Final answer:
An operations manager focuses on long-term strategic questions such as what products to produce, production processes, output levels, pricing, and labor requirements. These are pivotal in shaping the firm's market position, and resource utilization, and adapting to production costs and market structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
An operations manager responsible for strategic planning addresses questions related to the long-term direction and overall scope of an organization. Some of the key questions they might consider include:
- What product or products should the firm produce?
- How should the products be produced (i.e., what production process should be used)?
- How much output should the firm produce?
- What price should the firm charge for its products?
- How much labor should the firm employ?
These questions are essential in determining a firm's position in the market, its competencies, and how it can effectively utilize its resources to achieve its objectives. The operations manager needs to take into account the production and cost conditions facing the firm, as well as the market structure and the level of competition within the industry.