ITIL 4 Foundation Practice Exam 2026 - Free ITIL 4 Practice Questions and Study Guide

In the context of an organization, the term "operation" primarily refers to the routine running and management of services or products. This encompasses all activities that ensure that the daily tasks and services are executed efficiently and effectively, leading to the delivery of value to customers. Operations are vital for maintaining consistent performance and meeting service level agreements or product expectations.

When considering operations, it's essential to recognize that they include activities such as managing workflows, ensuring quality control, and sustaining efficient resource usage. This continuous focus on operational excellence ensures that services or products are provided reliably, contributing to the overall success and stability of the organization.

In contrast to this notion, management of marketing and sales, implementation of strategic initiatives, and development of new products relate to broader business functions that may influence operations but do not define them. Marketing and sales focus on customer engagement and market presence, strategic initiatives may involve long-term planning and change management, and the development of new products pertains to innovation and design. Thus, while all of these elements are crucial to an organization's overall strategy, they do not encapsulate the essence of operational management as clearly as the routine running and management of services or products does.