Operations Management

Introduction and Aims

The aim of any industrial, service, public sector or retail operation is to deliver goods and services of the quality, quantity, cost and availability that will satisfy the customers' needs while at the same time making most effective use of resources. This can only be achieved through competent design of products, processes and work for employees, and effective strategic planning and control of operations. This module will provide an insight into how Operations Management principles and techniques can ensure the effective delivery of products and services. The learning process is facilitated through course readings, lectures, videos, worked exercises, contemporary case studies and internet resources based on WebCT.

The major topics covered are: Operations System Design, Service Operations, Product/Service Design, Operations Planning and Control, Inventory and Materials Management, Just-in-Time and Lean Management, Operations Strategy, Quality and Improvement.

Objectives and Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course all students will be expected to be able to:

• understand the characteristics of operations systems and the various approaches that may be adopted in their design;
• understand main features of the purchasing systems that support effective operations.
• apply techniques and technologies available for the control of operations;
• select and implement appropriate strategies and methods for the quality control and improvement of operations;
• use the frameworks and techniques presented to develop strategies, design, plan and control manufacturing and service operations.

Module Assessment

Examination Component: One 3 hour examination to count 100% of total mark

You will be briefed on the style and content of this year's examination paper by the module lecturer, but it will be the same format as in previous years.