Strategic Operations Management
An 8-week master's level module focusing on Strategic Operations Management and Operational Research
Module Aims
- To provide an appreciation of operational processes, techniques, planning and control systems with reference to both manufacturing and service industries from a qualitative and quantitative perspective.
- To create awareness that SOM is a core function in all organisations operational processes and is the final implementation phase of the strategic planning process.
- To explore the relationship within the value chain between strategy, marketing, design, control, human resource, procurement and other interactions involved in the managing of operational activities.
- To utilise theory and a range of practical activities to aid the development and synthesise of problems involved in the implementation of strategic operational decisions and research to highlight difficulties of monitoring and controlling those decisions.
- To develop the student's ability and skills in strategic operational management tools and techniques.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate a broad knowledge of the range of activities that comprise contemporary strategic operations management within a variety of contexts and situations.
- Develop personal skills to be able to critically evaluate and improve the performance of processes within both the operations field and also the wider organisational environment.
Source(s) for Key Readings in Reading Programme:
There are a plethora of operations management and associated texts that are all very similar. Included in the course are the most comprehensive general operations management texts. Familiarizing yourself with these authors through research will help you recognize the key thinkers in the area of strategic operations and strategic management of those operations.
The provided reading list will be supplemented with relevant academic journal papers. You should also research and explore relevant academic papers yourself, to demonstrate appropriate levels of wider reading has been conducted as part of your learning in this module.
Course Key Skills: Critical reflection, Communication, Problem solving, IT skills, and working with others.
The assessment of this module will comprise of two elements:
Assignment 1
A report (2500-3000 words or equivalent) which requires students to provide a reflective analysis illustrating a development of personal skills enabling the student to critically evaluate and improve performance. Where applicable this should include topics from strategic operations management and operations research. (50% of module marks).
Assignment 2
A written assignment (2500-3000 words or equivalent) which requires students to demonstrate a broad knowledge of the range of activities that comprise contemporary strategic operations management and critically evaluate and improve the performance of processes within both the operations field and also the wider organisational environment. (50% of module marks).
Course curriculum
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1Module Specifications
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2Week 1: Reflective Writing and Introduction to Strategic Operations Management
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3Week 2: Teams and Strategy for Projects
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4Week 3: Strategic Operations and Design Layout
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5Week 4: Lean Thinking and JIT
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6Week 5: Quality Planning, Quality Control and Operations Improvement
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7Week 6: Lean and Agile Strategies
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8Week 7: Quality Management Systems
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9Week 8: Module Assessment