In this text, Langabeer (management, U. of Texas School of Public Health at Houston), who has served as a senior-level manager at two academic medical centers, details the aspects of operations management for healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics, multiple-hospital systems, and other facilities with an integrated delivery network. Using a framework based around operations and logistics management, he focuses on the operational components of business management (a topic not extensively covered in healthcare texts), such as supply chain management, business process and service design, quality and inventory management, technology and systems, operational planning and scheduling, performance improvement, and pharmaceutical operations management. He aims to illustrate sound management and the use of business strategy and logistics to create a competitive advantage in organizations. The text is meant for university courses in healthcare management at all levels, and healthcare administrators, clinical support managers, and supply chain professionals. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)