Which of the following is not a strategic decision in operations management?

Inventory management is primarily considered an operational decision focused on the daily management of inventory levels, replenishment, and storage processes. It deals with how much inventory to hold, ordering quantities, and timing, which are tactical and operational in nature rather than strategic.

On the other hand, the other options involve long-term decisions that significantly impact the overall operations strategy. Facility location refers to where to place production and service facilities, influencing transportation costs and accessibility to markets. Capacity planning entails determining the necessary production capacity to meet future demand, aligned with strategic goals. Product planning involves decisions about product design and development, which can shape the company’s competitive positioning in the market. Thus, while inventory management is critical for operational efficiency, it does not fall under the category of strategic decision-making in operations management like the other options do.