Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module BUSI4ZC15: OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4ZC15: OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2019/20
Tied to N1KM07

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide students with an advanced understanding of the core components for successful operations and production management in a global and networking context.

Content

  • Operations strategy development and managing operations
  • Linking operations and production to other functions within an organisation
  • Designing services, products and delivery systems
  • Types of manufacturing processes
  • Factors determining location and layout of plants
  • Planning and managing capacity
  • Integration between operations and product innovation
  • Support of operations through technology applications
  • Integration with suppliers: designing a supplier portal
  • Measuring operations and production performance
  • Towards the supply chain management: operations in a global context

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • have an advanced knowledge of the key themes, tasks and concepts of efficient and effective operations and production management, from the traditional approach to the emerging model of the production network.
  • have a critical understanding of the strategic role of operations and production within an organisation and the key tasks associated with these functions.
  • have developed a critical awareness of the different requirements in operations strategy and design for services and for products .
  • have a specialist knowledge of the scope covered by operations and production management.
  • have a deepened awareness of the links which operations and production have to supply chain management overall.
  • have advanced knowledge of selected techniques, approaches and technologies within operations and production management, with specific attention to integration with the suppliers network.
  • have a specialist knowledge of the scope covered by operations and production management.
Subject-specific Skills:
    Key Skills:
    • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

    Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

    • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, group work, case studies, class exercises and discussions, supported by guided reading.
    • The assessment of the module by written assignment is designed to:
    • test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding;
    • test skills of application and interpretation.

    Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

    Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
    Full-day sessions combining lectures, group work, case studies, class exercises and discussions. 28
    Preparation and Reading 122
    Total 150

    Summative Assessment

    Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
    Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
    Written Assignment 4,000 words (max) 100%

    Formative Assessment:

    Classroom-based exercises involving individual and group analyses and presentations on specific business situations/problems relevant to the learning outcomes of the module. Oral and written feedback will be given on a group and individual basis as appropriate.


    Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University