MBM7542 - Operations Management

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;
Explain, justify and apply planning and control techniques for the operations management function;
Explain, evaluate and select techniques for operation improvement and failure prevention.

Content:

Operations Management 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 to direct, design and manage processes, resources, information / technology and people to ensure the most effective and efficient production of products and services. Operational Management 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 global perspective and its content covers four major areas of Operations Management:
i) Directing: via understanding the nature and role of operations management in modern business environment, defining operations strategy within 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, forecasting, lean operations, project management);
iv) Improving: measurement of performance, Total Quality Management and other QA systems, tools and techniques and continuous improvement.

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.
,br> Lectures
Contact hours: 12
Intended Group size: Whole cohort

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

Guided independent study
Contact hours: 176
Intended Group size: 1

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

Assessment: