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Operations and Information Management

Introduction
Achieving world-class quality and productivity in the production and delivery of goods and services, especially through the strategic use of information technology, has become a critical challenge faced by modern management. Managers must deal with rapid changes in technology, tightening environmental standards, and fundamental changes in the global economy. Wharton's Operations and Information Management Department seeks to help meet this challenge through its research and educational programs, basing its approach on effective information management and the development of enhanced decision-making processes.

The department administers two majors:

• Operations Management Track: focusing on the processes that define an organization's outputs and are central to its competitive performance, including services and traditional areas of manufacturing and logistics
• Information and Decision Technology Track: focusing on the analytical and information technology-based methods for managing complex organizations
• Decision Processes Track: focusing on the processes by which choices are made when it is difficult to compare outcomes in the face of uncertainty and when there are conflicting views and motivations of the principal stakeholders

Information: Strategy, Systems, and Economics — focuses on understanding the strategic aspects of information and information management. The availability of information at an acceptable cost — anywhere, any time, at any speed, and for almost any purpose — has profoundly affected all aspects of management. What were once skills of specialized technologists are now critical aspects of the preparation of all executives.

Research
Wharton's Operations and Information Management Department pursues an active research program. Recent studies include:

• Management of the supply chain in the unpredictable apparel industry
• Design and management for productivity in financial services
• The interplay among information systems, communications, and business strategy in a global economy
• The role of insurance, compensation, regulation, and protective behavior in making decisions on risk

Operations and Information Management faculty participate in the activities of the following Wharton research centers:

• Financial Institutions Center
• Fishman-Davidson Center for Service and Operations Management
• Reginald H. Jones Center for Management Policy, Strategy, and Organization
• Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics
• Risk Management and Decision Processes Center
• SEI Center for Advanced Studies in Management

Academic Programs
The department offers concentrations in operations and information management at three levels:

• Undergraduate Program
• MBA Program
• Doctoral Programs

The new undergraduate concentration in environmental policy and management also falls within the Operations and Information Management Department's sphere. It offers two master's degrees: an AM in decision sciences and an MS in operations research. The department has helped develop an interdisciplinary MBA course in manufacturing and marketing.

Operations and Information Management
Department (website)
The Wharton School
University of Pennsylvania
500 Jon M. Huntsman Hall
3730 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6340
215.898.5872 phone
215.898.3664 fax