Programme of Study Catalogue

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
Assess and evaluate the role of operations management and strategy in the modern business context.
Demonstrate understanding of product and process design and critically appraise its connection with operations management performance indicators and business economics.
Explain, justify and apply planning and control techniques for the operations management function.
Explain, evaluate and select techniques for operation improvement and failure prevention, securing corporate social responsibility and sustainability.

Content:

Operational Excellence is a field of study and business activity that plays an important role in securing long-term profitability, superior performances and competitive advantage. The course incorporates studies of operations management and strategy, which allow managers to direct, design and manage processes, resources, information/technology and people to ensure the most effective and efficient production of products and services. Operational Excellence is focused on the quest for quality assurance/control and continuous improvement with the help of operations methods/techniques and evidence-based business decision making, which allow businesses and organisations to achieve world class performance.

This module is designed to provide students with a contemporary and comprehensive understanding of key aspects of operations management and strategy from an international business perspective and its content covers four major areas of operations strategy and management:
i) Directing: via understanding the nature and role of operations management in the modern business environment � political, economic, social and technological factors, defining operations strategy within the context of services and manufacturing;
ii) Designing: product/services and process design;
iii) Managing: through planning and control of supply and demand (capacity, inventory, supply chain/relationships and business ethics, forecasting, lean operations, project management);
iv) Improving: measurement of performance, Total Quality Management and other QA systems, tools and techniques and continuous improvement and corporate social responsibilities.

Learning and Teaching Information:

The module will be delivered via a series of weekly one-hour whole-group interactive lectures, supported by weekly one-hour small group tutorial/workshop sessions. Questions/exercises will be set at each lecture meeting for students to complete before the associated small group session. Students will be provided with, and/or directed to, relevant reading and additional questions/ exercises to support their progress through the module material.

Lectures
Hours: 12
Intended Group size: Whole cohort

Seminars/case study workshops
Hours: 12
Intended Group size: Whole cohort

Guided independent study
Hours: 176

Further details relating to assessment
The case studies will be provided during the module.