Business Operations Management - Tutorial 1 When we define a 'system' (in this case the system represents our operation) we make judgements about where to draw boundaries. In this context the supply network represents the interactions with the external world; generally providing the inputs to be transformed or receiving the outputs of the operation. Processes can then be described that represent the transforming activities occurring within the operation. The Process Hierarchy: Supply Network - Operation - Processes Discussion activity 1) Consider an operation (e.g. a coffee shop) and draw a diagram of the supply network. Graphical representations of systems can be good for communication (mind maps, rich pictures etc).