Centralized operations refer to a business structure where decision$-$making and key operations are concentrated in one central location or group. This could be a single office or a specific team within the organization. The main advantage of centralized operations is that it allows for greater control and consistency across the organization. It also reduces duplication of effort and can lead to cost savings. However, the downside is that it can slow down decision$-$making and reduce flexibility, as all decisions need to go through the central authority.

On the other hand, decentralized operations refer to a business structure where decision$-$making and operations are distributed across different locations or teams. This could mean different branches or departments have the autonomy to make their own decisions. The main advantage of decentralized operations is that it allows for greater flexibility and responsiveness to local conditions or specific situations. It can also lead to increased motivation among employees as they have more control over their work. However, the downside is that it can lead to inconsistency across the organization and potentially higher costs, as there may be duplication of effort.

In summary, centralized operations offer greater control and consistency but less flexibility, while decentralized operations offer greater flexibility and responsiveness but less control and consistency. The choice between the two often depends on the specific needs and circumstances of the organization.