If I remember correctly, conceptualization is when you decide what is going to be measured, and operationalization is when you decide how you're going to measure it.

Conceptualization stage:

Turanga Leela and Amy Wong, both well-rested, will be pitted against each other in an oil wrestling match to determine the superior slippery wrestler using Traditional Apefight Rules.

Operationalization stage:

Construct wrestling arena of given size, lay down plastic tarp, slather with 25.7 gallons of baby oil, etc ... using Traditional Apefight Rules, whomever scores three points first wins.