Operations Management: A Sustainable Perspective

Module title	Operations Management: A Sustainable Perspective
Module code	BEP1030
Academic year	2024/5
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Alison Ashby (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks		11

Number students taking module (anticipated)	75

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 with recognition of sustainability throughout. 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 you 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 activities and manage work constrained by time and deadlines; engage in group activities, and formally reflect on and appraise personal contributions;
8. prioritise activities and manage work constrained by time and deadlines

Syllabus plan

Introduction to Operations Management
Transformation Model
Key Concepts – 4Vs, 5 Performance Objectives
Planning and Control
Process Type and Layout
Design of Products & Services
Sequencing and Capacity Planning
Supply/Demand Management and Supply Chains
Sustainable Operations
Quality Management and Business Improvement
The future of Operations Management

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
25	125	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity	11	Lectures
Scheduled Learning and Teaching activity	14	Tutorials
Guided Independent Study	125	Asynchronous activities on ELE, preparation for in class activities, 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
Group Report	1500 words	2-8	Oral feedback provided by tutor in tutorial session
Individual Report	3000 words	1, 3, 5, 6, 8	Oral feedback provided by tutor in tutorial session

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
100	0	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 4 - 6 students)	30	Group report of 1500 words + 500 word reflection on individual contribution	2-8	Written feedback provided via ELE
Individual Report	70	A written account of an investigation of a business operation - 3000 words	1,3,5,6,8	Written feedback provided via 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 4 - 6 students)	Individual Report 30%	2-6, 8	Referral/deferral period
Individual Report	Individual Report 70%	1,3,5, 6, 8	Referral/deferral period

Re-assessment notes

Deferral – if you have been deferred for any assessment you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.

Referral – if you have failed the module overall (i.e. a final overall module mark of less than 40%) you will be expected to submit the relevant assessment. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped at 40%.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Slack, N, Chambers, S, and Johnston, R. (2012) Operations Management, 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 via ELE

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

ELE

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

Key words search

Operations management, Systems thinking, Planning, Control, Process

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	08/03/2024