Managing Operations

Module title	Managing Operations
Module code	BEMM114
Academic year	2024/5
Credits	15
Module staff	Professor Nav Mustafee (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks		11

Number students taking module (anticipated)	120

Module description

Summary:

The aim of the module is to introduce you to the importance of the operations functions of an organisation and how operations performance can impact on the success of the whole organisation. The module discusses the role played by operations managers in setting an operations strategy through which products and services can be designed and delivered. The module focusses not only on systems, processes and facilities in the production and flow of goods and services, but also on the general principles an organisation can use to guide its decision-making. Particular attention is given to operational objectives, capacity management, project management and the process choice decisions facing organisations in pursuit of ‘delighting’ the ever demanding customer; the customer who today typically expects; quality, value for money, and consistently excellent customer service.

Key areas covered in this module include; making the best possible use of people and equipment, through different strategies for managing capacity and inventory (make-to stock and make-to-order for example), planning and control, supply chain management, simulation of service outcomes and organising for improvement. Additional context is provided by considering a contemporary and increasingly complex operating environment where attention is turning to such matters as; super-efficiency, service operations, strategic sourcing, e-commerce, transnational networks, and sustainability, as the new requirements for competing in the modern business world.

Additional Information:

Internationalisation

Diversity is encouraged and celebrated through the analysis of case studies on international companies, e.g., Amazon.

The Teaching Team operates an inclusive policy of multicultural mixed group construction and composition for group and pair work. Also, students are required to complete a group assignment in which they research and present a computer simulation study.

Sustainability

Sustainable supply chain frameworks and management philosophies, such as the triple bottom line, are included in the module content.

External Engagement

This module may draw on guest lecturers who are either academics from other universities or industry professionals in operations management. This is based on topics covered and availability of external speakers. They provide practical insight into theoretical frameworks, and employ innovative delivery techniques.

Employability

Students develop their skills in analytical thinking, computer modelling and simulation skills, team-working and communication, planning and organisation.

Module aims - intentions of the module

The aim of this module is to introduce you to the role played by operations managers in setting an operations strategy through which products and services can be designed and delivered. The module will provide you with conceptual frameworks and practical examples of how operations can be analysed in manufacturing and service environments. The quantitative element of the module will include the conceptualisation and implementation of quantitative models, in particular, Discrete-event Simulation, that are often used by decision makers to experiment with operational strategies prior to its implementation.

This module is designed to enhance your involvement in the learning process through the use of active learning techniques including group work, case studies and simulation workshops.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Explain the major theories, concepts and practices of operations management from the perspective of transformational activities
2. Synthesise from a range of approaches to operations strategy and apply within to a variety of problem contexts
3. Analyse complex operations using the concepts of supply chains, applying simulation tools to plan capacity and design processes
4. 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...

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 group debates to challenge academic enquiry
12. Manage your time and to work to specified deadlines

Syllabus plan

Introduction to operations management
The role of operations in organisational performance
Project management
Modelling and simulation
The management of capacity
Forecasting
Scheduling
Global supply chains
Just-in-Time and Lean Systems

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
28	122	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	20	Lectures (2 hours) x 10
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	6	Tutorials (1 hour) x 6
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	4	Simulation Workshops (2 hours) x 2
Guided Independent Study	122	Pre and post session reading; assignment preparation

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Tutorial based case study	6 x 1 hour sessions	1-10	Oral feedback in tutorial session
Simulation Workshop	2 x 2 hour sessions	2-10	Oral feedback in workshops

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
50	50	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Online ELE Exam	50	1.5 hours	1-7, 10	ELE / Written Feedback
Group assignment with 3 components	50	2500 word report, group presentation, submission of simulation models	1-12	Written feedback

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 (50%)	Examination (1.5 hours) (50%)	1-7, 10	Referral/Deferral Period
Group assignment (50%)	Individual assignment (2500 words), individual presentation and submission of simulation models (50%)	1-12	Referral/Deferral period

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Reading:

(1) N. Slack, A. Brandon-Jones and R. Johnston, 'Operations Management', 8th edition, Pearson, 2016. Link to catalogue: http://lib.exeter.ac.uk/record=b3469223~S6

Resource available online (access from UOE catalogue): https://www.vlebooks.com/vleweb/Product/Index/863327?page=0

(2) R. D. Reid and N.R. Sanders, ‘Operations Management – An integrated approach’, 3rd edition, Wiley, 2007. Link to catalogue: http://lib.exeter.ac.uk/record=b1749514~S6

(3) Mustafee, N. (2021). Simulation Workbook (to be circulated).

(4) Resources uploaded in ELE

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

Key words search

Operations management, Supply chain management, Operations improvement, Operations design, Capacity planning, Computer Simulation, Discrete-event Simulation

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	01/09/2007
Last revision date	06/09/2023