Processes, procedures & operating systems · Core
Operating model
Also called: target operating model, TOM, business operating model
ELI5
The way an organisation combines people, process, technology and governance to deliver strategy.
Used in conversation
“Can we remove the ambiguity around operating model before the process changes?”
Pitch context
You will see “Operating model” in operating plans, procurement packs, supplier reviews and supply-chain reports when the discussion reaches processes, procedures & operating systems.
Why it matters: In processes, procedures & operating systems, the definition can change ownership, capacity, process, cost or safety decisions.
Connected terms
- Operating modelThe same visible label “Operating model” names different concepts.
- Target operating modelThe search label “target operating model” can route to both entries.
Sources & evidence · 8
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Productivity programmeDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Acquisition.gov — Federal Acquisition Regulation Part 15 — Contracting by NegotiationDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- Strategyzer — Business Model Canvas resourcesSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- Strategyzer — Value Proposition Canvas resourcesSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- LEANSTACK — Lean CanvasSupporting source family · practitioner · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division — Herfindahl-Hirschman IndexSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Census Bureau — Business and economy dataSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- UK Government — Groceries Supply Code of PracticeSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16