Course Description
Operations management is at the heart of every organisation. It's the activity of managing the resources devoted to creating and delivering services and products - the core functions of any business. This course provides a broad introduction to operations management and the associated tools and techniques that support the design, planning, control and improvement of systems and processes. The course will help students develop an awareness of the different aspects of operations, including process flow, performance objectives, scheduling, supply chains and inventory, layout, uncertainty and risk. They explore and analyse how these concepts are represented to improve business decision-making, and develop the systematic and critical thinking skills essential to understanding, managing and improving operations in a broad range of industries and business contexts.
Learning Outcomes
- Describe the fundamentals of operations management.
- Apply quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to improve understanding of operations.
- Identify and employ appropriate operations and project management tools.
- Understand and develop performance metrics for improvement of operations.
- Independently and as part of a group, effectively communicate the results of analysis of operations.
Learning Experience
Topics
- Operations management
- Operations strategy
- Strategy and planning
- Process design
- Layout of operations
- Process mapping
- Little's Law
- Process technology
- People in operation
- Planning and control
- Supply chain management
- Operation analysis
Development Team
Wayne Hobbs
Course Author
Lead
Suman Laudari
Learning Designer
Collaborator
Tim Klapdor
Learning Designer
Collaborator
Alexis Milligan
Learning Designer
Lead
Alexis Milligan
Digital Education Developer
Lead
Assessments
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Weekly practicals
Problem Solving
This assessment involves a weekly submission where learners demonstrate their ability to apply the various decision tools and models demonstrated in the weekly module.
24%
-
Reflections
Learning Journal
The reflections task is an opportunity for learners to reflect on the feedback from their practical tasks and the material presented in the course. Learners can use this space to discuss their understanding (or lack of) the course content and concepts, helping to inform the teacher of their needs and requirements.
35%
-
Critical analysis
Critical Analysis
Learners are required to select and review an academic paper and provide a succinct and constructively critical review of its content. A particular focus is paid to identifying and reviewing the use of models used in the study.
16%
-
Case study
Case Study
Leaners are asked research an existing business venture or operation. They are asked to to enrich their analysis by employing several techniques to structure the problem and examine the system being considered. They are required to look at the broader system and the techniques and models employed. As a result of their investigation, they are required to make recommendations regarding the design, implementation or improvement of the operation.
25%