Study information

Operations Management - 2025 entry

MODULE TITLEOperations Management CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM3164 MODULE CONVENERDr Natalia Hartono (Coordinator)
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 weeks 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 40
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

When managing operations, there are many aspects to consider, which can determine the success of a business. For instance, is it best to make your product with hand tools, or do you want to mass produce with moulds, but face huge costs when a design changes and you must re-tool? Designing a company's resources is central to operations management and a key focus of this module.

This module provides you with practical, hands-on experience using operations management related software to analyse operations, supported by case exercises and video discussions. You’ll also gain exposure to Big Data analytics and its transformative potential in operations management—no prior technical or programming knowledge is required. A laboratory session will introduce you to Industry 4.0 concepts in the Exeter Digital Enterprise System (ExDES) laboratory, highlighting their relevance to modern operations management.

Pre-requisite and co-requisite modules: NO

The module is suitable for non-specialist students.

The module is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module explores the current approaches to running engineering operations facilities and strategies, as well as giving you an introduction to computer tools.  The module combines lectures with case exercises and video discussions to enhance your learning experience. You will also gain hands-on exposure to operations management software, explore Industry 4.0 concepts using the Exeter Digital Enterprise System (ExDES) laboratory demonstrator, and apply Big Data techniques to modern operations management challenges.

Through this module, you will develop transferable skills such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. These competencies are vital for advancing your career in diverse industries and for effectively addressing challenges in everyday life. By integrating theoretical insights with practical applications, this module equips you to navigate and optimise operations in dynamic and modern environments.

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.   The AHEP document can be viewed in full on the Engineering Council’s website, at http://www.engc.org.uk/ahep

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

The following Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module:

C.1 – Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems.

C.2 – Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions using the first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles. 

C & M.3 – Select and apply appropriate computational and analytical techniques to model complex problems, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed.

C.14 - Discuss the role of quality management systems and continuous improvement in the context of complex problems.

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:

ILO#1 Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of operations management principles;

ILO#2 Evaluate and Apply operations management tools and techniques to address operational challenges;

ILO#3 Identify the role of Industry 4.0 in modern operations management and explain its implications;

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:

 ILO#4 Propose solutions to solve challenges in operations management;

ILO#5 Develop critical evaluation ability on finding relevant and reliable sources of information to solve operations management problems;

ILO#6 Choose and apply the right tools and techniques for improving an operations function;

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge: 

ILO#7 Demonstrate analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and decision-making capabilities, preparing for diverse career opportunities and personal growth in dynamic environments.

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

  • Introduction to operations management;

  • Operations performance and operations strategy

  • Process design and product design

  • Location planning and analysis

  • Layout strategies

  • Capacity management – production planning and control

  • Inventory management, MRP and ERP

  • Operation improvement (Kaizen, Just In Time (JIT)) and lean operations

  • Supply Chain Management (SCM)

  • Applying analytics to Big Data in operations management

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 23 Guided Independent Study 127 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS

Category

Hours of study time

Description

Scheduled learning and teaching activities

20

Lectures

Scheduled learning and teaching activities

2

Computer sessions

Scheduled learning and teaching activities

1

Laboratory sessions

Guided independent study

127

Guided independent study

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Online quiz        60 minutes (total) 1 online

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 25 Written Exams 75 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam – closed book 75 2 hours - January Exam 1-7 Exam mark
Coursework – individual case study 25 3000 words 1-7 Written

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
All above Written exam (100% - 2 hours) 1-7  Referral/Deferral period

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped. 

Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 40%

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Type

Author

Title

Edition

Publisher

Year

ISBN

Set

Heizer,J., Render, B. & Munson, C.  

Operations management: sustainability and supply chain management, Global edition

13th

Pearson   

2020

978-1-292-29503-9

Set

Slack Nigel et at.

Operations Management

10th

Pearson   

2022

978-1-292-40824

Set

Stevenson, W.J.

Operations Management

14th

McGraw-Hill

2021

978-1260-57571-2                  

 

Reading list for this module:

There are currently no reading list entries found for this module.

CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Friday 28th February 2025
KEY WORDS SEARCH Operations management; mode of production; strategy; MRP; ERP; Kaizen, Just-in-time (JIT); Toyota Production System; lean operations

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.