations, reducing transportation costs and ensuring the timely delivery of products/services.

Quality Control and Assurance

Quality control and assurance involve systematically monitoring and evaluating processes, raw materials, products and services to ensure they meet established standards and customer expectations. This specialized area of MBA operations covers topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control and continuous improvement methodologies.

You'll develop skills in implementing quality assurance practices, identifying and resolving quality issues, and promoting a culture of quality within organizations.

What Will I Learn in an Operational MBA Program?

An MBA in operations management provides a well-rounded curriculum that will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in operational leadership roles. An operational degree covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Executive Leadership and Business Strategy. Develop and implement strategic plans to make data-driven decisions and lead organizational change initiatives.
• Marketing Management. Understand marketing principles, consumer behavior and market analysis to align operational strategies with customer needs and market trends.
• Financial and Managerial Accounting. Develop financial acumen, budgeting skills and analytic prowess to make informed operational decisions.
• Human Resource Management. Acquire knowledge in talent management and organizational behavior to create a positive work culture that supports operational success.
• Operations Management and Excellence. Gain in-depth knowledge of supply chain management, quality control, daily operations, project management and other operational disciplines to drive continuous improvement.

Dr. Alyncia Bowen, dean of Franklin University's Ross College of Business and executive director of the university’s Leadership Center, also notes that ethics and sustainability should be included in any top MBA offering management studies.

"Ethics and sustainability principles are valuable threads in the operations program curriculum,” Bowen said. “[At Franklin], assignments have been created to encourage students to think about aligning ethics and sustainability principles in their daily practice."

This emphasis on ethical and sustainable practices prepares you to make responsible decisions that consider the broader impact on society and the environment.

How to Choose the Right MBA in Operations Management Program

When choosing an MBA in operations management program, consider the following factors:

• Accreditation and Reputation. Look for programs accredited by reputable organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE), and/or the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB).
   
• Curriculum and Coursework. Ensure the program covers the operational skills and knowledge you seek to develop.

• Hands-on Experience. Prioritize programs that offer practical application through case studies, simulations, internships or capstone projects.

  

• Cost and Time Commitment. Consider tuition fees, additional expenses and the time required to complete the degree
   
• Program Flexibility. Decide whether you prefer an online, hybrid or in-person format and whether you need a part-time or full-time program.
   
• Part-time vs. Full-time. Choose a program that aligns with your work and personal commitments.

Is Operations Management a Good MBA Specialization?

The skills obtained in an operations management MBA apply to any organization that requires streamlined processes and operational excellence.

In fact, statistics from Lightcast™ show that operations-related jobs are expected to increase by 18.2% through 2032. This reflects the growing importance of operational efficiency and effectiveness across various sectors.

Dr. Bowen notes that those with an advanced degree in operations management can pursue diverse career opportunities across multiple industries, including:

• Manufacturing. Overseeing production processes, supply chain management and logistics and quality control measures to ensure efficient and cost-effective operations.
• Healthcare. Managing hospital operations, optimizing patient flow and streamlining administrative processes to improve patient care and organizational efficiency.
• Retail. Coordinating inventory management, distribution networks and store operations to enhance customer experience and profitability.
• Logistics and Transportation. Optimizing transportation routes, international business, warehousing and distribution channels to ensure timely and cost-effective delivery of goods.
   

What's the Career Potential for Students with an MBA in Operations?

According to Lightcast™, there were over 2 million job postings related to operations in the United States between 2021 and 2023, indicating a strong demand for professionals with operational expertise.

An MBA in operations equips you with the skills and knowledge to pursue leadership roles within an organization. This can help you advance into high-level positions such as operations managers, supply chain managers, quality assurance leads or even chief operating officers (COO).

To ensure you have the necessary experience and skillset to thrive in these positions, Dr. Bowen encourages you to choose an operations program that takes a hands-on approach to capstone projects.

"The capstone project [for an MBA in operations management at Franklin] utilizes in-program simulations to promote experiential learning practices,” Bowen said. “The culminating experience allows students to apply what they have learned in the program, which can be used to display knowledge and learning to current and future employers."

Projects like these serve as a valuable opportunity to showcase your strategic vision and problem-solving abilities. This can potentially enhance your career prospects and demonstrate your readiness for leadership roles.

Explore Programs in Operational Excellence at Franklin

Franklin University's MBA in Operational Excellence is designed with flexibility in mind, allowing you to finish your graduate degree in as few as 12 months.

The curriculum is designed to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive operational efficiency, optimize processes and contribute to organizational success.

Take advantage of this opportunity to kickstart your path to academic and professional growth. Get more information about our operations management MBA, or apply today to get started!

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