Business Administration, Management, and Operations

Business is a vast field that includes business administration, management, and operations. While each subfield is strikingly similar, they are also slightly different. Business administrators primarily focus on the administrative aspects of running a business, business managers mostly focus on managing specific sectors within a business, and people working in operations typically focus on the overall effectiveness of a business. While each of these three subfields is subtly different, they are also remarkably similar. All three exist to help ensure  a business operates at its highest capacity and is built, organized, and operated for success. Because each field is so similar, this article will focus on business administration, management, and operations as one field.    

People who work in the field of business administration, management, and operations work in a variety of settings. They could work in public and private sectors, for small, large, and medium sized businesses. They could work within a myriad of industries such as education, business, manufacturing, and government. They could work for giant multi-national corporations; small, family-owned businesses; non-governmental organizations, non-profits, and other types of agencies. They may work many or few hours with seemingly unlimited or scarce resources. They could enjoy a great degree of flexibility and may have numerous career options.

People working in the field of business administration, management, and operations may make and implement big decisions, manage and direct business initiatives, and respond to issues with clarity and authority. They plan for success, organize and command according to their plans, respond to issues and challenges, and direct employees, partners, vendors, and customers. They devote their careers to making a business or organization as successful as possible.      

What Types of People Work in the Field of Business Administration, Management, and Operations?

Working in the field of business administration, management, and operations requires a particular skillset and personality. People who work in the field should, at minimum, be skilled at the following:

• Making big decisions at the spur of the moment
• Making informed decisions
• Working with different types of information—hard facts, soft data, etc.
• Identifying and responding to small and large issues
• Taking responsibility for issues regardless of fault
• Working with people with various backgrounds and skillsets
• Brainstorming and being creative, innovative, and daring
• Speaking in front of groups both in the office and publicly
• Facilitating teamwork

They should also have the following characteristics in their personalities:

• Hard-working, devoted, and loyal
• Honest and strive to work with integrity
• Enjoy multi-tasking and working within tight deadlines
• Personable, positive, and influential

People who work in the field of business administration, management, and operations should be interested in using their skillsets and personalities to help businesses or organizations thrive and succeed according to their missions. They should also have the foresight and vision to take business entities in a new directions. Overall, people who work in the field work efficiently, effectively, and purposively.

What Type of Education is Required of People who Work in the Field?

There are many degrees useful for people who want to work in the field of business administration, management, and operations. Associate, bachelor, and graduate programs offer degrees in business administration or an equivalent subject. Associate’s degrees typically take 2 years to complete, bachelor’s degrees typically take four years to complete, and graduate degrees typically take two to six years to complete. All three types of programs usually offer courses in subjects such as the following:

• Accounting
• Marketing
• Operations
• Communications
• Public Relations
• Technology
• Management
• Financial management
• Human resource management
• Business law and ethics
• Economics
• Organizational behavior

These and numerous other subjects form the basis of an education in business. Students may specialize in a particular area such as non-profit organization and management, multi-national corporate management, international business, entrepreneurship, real-estate, or small-business organization. Depending on the range, scope, and duration of their program, they might also focus on issues such as technology, competition, or fundraising. Many business-oriented degree programs can be tailored to fit the needs and goals of the individual. In addition, “executive” business programs are often available for professionals already working in the field. Coursework in business administration, management, and operations typically consists of practical and theoretical study and includes case studies, group projects and presentations, and internships. Some coursework will also demand you work and interact with professionals in the field both in and out of the classroom.   

Job Outlook for the Field of Business Administration, Management, and Operations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs in the field of business administration, management, and operations are predicted to be abundant. People who work in the field, thanks to the breadth and adaptability of their skills, may be able to find jobs in various fields and industries. People who hold degrees in business administration, management, and operations can be marketable and hirable in numerous capacities across the field. To research jobs in the field, visit the United States Department of Labor’s “Occupational Outlook Handbook”.