These people purchased one or more books, during the last 18 months, on topics within the scope of operations management, like facilities and equipment planning and maintenance; process control; quality control and assurance; production planning; inventory control; manufacturing technology; logistics; etc. More than half of these book buyers are key decision-makers in operations management, like CEO, COO, Director for Quality Control/Assurance, Vice President for Manufacturing, etc. Others are entrepreneurs who believe their success lies in managing their operations efficiently. Some are business consultants. Still others are executives who are not in operations management per se, but who realize that an understanding of this field helps make sound decisions in their own fields.