Operations Management: A Sustainable Perspective
| Module title | Operations Management: A Sustainable Perspective |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEP1030 |
| Academic year | 2020/1 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | Professor Stephen Hickman (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 30 |
|---|
Module description
Operations management is applicable in manufacturing and all aspects of the service sector, from small retailers and professionals to banks and insurance companies, hospitals and utilities. The module presents three main topics: the design of the product/service; the control of the product/service; and improving how the product/service is delivered. You will be expected to evaluate and analyse information under these topics to develop some understanding of the complexities of managing modern-day operations. The module will help students gain an insight into the importance of managing people, processes and systems to deliver sustainable value.
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim 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 and systems, three broad areas provide the framework for study:
- Design - including product/service, process, supply chain, layout & flow, and job design.
- Planning and control - including capacity, supply chain, lean and quality.
- Improvement - including performance measurement/improvement methods, process reliability,
- 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. examine the major concepts and practices of operations management
- 2. evaluate the effectiveness of operations management practices in a wide range of organisational types (manufacturing, service and public sector)
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. synthesise theoretical principles through application to organisational proble
- 4. appraise organisational practices using systems concepts
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. present findings in a written format with supporting evidence
- 6. undertake research to gather secondary evidence from both library and internet resources
- 7. engage in group debates to challenge academic enquiry
- 8. prioritise activities and manage work constrained by time and deadlines
- 9. reflect upon personal contributions and complete a self-appraisal of performance
- 10. share ideas and experiences from different disciplines/places/cultures/generations without prejudice and preconception
Syllabus plan
- Introduction to Operations Management
- Transformation Model
- Key Concepts
- Planning and Control
- Human Resources
- Strategic role and Operations Strategy
- Process Type and Layout
- Design of Products & Services
- Sequencing and Capacity Planning
- Supply/Demand Management and Ecosystem Services
- Project Management
- Risk Management
- Quality Management and Business Improvement
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 27 | 123 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 22 | Lectures |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activities | 5 | Tutorials |
| Independent study | 123 | Preparation for case study discussion in class, group work, plus research, analysis and writing of individual report. |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Study Analysis | In 5 tutorial sessions | 1-4, 7, 9,10 | Oral feedback provided by tutor in tutorial session |
| Development of problem statement | 1 hour | 5 | Peer feedback |
| Observation skills | 1 hour | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group report in response to given business analysis project (groups of 5-7 students) | 20 | Group report: Business Analysis Diagram +1 reflective piece, each a maximum of 1000 words | 2-6, 8, 9 | Written feedback provided via ELE |
| Case Study Analysis | 20 | 1 hour short answer questions | 1,2, 5-10 | Written feedback provided via ELE |
| Individual Report | 60 | A written account of an Investigation of an observed business operation/problem 2000 words | 1,3,5,8 | Feedback provided 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group report in response to given business analysis project (groups of 5-7 students) | Reflective essay 20% | 2,-6, 8, 9 | July/August assessment period |
| Case Study Analysis | 1 hour short answer questions 20% | 1,2, 5-10 | July/August assessment period |
| Individual Report | Individual Report 60% | 1,3,5, 8 | July/August assessment period |
Re-assessment notes
A student will be referred in all components of the assessment that they have failed, if the student fails the module with an overall mark below 40%.
A student if deferred via a single component will be re-assessed in that component only.
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Basic reading:
Slack, N, Chambers, S, and Johnston, R. (2015) Operations Management, 7th edition, Essex: FT Prentice
Additional material from guided reading of learned journals (specific papers provided).
All students on the programme will have access to additional material in the form of a customised e-book
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=5901
Indicative learning resources - Other resources
As recommended during classes
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None |
| Module co-requisites | None |
| NQF level (module) | 6 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 01/09/2014 |
| Last revision date | 04/12/2014 |
