Operating strategies primarily deal with what kind of initiatives within a company?

The focus of operating strategies is on narrow strategic initiatives that directly impact key operations within a company. These initiatives are concerned with the day-to-day functioning and efficiency of various operational processes. By honing in on specific areas such as production, supply chain management, and customer service, operating strategies aim to optimize these key operations, often leading to cost savings, improved quality, and enhanced customer satisfaction.

This specificity is crucial because it allows an organization to tailor its operational approach to address the unique challenges and opportunities present in its industry. For example, a company may implement a lean manufacturing initiative to reduce waste and increase efficiency in its production line. This aligns with the goal of creating a beneficial operational model that supports the firm's broader objectives while directly influencing its competitive position in the market.

In contrast, other options deal with broader or different aspects of strategic planning. For instance, building competitive advantages in major departments involves a wider strategic view that encompasses various business units and does not focus solely on operational aspects. Cohesive efforts to unify business strategies relate to ensuring that different strategies across departments align, which extends beyond the operational focus. Lastly, policies that support overall business strategies aim at framing the organizational approach, but they don't specifically target the operational initiatives that operating strategies prioritize.