MWM002-Operations Management

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 15 [7.5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2018/9

Email: nigel.spinks@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
The module provides contemporary perspectives on delivery systems and processes though the study of operations management to consider how processes are designed in relation to the strategic objectives of an organization. Operations Management covers key concepts and theories within the areas of production operations management, service operations, process management and project management. It is designed to introduce students to the challenges facing organisations in the delivery of goods and/or services and to explore current approaches to meeting those challenges.

Aims:

The Operations module is designed for practicing managers to: • Introduce core concepts and theories within operations and process management • Explore approaches to the design, operation and improvement of the processes and systems through which organisations deliver goods and services. • Develop insights into the management of operations in organisations today.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module it is expected that programme members should be able to: • evaluate critically the applicability of module concepts to specific organisational contexts • describe, analyse and evaluate the design of delivery systems and processes using appropriate models and frameworks • describe, analyse and evaluate the performance of delivery systems and processes using appropriate models and frameworks • identify opportunities to improve delivery performance and design appropriate strategies for achieving that improvement • employ project management techniques to manage novel activity to realise benefits from process change in a complex environment • investigate, analyse and report on current theory and practice of an operations management topic of their choosing

Additional outcomes:

Programme members will develop their team-working and presentation skills through completion of group work tasks.  Individual investigation and desk-based research skills will be practiced through researching for the individual written assignment.

Outline content:
All organisations use processes to produce goods and/or services for their customers. Effective and efficient management of those processes is a vital aspect of organisational performance. The Operations Management module takes a systems approach to understanding and addressing the challenges of aligning such processes to the needs of the business, implementing them effectively and operating and improving them on an ongoing basis. The coverage is not limited to the operations function and has relevance for managing processes in any part of the organisation, whether the customers are internal or external. It also introduces core concepts in the management of processes that cross organisational boundaries as part of a supply chain.

The module integrates elements of operations management, information systems management and project management to provide a holistic treatment of the design, implementation, ongoing operation and improvement of goods and service delivery systems.

Global context:

The module draws on examples of practice and case studies from operations and process management around the world.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module uses a blended-learning approach, incorporating self-study, face-to-face workshop(s) and online resources. Key module content will be delivered in 10 half-day workshops. These workshops comprise a mixture of content delivery, in-class discussion, break-out into group sessions and assessed group presentations.

Summative assessment- Examinations:
N/A

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The coursework has a weight of 100 percent of the final assessment mark, with group components contributing 30 percent of the final mark. The individual coursework will take the form of an individual written assignment contributing 70% of the overall assessment. The programme member will be required to choose a topic related to the module, analyse that topic using appropriate literature and support the analysis with evidence drawn from examples of the topic in practice. The individual assignment includes the programme member's reflections on the module. Word count is 4000 words. Submission is in Autumn term, week 6.  The group component of the coursework consists of two elements: 1. Group oral presentation, including peer assessment, worth 20% of the total. 2. Group portfolio, comprising infographics summarising analyses of module concepts/case studies, worth 10% of the total.  Groupwork is carried out and assessed during the workshop sessions.

Formative assessment methods:

Workshops will include opportunities for practice to develop group working, presentation and communication skills, supported by tutor feedback.

Penalties for late submission:

Penalities for late submission on this module are in accordance with the standard University policy.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A weighted average mark across coursework of 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Students who fail to achieve an overall module pass mark of 50% will be re-assessed by the failed element only, as below.

• Reassessment by individual assignment (capped at 50%).  Date of resubmission to be advised by Programme Admin

• Reassessment mode for group poster/oral assessment and presentation (capped at 50%) to be advised by Programme Admin along with date of reassessment

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):
1) Required text books:
2) Specialist equipment or materials:
3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:
4) Printing and binding:
5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:
6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 2 May 2018