Operations management is defined as:

Operations management is best defined as a set of activities that create value by transforming inputs into outputs. This definition encapsulates the essence of operations management, which involves the planning, organizing, and supervising of processes that convert resources such as materials, labor, and technology into finished goods or services.

In operations management, the focus is on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness throughout the production process, ensuring that the transformation of inputs leads to the desired outputs that meet customer needs. This includes activities such as production planning, quality control, inventory management, and process optimization, which are essential in maximizing productivity and minimizing costs.

The other options presented do not fully capture the comprehensive scope of operations management. While marketing activities can create value, they are not typically included in the definition of operations management, which is specifically concerned with the production and operational aspects. The idea that operations management only involves tangible goods overlooks the role it plays in service industries where intangible outputs are also produced. Lastly, although financial resource management is a critical component of overall business management, it does not define operations management, which is primarily focused on the processes of production and service delivery.