Role and Importance of Operations

One issue I have noticed in class is the problem with the book's definition of the role and importance of Operations.

THE ROLE OF OPERATIONS
I would say that Operations' Role is to make sure that the right resources in the right quantities are being purchased to ensure production.

This obviously would then help satisy consumer demand.

Or you could even mention that Operations is the process of transforming raw materials into the finished product.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OPERATIONS

Operations is a core activity of the business, It could not function without it. It also attempts to minimise waste and this would lead to an overall reduction in costs (less reworks, less raw materials being bought in).
Operations is important because it creates the products which are going to be sold to end users (consumers).

I hope that clears it up a bit, and I think I will amend the BM Handbook for next year to include what I have just written.