An organization’s competitive position relies on effective management of its complex production and operational processes in order to match market requirements. The course emphasizes organizational analysis and the role of the manager in navigating the challenges of organizations in dynamic environments. It introduces analytical tools, methods and techniques for analyzing and improving these processes and for recognizing opportunities, risks and tradeoffs associated with pursuing strategies for optimizing quality and customer service.  It explores the relationship and implications of operations to other functional areas and stakeholders of the organization, and introduces strategies for informed decisions that maximize the design and management of operations in developing as well as mature manufacturing and service industries.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this course students will be able to:

1. Apply analytical skills and problem-solving tools to the analysis of the operations problems.
2. Examine the strategic role of operations management in creating and enhancing a firm’s competitive advantages.
3. Evaluate the economic, environmental and social implications of the operations and function in an ethical manner with all the stakeholders of an organization.
4. Explain technology applications that increase efficiency and competitiveness within the operations context.
5. Demonstrate efficient teamwork and collaboration skills.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Introduction to Operations Management and Strategy

Week 2: Unit 2 – Process Selection and Product Design

Week 3: Unit 3 – Production and Capacity Planning

Week 4: Unit 4 – Supply Chain Management

Week 5: Unit 5 – Methods and Tools for Efficient and Competitive Operations

Week 6: Unit 6 – Quality Management

Week 7: Unit 7 – Responsible Operations

Week 8: Unit 8 – Managing and Leading Operations

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.

Unit 1: Introduction to Operations Management and Strategy

• Introduce yourself  to your classmates in the Course Forum
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 2: Process Selection and Product Design

• Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit Part I of the Group Project

Unit 3: Production and Capacity Planning

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit Part II of the Group Project

Unit 4: Supply Chain Management

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Continuing working on the group project

Unit 5: Methods and Tools for Efficient and Competitive Operations

• Peer assess Unit 4 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit Part III of the Group Project

Unit 6: Quality Management

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Portfolio Activity
• Complete and submit the final group presentation

 Unit 7: Responsible Operations

• Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 8: Managing and Leading Operations

• Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Respond to the Portfolio Activity
• Complete and submit the Course Evaluation