International Operations Management
| Module title | International Operations Management |
|---|---|
| Module code | BEMM173 |
| Academic year | 2023/4 |
| Credits | 15 |
| Module staff | (Lecturer) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 11 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 60 |
|---|
Module description
Summary
Operations management is concerned with managing processes, and how organisations capture value in the production of goods and delivery of 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 their products and services, and reducing costs through increased efficiencies. The module covers operations strategy, process design, capacity planning, project management, quality, supply chain management, and improving how the product/service is delivered. We draw upon case studies from around the world, focusing on businesses and government service operations which draw upon the opportunities and added dynamics of managing operations in an international market place.
Additional Information
Globalisation
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 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 knowledge acquisition, comprehension, application, analysis, synthesis and evaluation (the factors are known as Bloom’s taxonomy).
Module aims - intentions of the module
This unit aims to develop understanding of the nature of global markets, and focal firms’ international operations in such markets. The unit aims to explore the concepts and practical issues surrounding international and global operations and strategic management, which include three key parts: supply chain collaboration (ownership expansion), geographic dispersion and ecosystem virtualisation. It aims to identify, analyse and evaluate infrastructures, resources, processes and mechanisms crucial to the growth and sustainability of business operations in a global setting.
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 from the perspective of transformational activities in an international context
- 2. synthesise from a range of approaches to operations strategy and apply them to a variety of problem contexts
- 3. analyse complex operations using the concepts of supply chains and quantitative techniques
- 4. evaluate the effectiveness of operations management practices in a wide range of manufacturing and service organisations and sectors
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. demonstrate an understanding of theoretical principles through application to organisational problems
- 6. analyse and challenge organisational practices using systems concepts
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 7. present analytical findings in written and oral formats
- 8. critically evaluate alternative approaches
- 9. generate and record reflective observations
- 10. undertake research to gather secondary evidence from both library and internet resources
- 11. engage in debate to challenge academic enquiry
- 12. manage time and work to specified deadlines
Syllabus plan
• Introduction to operations management
• Operations performance
• Process and layout design
• Process Planning and Control
• Capacity management
• Inventory management
• Supply chain management
• Quality management
• Risk management
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | 130 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled learning and teaching activity | 11 | Lectures (1 hour per lecture) |
| Scheduled learning and teaching activity | 9 | Tutorials (1 hour per tutorial) |
| Pre-independent study | 52 | Guided Independent Study |
| Post-independent study | 78 | Guided Independent Study |
Formative assessment
| Form of assessment | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tutorial-based case study analysis | 9 x 1 hour sessions | 1-12 | Oral feedback in tutorial session |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 100 | 0 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Examination | 100 | 2 hours | 1-12 | Assessment grade |
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 | ||||
| 0 |
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 (100%) (2 hours) | Examination (100%) (2 hours) | 1-12 | August referral period |
Indicative learning resources - Basic reading
Slack, N., Brandon-Jones, A., Operations management. Pearson, 9th edition, 2019.
Johnston R., Shulver, M., Slack, N., and Clark, G. Service Operations Management: Improving Service Delivery, Pearson, 5th edition, 2020.
| Credit value | 15 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 7.5 |
| Module pre-requisites | None. |
| Module co-requisites | None. |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 11/11/2015 |
| Last revision date | 09/11/2021 |
