Question

which of the following is a difference between operations management in the 1960s and the 2010s? a. unlike in the 2010s, operations management in the 1960s focused on sustaining the environment. b. in the 1960s, the focus of operations management was on mass production, whereas in the 2010s, the focus of operations management is on mass customization. c. unlike in the 1960s, operations management in the 2010s focuses on simplifying supply chains. d. in the 1960s, most of the labor force was employed in the service industry, whereas in the 2010s, most of the labor force is employed in the goods - producing sector.

Explanation:

• Option a: Environmental sustainability was not a focus of 1960s operations management, so this is incorrect.
• Option b: In the 1960s, mass production (standardized goods) was common. By the 2010s, with advanced technology, mass customization (customized goods at scale) became the focus, making this correct.
• Option c: Supply chains in the 2010s are more complex (global, multi - tiered) rather than simplified, so this is wrong.
• Option d: In the 1960s, most labor was in goods - producing, and by 2010s, most was in services, so this is reversed and incorrect.

Answer:

b. In the 1960s, the focus of operations management was on mass production, whereas in the 2010s, the focus of operations management is on mass customization.