Building Intuition: Insights from Basic Operations Management Models and Principles (International Series in Operations Research & Management Science, 115)

From the reviews:

“‘This user-friendly book will help the reader to develop insights with respect to a number of models that are important in the study and practice of operations management’. … all the chapters are extremely well written and a pleasure to read. … This would be a good book to use as a text in any operations management course, and in particular for operations management courses which are part of a ‘liberal studies’ program. It would also be good book for managers … .” (R Bharath, Journal of the Operational Research society, Vol. 60 (7), 2009)

One of the primary purposes of any model is to build intuition and generate insights. Typically, a model is developed to be able to better understand phenomena that are otherwise difficult to comprehend. Models can also help in verifying the correctness of an intuition or judgment. In spite of the fact that many educators and practitioners recognize the intuition-building power of simple models, this is the first book in the field that uses the power of the basic models and principles to provide students and managers with an “intuitive understanding” of operations management.

Building Intuition: Insights From Basic Operations Management Models and Principles touches on nine fundamental models and principles, and outlines the key insights behind each one. To ensure that the volume is accurate, authoritative, accessible and well-written, the chapters are developed by leading experts in each chapter area and written with the students and managers in mind. The book’s primary purpose is to motivate and to enable readers to develop insights with respect to a number of models that are central to the study and practice of operations management.