A good framework for examining the POM function is the 5Ps.

Forecasts To enable the Operations manager to make good decisions, there is a need for long term forecasts (more than 5 years) and short-term sales forecasts (12 moths) Long -term market forecast - is usually outside the purview of the Operations. The forecast of carried out by Marketing staff and backed by economic, political, social and technological data. The forecast may take the form of a statement of anticipated output in volume and monetary form. It is …

…is not merely the establishment of some dates but rather, the process of production and marketing interface. This process involves: -Purchasing -Transformation -Maintenance -Cash -Storage -Cash -Storage -Transport People Production depends on people. There is a variation amongst people, be it intellectual, capability, skills, expectations etc. As POM employs the bulk of personnel, the Operations Manager need to be involved in decisions on: -Wage and salaries -Safety -Work environment -Motivation -Trade Unions -Education and training