International Operations and Procurement

Module 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 by giving attention to the design of products, processes and work organisation, and through the competent planning and control of internal operations and the external supply chain. This module explores the theory and practice of making the above happen.

The module is designed to stimulate an awareness of the characteristics of operations and procurement systems in an international context and the various approaches that may be adopted in their design. An 'operations system' is defined as a set of facilities and activities that produce or deliver goods and/or services. You will be introduced to a set of theories, techniques and technologies available for the control of operations and supply chains. The module has the overall aim of providing an awareness of the range of factors that constitute a holistic approach to the design and performance management of operations and procurement systems.

Learning Objectives

On successful completion of this module, you are expected to be able to:

  • Understand why and how organizations engage in international manufacturing and service provision.
  • Analyze the issues and problems faced when starting-up and managing international operations.
  • Apply various approaches to designing and managing operations and procurement systems in different regions and countries.

By examining how and why organizations engage in international manufacturing and service provision, you will be able to analyze corporate and, particularly, operations performance in the competitive international environment. By the end of the module you should be able to use those frameworks and techniques presented to develop strategies and design, plan and control manufacturing and service operations.

Assessment

The course will be assessed 100% by one 3-hour exam.