Operations Management
| Module title | Operations Management |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEM2007 |
| Academic year | 2019/0 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Stephen Disney (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 12 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 430 |
|---|
Module description
Summary
Operations management is concerned with managing processes, and how organisations create value in the production of goods and services. This field of study is applicable in manufacturing and the service sector, from small retailers and professionals to banks and insurance companies, hospitals and utilities. We study how firms achieve competitive success through improving the processes involved in delivering products and services, and reducing costs through increased efficiencies. The module covers operations strategy, process design, planning and control, project management, quality, global supply and supply chain management, and improving how the product/service is delivered.
Additional Information
Internationalisation
Diversity is encouraged and celebrated through the analysis of a wide range of global case studies and examples. Operations plays a key role in identifying how the traditional distinction between countries being ‘developed’ or ‘less developed’ is being replaced by ‘innovation rich’ vs. ‘innovation poor’ countries.
Sustainability
Sustainable supply chain frameworks and management philosophies are an essential feature of operations management through the provision of modern and eco-efficient customer solutions.
External Engagement
The lecturing team draws on theoretical frameworks, mathematical approaches and industrial practice from the perspective of their extensive theoretical and practical experience. Teaching is based on lecturers’ published research as well as their involvement with operations management practice.
Employability
You develop your skills in analytical thinking, critical evaluation, relationship-building and team-work, communication and influence, planning, controlling, measuring and organising.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of this module is to introduce you to a broad range of operations management concepts, within the context of systems theory. In addition to introductory sessions which explore the characteristics of operations management strategy and systems, a number of broad areas provide the framework for study:
- Operations Strategy
- Process design - including product/service, process, supply chain, layout and flow, and job design
- Planning and control - including capacity, supply chain, JIT/lean and quality
- Thematic change programmes/philosophies (e.g. TQM)
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. understand the major theories, concepts and practices of operations management
- 2. analyse the effectiveness of operations management practices in a wide range of organisations and sectors (manufacturing, service and public sector)
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. demonstrate an understanding of theoretical principles through their application to organisational problems
- 4. analyse and challenge organisational practices using systems concepts
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. undertake research to gather secondary evidence from both library and internet resources
- 6. engage in debates to challenge academic enquiry and business practice
Syllabus plan
- Introduction to operations management Transformation model & Operations Performance
- Operations strategy Process design
- Service Perspectives
- Systems Dynamics
- Planning and control and Capacity Management
- Project Management
- Six Sigma and Customer Experience
- Quality Management
- Lean Management
- Revision
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 32 | 118 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 12 | Whole group lectures |
| Workshops | 12 | Fortnightly workshops |
| Online content | 8 | Online blended learning content |
| Preparatory reading | 60 | Pre and post session guided reading |
| Revision and examination preparation | 58 | Revision for MCQ test and examination |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case study analyses and operations problems | In 5 tutorial sessions | 1-6 | Oral feedback provided by tutor in tutorial session |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 80 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MCQ | 20 | 30 questions, written examination format -1 hour | 1-5 | Online result |
| Examination | 80 | 2 hours | 1-6 | Examination grade and examination feedback report posted on ELE |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 2 hour Exam | 1-6 | August Assessment period |
| MCQ test | MCQ test (1 hour) | 1-5 | August Assessment period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
- Slack, N., Brandon-Jones, A. and Johnston, R. (2016) Operations Management, 8th edition, Pearson. ISBN 978 292 09867 8
Additional material from learned journals and specific papers will be provided.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
ELE – http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=214
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 5 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/09/2006 |
| Last revision date | 30/01/2019 |
