Why is operations not perceived as important?

(a) Operations is less crucial to the success of modern businesses than other functions
(b) Many senior executives began their careers in other functions and learned to take operations for granted
(c) Successful mergers or "deals" is where the action is these days and operations plays only a minor role in their success
(d) Operations and supply improvement projects are typically small, short-term and not strategic
(e) Operational coordination is best achieved by general management or the sales function