Operations and Logistics
Operations and Logistics
Description
The key theme of the unit is how managers can improve the performance of operations to provide appropriate products and services for customers. The basis for this is the management of five key competitive criteria: Quality, Dependability, Speed, Flexibility and Cost.
Learning objectives
The aim of this unit is to provide students with a strategic overview of the various issues surrounding operations and logistics management.
The unit reflects on the strategic importance of Operations Management and the close interaction that it has with overall organizational strategy and other functions. The unit takes a pragmatic approach to Operations Management and an important element of this is the use of case studies which you will have to prepare and which will be discussed in class.
Learning outcomes
i) Subject specific skills
By the end of the unit you should be able to:
- Recognise the differences and similarities between operations
- Understand how operations can contribute to the strategic success of organisations
- Design operations to optimise organisational performance
- Understand the management of capacity, inventory and supply chains
- Understand what is meant by lean operations and JIT
- Prioritise improvement of performance objectives
- Implement recovery plans after operations failure
- Understand the role of TQM in improving performance
- Deal with the increasing complexity brought about by globalisation and new technologies
- Develop justified operations strategies
ii) Cognitive and key skills
In general, the unit will aim to promote:
• problem solving and decision making: establishing criteria, using appropriate decision techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions;
• information and knowledge: scanning and organising data, abstracting meaning from information and sharing knowledge;
• two-way communication: listening, negotiating and persuading or influencing others; oral and written communication, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports;
• personal effectiveness: self-awareness and self-management; time management; the ability to continue learning;
• effective performance within a team environment and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals’ contributions in group processes;
• ability to conduct research into business and management issues;
• learning through reflection on practice and experience.
Please note: This information is subject to review and change without notice.
