This focused book concentrates on planning and control; it answers the question: "what parts of operations management do we really need to know?" It does not bog the reader down with details, but allows them to concentrate on fundamental principles, such as the development and application of software solutions, inventory management, and lean production concepts. KEY TOPICS: Topics include: forecasting, sales and operations, scheduling, materials requirements, capacity management, production control, "partnering" activities, and system integration. MARKET: An excellent handbook for operations managers, production control workers, inventory control employees, and those involved in supply chain, logistics, and materials management.