Course syllabus

INTRODUCTION TO THE COURSE

This course examines the broad areas of operations management, states their most important principles, and demonstrates how they must link together to achieve the operations objectives of the organisation as a whole. The 'operations' themselves are the means by which an organisation supplies its customers with what they want, e.g. a motor car, a service contract, or a piece of software. Generally, there are inputs such as raw materials, infrastructure, personnel and machines; a conversion process; and outputs—whether they are goods or services. The management of operations entails making decisions on a range of matters that are both wide and deep—including strategy, process management, quality, likely demand, capacity, location, layout, inventory, supply chain management, job design and maintenance management.

In examining the major areas of operations management in turn, this course shows how manufacturing and service companies compete, and what makes them efficient. However, 'manufacturing' operations include petrochemical complexes, motor vehicle builders, footwear production, engineering job shops, etc.; and 'service' operations cover banks, fast food chains, retailers, cinemas, etc. With such a range it is not possible to explain precisely how to manage every organisation. Therefore, we will take the approach of addressing the major operations issues and principles, and presenting tools and techniques that are available for solving problems at organisational level, within the context of achieving an organisation's overall goals and strategies.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this course you should

  • be aware of the role of operations management in the strategic management of organisations,
  • understand the components of the operations management function in different types and sizes of organisation, and be able to demonstrate how these relate to operations management decisions along the value chain
  • understand product, process and service design and the role of technology in this area
  • be able to demonstrate critical understanding of the concepts of work design, human resources and quality management, and the measurement of operational performance
  • be able to apply judiciously the principles and quantitative methodologies of forecasting and capacity planning, facility location and distribution systems
  • be able to apply judiciously the principles and quantitative methodologies to assist decision-making in operations process planning, scheduling and inventory management
  • understand risk management and maintenance management principles
  • be able to apply operational frameworks that are appropriate to your own industry and promote the competitive position of your own organisation.

Assessment

This is a Distance Learning course and the assessments are all open book. You have 5 assignments (4% each) and one final Test (80%). All the assessments will be selected from the Activities within the Course Booklet. These are typically activities involving application of the theoretical concepts and frameworks you have studied within an organisational context.

 

Course summary:

Date Details Due