Operations (whether manufacturing, service-oriented, etc.) is one of the most underrated subjects (I have at least two others) in MBA programs. Part of it has to do with that some aspects of operations use mathematics concepts like Little’s Law, statistical significance, queuing theory, etc.
But sometimes lack of enthusiasm for taking operations coursework has to do with how it is presold to students as opposed to how students feel after taking the course. Students generally love the lessons learned from MIT’s Beer Game. It is lesson that you can apparently now try online here.
For those more inclined to read about operations, bypass the mathematics, learn some of the main lessons, yet digest information in a popular, novel-style reading form, I highly recommend the book The Goal by Eliyahu M. Goldratt. The book does not need any endorsements as it has sold millions of copies. I characterize it as a "bridge book on business". It makes complex information accessible to the more general public and business readers. The potential for books on corporate blogging excite me in the same way (although grounding in solid business theory may not be as difficult for the blogging subject as it is for operations).
Steve Shu
Managing Director, S4 Management Group