Operations Management
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BUSI4028 | Business | 4 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- BUSI4028
- School
- Business
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The design and management of operations are crucial for the success of organisations. Whether in industry, the service sector, the public sector, or the ‘not-for-profit’ sector, well designed and well managed operational systems that align with an organisation’s strategy are central to achieving and sustaining high levels of performance. The module provides a broad introduction to fundamental topics, concepts, frameworks, and methods relevant to contemporary operations practice. Areas covered include managing projects, managing quality, supply chain concepts and operations planning, and managing service systems.
Teaching combines, lectures, cases, group exercises with contributions from external speakers. The critical importance of strong sustainable operational processes is highlighted, stressing lean thinking and process excellence. Both strategic and operational perspectives are emphasised throughout. The module is assessed by a structured business process analysis exercise and an individual report, which offers delegates an opportunity to pursue topics directly relevant to them.
Target Students
Only students registered on Executive MBA programmes, or other MBA or PG Dip BA programmes at the MBA Director's discretion
Classes
- One 4-hour lecture
- One 7-hour lecture each week for 4 weeks
32 hours contact time over a one-week intensive block. Please note all non-lectures will be timetabled in the Business School
Assessment
- 60% Coursework 1: Written Assignment (max. 3,000 words) - chosen from module topic related questions
- 40% Coursework 2: Written Analysis (max. 1,000 words) on a process analysis for a contemporary OM issue
Assessed by end of designated period
Educational Aims
The module aims to provide a thorough grounding in key concepts in contemporary operations. It is taught in a manner appropriate to an MBA audience and draws upon the latest management approaches and thinking. Specifically it aims to develop understanding of: the relevance and importance to organisations of high performance operational capabilities; the key resources - human, organisational and technological - and the fundamental variables in operations management, as well as their interactions; key concepts in the design of effective operational systems for a wide range of environments; frameworks for addressing major issues in managing operations; the integrative nature of Operations Management.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:
- The dynamics of the global economy and international business &/or an awareness of cultural, legal/regulatory, political, and economic differences across counties &/or an appreciation of management issues from a global perspective;
- The management of operations;
- The management of resources;
- The management of the supply chain;
- The importance of sustainability issues, including an understanding of the challenges and opportunities arising from the activities of people and organisations on the economic, social and environmental conditions of the future.
Other:
Understanding of generic operations management concepts and principles relevant to a wide range of operational environments.
Intellectual skills
This module develops:
- Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately;
- Using information and knowledge effectively in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge, including the use of quantitative skills
Professional practical skills
This module develops:
- The ability to conduct research and enquiry into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, the collection and analysis of qualitative data, synthesis and reporting;
- Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection; delegation; development and management;
- Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring.
Transferable (key) skills
This module develops:
- Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports
Other:
Apply operations management concepts and principles to a wide range of environments at a level appropriate for an MBA student.