Kushniruk Viktor, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor, Associate Professor of the Department of Hotel and Restaurant Business and Tourism, Mykolayiv National Agrarian University, Mykolaiv, Ukraine

ORCID ID: 0000-0002-4368-8912
e-mail: kushnirukvs@mnau.edu.ua

Sofiya Vorobyova, Student of the Faculty of Management, Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, Mykolaiv, Ukraine

ORCID ID: 0009-0009-0466-5425
e-mail: vorobyova.sonya@gmail.com

Operations management as a tool for enhancing the efficiency of agricultural production

Abstract. Introduction. This article explores how operational management can improve the efficiency of agricultural production in Ukraine. It analyzes the theoretical foundations, specific features, and potential applications of operational management in agriculture. Particular attention is given to practical examples of its implementation at leading Ukrainian agroholdings. The main obstacles and development prospects are identified, along with proposed solutions.

Modern conditions for running a business in Ukraine’s agricultural sector are marked by increasing competition, unstable resources, climate challenges, and the necessity of adapting to global food and technological trends. These factors create an urgent demand for effective management tools to ensure the sustainable development and improved performance of agricultural enterprises. In this context, one of the key instruments is operations management, which is a system for organizing and optimizing processes that allows for the rational use of resources, cost reduction, and quality improvement.

Purpose. The purpose of this article is to substantiate the role of operations management as a key tool for increasing the efficiency of agricultural production, and to reveal its potential in managing resources, processes, and outcomes of agribusiness activities.

Results. The article explores the theoretical foundations of operations management and emphasizes its sector-specific features as applied to agricultural production. It identifies key characteristics, such as seasonality, the biological nature of production, and sensitivity to external factors (e.g., weather and regulations), as critical factors that influence operations planning. The functions of operations management are examined in detail, including resource planning, production scheduling, quality control, and performance assessment using KPIs. The article describes modern tools such as ERP systems, Lean management, and precision agriculture technologies as enablers of efficient decision-making. The study presents practical examples from Ukrainian and international agricultural enterprises to illustrate the effectiveness of operational management in increasing productivity, optimizing costs, and ensuring financial sustainability in the real world. Examples include the implementation of digital platforms, resource monitoring, the automation of agricultural processes, and the integration of logistics and analytics systems. Successful implementations can be seen in companies such as TOV “Agro-Etalon,” Dairy Farm Automation Ltd. (Poland), and Ukrainian agroholdings like Kernel and Astarta.

Conclusions. The research confirms that operations management is a strategic tool that helps agricultural enterprises adapt to dynamic external conditions, mitigate risks, and achieve long-term sustainability. It is not only a tactical approach for improving production efficiency. Integrating classical management principles with digital innovations, such as GPS monitoring, predictive analytics, and ERP systems, enables large- and small-scale agricultural enterprises to enhance competitiveness, improve productivity, and reduce unproductive costs. Therefore, operations management should be recognized as a critical component of strategic planning and daily operations in Ukraine’s agricultural sector.

Keywords: agricultural management; operations management; efficiency; digitalization; ERP systems; production optimization; agribusiness.

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