Skip to contentSkip to search

Operational control

Operational control manages specific tasks and short-term activities so they are performed effectively and efficiently within the wider plan. Examples include production scheduling, stock issues, quality checks and staff deployment. It relies on timely detailed information and clear authority. Local actions should remain consistent with strategic service, quality and safety requirements rather than merely improve a daily cost or utilisation figure.

Worked example

A shift supervisor reallocates available staff after a breakdown to protect the day’s priority deliveries and records the resulting delay and cost.

Common mistake

A local efficiency improvement can harm the whole system if it increases queues or deprives the bottleneck of resources.

Where it appears in your exams

QualificationExamRelationshipPeriod
ACCA APM Direct September 2026–June 2027
ACCA MA Direct September 2026–June 2027
ACCA PM Direct September 2026–June 2027
FIA FMA Direct September 2026–June 2027