BMM6613 - Operations Strategy (Four Year Programme)

Objectives:

On successful completion of the module, learners will be able to:
Demonstrate the ability to identify, evaluate and make appropriate use of a range of sources of knowledge and evidence in relation to organisational strategy including consideration of supply chain, workforce development, sustainability, risk management and quality assurance.
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of ethical principles and a systematic understanding and coherent application of professional codes relevant to operational strategy.
Analyse, synthesise and evaluate the information and ideas developed relating to operational strategy.
Demonstrate critical reflection upon the concepts and theories associated with operational strategy and be able to relate this to their work and professional context.
Make a reasoned selection of approaches to the critical analysis of their own organisations operational strategy.
Select appropriate content, medium and style that is clear, concise and appropriate for a professional and /or academic communication. Evidence a range of sources of information and demonstrate origins of ideas with precision by referencing sources using a consistent style.
Analyse and evaluate how they have related/applied the concepts and theories to their work context.

Content:

This module will explore:
- Business context and operational structures.
- Strategic planning, development and monitoring including (not an exhaustive list):
o Resourcing
o Financial panning
o Workforce development
o Supply chain management
o Taking and managing risk
o Quality management and continuous improvement
o Sustainability issues and practice

- How to contribute to the development of strategic planning
- Developing localised operational plans that support organisational strategic plans including setting of Key Performance Indicators (KPI)
- Monitoring and measuring outcomes to determine operational effectiveness, efficiency and excellence

On completion of the module learners will be able to:
- Critically evaluate theories of organisational strategies and review own organisations strategy in the context of these
- Analyse own organisations strategy for resource and supply chain management
- Analyse own organisations strategy for workforce development
- Interpret key principles of sustainability within own organisation
- Evaluate risk management models and review own organisations approach to the identification and monitoring of risk
- Evaluate quality assurance models in the context of own organisation

Learning and Teaching Information:

Learning and teaching typically includes a range of methods such as lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, with emphasis on team experience and peer support, large and small group discussions, problem-solving activities and individual and paired working.

Learners may be expected to draw on a range of theoretical/academic, personal and work-based resources. Course documentation, support materials and web-based materials will be available on the VLE as appropriate. Implementation of study skills will be supported and in particular teamwork, and the capacity to develop written argument, will be developed. During the course of each session there will be opportunities for tutor/student interaction to meet individual needs and help develop skills, confidence, competence, knowledge and understanding relating to the aims and objectives of the module. Accessing library resources and help with coursework study skills will be available from services across the university.

Learners would be expected to prepare for the sessions by reading set texts and completion of tasks set in class or via the VLE and will be expected to take part in a wide range of learning activities.

Learners will maintain their Personal e-portfolio during this module and on-going self-evaluation will be part of the learners' identification of needs.

Lectures, seminars, learning activities, workshops and tutorials
Contact Hours: 40
Intended Group Size 20

Flexibly delivered e-engagement e.g. VLE activities assessment support/e-support including tutorials.
Contact Hours: 40
Intended Group Size 1-6

Guided independent study
Hours: 220

Further details relating to assessment
Learners will be expected to orally present the outcomes of their learning relevant to the subject content in a 20 minute presentation followed by a question and answer session. The presentation should be supported by work based artefact(s) and acritical commentary. An option to present a written report rather than orally present learning will be available.

The assessment method is in keeping with the approved module descriptor in the Work Based Learning Framework. Due to the wide range of professional practice that learners will be drawn from the presentation style and/or the artefacts presented will vary considerably and may include, for example:

- A revised departmental strategy developed by them or to which they are able to articulate their specific contributions to.
- Their contribution to organisational strategic development.
- An analysis of a current departmental or organisational strategy offering a critical assessment of suitability and management of risks associated with the strategy.

This list is indicative and each individual learner will negotiate the specific approach to assessment content with both the University and their employer and ensure compliance with organisational values, ethics and governance.
Other relevant matters
Learners must demonstrate awareness of workplace application of learning and development of skills relating to strategic awareness, development, execution and monitoring and develop evidence through their personalised e-portfolio to sufficiently demonstrate the skills and behaviours expected of a Chartered Manager.

Assessment:

Fact File

Module Coordinator - Ian McGregor-Brown
Level - 6
Credit Value - 30
Pre-Requisites - NONE
Semester(s) Offered -

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