Which function is primarily responsible for sustaining a business with ongoing, day-to-day tasks?

The function primarily responsible for sustaining a business with ongoing, day-to-day tasks is operations. This function encompasses the management of processes that produce and deliver products and services effectively and efficiently. Operations ensure that the organization runs smoothly on a daily basis by overseeing the production of goods, service delivery, inventory management, and overall operational workflow.

In the context of a business, the operations function focuses on continual improvement and streamlining processes to maximize efficiency and productivity. This includes managing supply chains, coordinating logistics, and maintaining quality control—all critical components of everyday business activities.

While the other functions, such as human resources, financial management, and project management, play vital roles in supporting the business, they are often oriented towards specific areas rather than the continuous operational tasks that keep the business functioning on a regular basis. Human resources handle staffing and personnel management, financial management focuses on budgeting and resource allocation, and project management deals with the planning and execution of specific projects rather than ongoing operational processes.