Operations Management: A Sustainable Perspective

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. 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 students gain an insight into the importance of managing people, processes and systems to deliver sustainable value.

Full module specification

Module title:	Operations Management: A Sustainable Perspective
Module code:	BEP1030
Module level:	1
Academic year:	2020/1
Module lecturers:	Mr Stephen Hickman - Lecturer
Module credit:	15
ECTS value:	7.5
Pre-requisites:	None
Co-requisites:	None
Duration of module:	Duration (weeks) - term 2: 11

Module aims

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)

ILO: Module-specific skills

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

3. synthesise theoretical principles through application to organisational proble
4. appraise organisational practices using systems concepts

ILO: Personal and key skills

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 debates to challenge academic enquiry
8. prioritise activities and manage work constrained by time and deadlines
9. reflect upon personal contributions and complete a self-appraisal of performance
10. share ideas and experiences from different disciplines/places/cultures/generations without prejudice and preconception

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

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
27	123	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	22	Lectures
Scheduled learning and teaching activities	5	Tutorials
Independent study	123	Preparation for case study discussion in class, 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
Case Study Analysis	In 5 tutorial sessions	1-4, 7, 9,10	Oral feedback provided by tutor in tutorial session
Development of problem statement	1 hour	5	Peer feedback
Observation skills	1 hour	6	Oral feedback provided by tutor in tutorial session

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
20	80	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 5-7 students)	20	Group report: Business Analysis Diagram +1 reflective piece, each a maximum of 1000 words	2-6, 8, 9	Written feedback provided via ELE
Case Study Analysis	20	1 hour short answer questions	1,2, 5-10	Written feedback provided via ELE
Individual Report	60	A written account of an Investigation of an observed business operation/problem 2000 words	1,3,5,8	Feedback provided on 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 5-7 students)	Reflective essay 20%	2,-6, 8, 9	July/August assessment period
Case Study Analysis	1 hour short answer questions 20%	1,2, 5-10	July/August assessment period
Individual Report	Individual Report 60%	1,3,5, 8	July/August assessment period

Re-assessment notes

A student will be referred in all components of the assessment that they have failed, if the student fails the module with an overall mark below 40%.

A student if deferred via a single component will be re-assessed in that component only.

Syllabus plan

Introduction to Operations Management
Transformation Model
Key Concepts
Planning and Control
Human Resources
Strategic role and Operations Strategy
Process Type and Layout
Design of Products & Services
Sequencing and Capacity Planning
Supply/Demand Management and Ecosystem Services
Project Management
Risk Management
Quality Management and Business Improvement

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Basic reading:

Slack, N, Chambers, S, and Johnston, R. (2015) Operations Management, 7th edition, 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 in the form of a customised e-book

Module has an active ELE page?

Yes

Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources

http://vle.exeter.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=5901

Indicative learning resources - Other resources

As recommended during classes

Origin date

01/09/2014

Last revision date

04/12/2014