CHAPTER 3 Reading Prep Before reading, turn to the opening pages of this unit and read the chapter titles. By previewing the titles, you can prepare for the topics presented in the unit. What do the titles reveal about what you will be learning? Exploring Careers Chief Operating Officer The chief operating officer (COO) is an upper level management position who reports directly to the CEO. The overall function of a COO is to handle the daily operation of the company. Chief operating officers are responsible for helping an organization produce high-quality goods or services to increase profits and decrease production costs. COOs play a major role in the planning function to envision, establish, and meet long-term and short-term goals. Typical job titles for this position include operations director and director of operations. Examples of tasks chief operating officers perform include: • developing the organization’s strategy and mission statement and sharing it with his or her direct reports • prioritizing customer, employee, and organizational requirements • monitoring and maintaining staffing, levels, and other expectations to fulfill organizational requirements and • driving performance measures for the operations of the organization. Chief operating officer positions require a bachelor degree in business administration or a related field. Most companies also prefer COOs to have a master of business administration as well as prior work experience. COOs need to be organized, motivated, and possess strong communication and decision-making skills. ng officers are responsible fo r Planning Sections 3.1 Planning Basics 3.2 Developing Plans College and Career Readiness Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 38