The Match between Undergraduate Academic Instruction and Actual Field Practices in Production/Operations Management

Abstract To compete in today's business world, a college graduate must be equipped with the skills to be applied in the business environment. This study explored undergraduate production/operations management (P/OM) students' preparation for management careers and the expectations of firms in the field. The results show that though only 65% of students are exposed to computer-based decision-making, 90% of the field operates in this environment. The study also surveys P/OM textbook and computer software use in the classroom.