Abstraet: This study has a twofold objectivc. First, we attempt to promotc an understanding of the relationship betwecn the dcsign of Service Opcrations Stratcgics and their implementation, as they are driven by the eustomisation efforts. Seeond, we study the extent to which such service orientation may have t\\"o difIerent forms, depending upon whether a company focuses on services that may have long-term or short-term efIects on the customer nature. Consequently, a eompany aiming at raising its quality levels, and therefore its performance, should design and implement its Service Operations Strategy, mirroring the scrvicc oricntation of the firm. \Ve suggest four dimensions (Time, Spacc, Scale and Scope), whieh contribute towards explaining the two mcntioned approaches. This may address the proecss of implernentation of the Serviee Operations Strategy.Keywords: service operations; opcralions stralegy; nc\\' scrvice development proccss; markeling/operations interface; service-positioning matrix; customisalion; service quality.Reference to this paper should be made as follo\Vs: Arias-Aranda, D., and Álvarez-Gil, M.J. (2004) 'Long and short-tcrm cffccts of custornisation on lhe service operations strategy', JI1I.