Designing and improving systems that keep the world moving.
Operations Management focuses on the strategic and tactical challenges of managing the systems—labor, capital, energy, and materials—that transform resources into goods and services. Scholars in this field explore how to design, plan, and control operations across the entire supply chain, from origin to marketplace, to improve efficiency, sustainability, and resilience.
Why Choose Kelley
- Applied research with real impact – Work on projects that address pressing operational challenges in industries such as healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and humanitarian logistics.
- Collaborative mentorship – Partner with faculty whose expertise spans supply chain design, sustainable operations, service systems, and behavioral operations.
- Flexible plan of study – Tailor your coursework to your research interests, supplemented by methodology, analytics, and a chosen minor.
- Supportive scholarly community – Thrive in an environment where faculty are invested in helping you publish, present, and secure strong academic placements.
Research Areas
Students in Operations Management explore topics such as:
- Supply chain management
- Healthcare operations
- Sustainable operations
- Humanitarian operations
- Behavioral operations
- Energy operations
- Service and retail operations
Who Thrives Here
You’ll be a strong fit for Kelley’s Operations Management concentration if you:
- Enjoy tackling real-world problems with analytical and strategic thinking.
- Want to research how systems can be optimized to deliver value efficiently and sustainably.
- Are interested in operational issues that span industries and geographies.
- Value a collegial, collaborative environment that blends theory and practice.