Description
This module introduces the fundamental principles of Operations Management. It focuses on the management of the firm (industrial, service, public sector or retail) at the micro level of the economy.
The purpose of this module is to explore the basic theories and contemporary practice of Operations Management.
The module will explore the development of operations strategies that are congruent with a company’s business and marketing strategies. This is then developed into an understanding of key operational and quality management techniques to enable delivery of the strategy.
Essentially the module comprises four themes:
- Operations strategy and performance
- Design of products, services and processes
- Operational planning and control
- Quality and improvement techniques
By the end of the module students should be able to use the frameworks and techniques presented to develop appropriate operations strategies, and be able to critically evaluate the design, planning and control of manufacturing and service operations for efficiency and effectiveness.
The module is taught in lectures, supported by case exercises and video discussions. Students are expected to have completed background reading and prepare for case based seminars outside of class time.
Each topic will be accompanied by reading from chapters in the core text book, and students are expected to read these throughout the lecture programme to consolidate learning.
Assessment
Key skills
By the end of the module students should be able to:
- Identify the characteristics of operations processes and the various approaches that may be adopted in their design and analysis
- Appreciate techniques and technologies available for the control of operations
- Comprehend conventional quality control and modern approaches to quality management
- Use the frameworks and techniques presented to develop operations strategies, and deploy them through the design, planning and control of manufacturing and service operations