Operations is an essential area of management that has a profound effect on the productivity of both manufacturing and services. This module focuses on presenting a broad introduction to the field of operations as having a solid understanding of the role of operations in any organisation is of substantial benefit.
The aim of the module is to enable students to understand the concepts and tools that are being employed by companies around the world as they craft efficient and effective operations. It aims to equip participants with both knowledge and understanding of aspects of operations management relating to the design, plan, control and improvement of operations, and the role of technology in transforming operations management for a digital world.
1. Introduction to Operations Management
(What is Operations Management? Scope of Operations Management. The role of Operations Managers. Productivity. Global Environment. Competitive advantage and Operations Strategy)
2. Product & process Design
3. Managing Capacity
4. Forecasting Demand
(What is Forecasting? The strategic Importance of Forecasting. The major elements of simple forecasting techniques are covered with both statistical and judgmental approaches.)
5. Managing Inventory
(Basic aspects of inventory control; costs of inventory; ordering, holding and stock-outs. Dependent and independent demand)
6. Operations & Supply Chain Management
7. Improving Operations Performance
(improving strategies, approaches, elements, and tools)
8. Operations and Technology
(Digital manufacturing; 3D printing; Industry 4.0, …)
Learning and teaching will take place via lectures, tutorials, class assignments/pre-reading, class discussion, case studies (best practices) and group projects. Formal lectures are supplemented by structured classroom discussions while case studies provide a vehicle to integrate practical aspects of learning across all aspects of the module. Students will have ample time to consider the ideas and apply the discussed knowledge and skills in their projects.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 50 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |