MODULE SPECIFICATION
Name of Module
Parent School/Dept
Programme(s) where
module is offered
Status (core, option,
free choice)
FHEQ
7
Level
Term taught
Operations Management
TBE
Master of Business Administration
Compulsory
Unit Value
TBE
15
Pre-Requisite Modules
or Qualifications
Module
TBE
Code
Applicable From
None
Module
TBE
coordinator
TBE
Educational Aims of the Module
This module aims to provide in depth understanding of the relationship between operations management and
business strategy in the creation of market competitive capacities in the manufacturing and service sectors. It will
explore how the effectiveness of an operations department depends very much on its ability to apply the strategic
direction decided upon for the whole of the organisation, into realistic and applicable tactics. It will explore
contemporary Operations concepts and practices in the business environment and will examine the management of
Supply Chains in a commercial setting.
Module Outline/Syllabus








Operations Management – a Supply Chain Perspective
Supply Chain Relationships / Purchasing Management
Strategies for Operations
Process choice / Scope of Operations
Process Development (Process Design and Implementation)
Planning and Control
Materials Management
Managing Resources and Capacity
Type
Lectures
Seminars
Student Engagement Hours
Number per Term
Duration
10
2 hours
10
1 hour
Total Time
20 hours
10 hours
Total Guided/Independent Learning Hours 120 hours
Total Contact Hours 30 hours
Total Engagement Hours 150 hours
Type
Written Examination
Written Report
Group Presentation and
discussion
Assessment Method Summary
Duration /
Number Required
Weighting
Length
1
3 hours
60%
1
2000
20%
words
1
20 minutes 20%
Timing/Submission
Deadline
End of Term
TBE
TBE
Intended Learning Outcomes:
Module Outcomes
Teaching and Learning Strategy:
1. Critically evaluate the significance of operations
management in creating competitive advantage
2. Evaluate and develop critiques of the significant
factors that enable companies to win business
with its products and services in the
marketplace
3. Critically evaluate and apply the criteria for
choosing processes appropriate to meet the
market requirements
4. Systematically understand the choices needed
to develop and implement the processes
required to meet the organisation’s strategic
direction
5. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding
of how operations should adapt processes and
capacity to interpret changes in the
environment/ markets/ products
→
1. Lectures emphasise conceptual/ analytical
frameworks (ILO: 1-5)
2. Seminars and workshops focus on discussion
and application. They will evaluate case study
materials relating to operations issues in the
business and public environment.(ILO: 1-5)
3. Students will also be required to work in
groups and present an investigation into the
theoretical framework of Operations
Management.(ILO: 4,5)
4. Students will be required to submit an
individual report/evaluation of Operations
Strategies in companies/industry sectors (ILO:
2,3,4,5)
5. Visiting speakers from both industry and
academe will be an important part of the
module.(ILO: 1-5)
Assessment Strategy
→
1. Written Report (ILO:1-5)
2. Written Examinations (ILO:1-5)
3. Group Presentation (ILO:5)
Practical Skills
Teaching and Learning Strategy:
1. Evaluate and apply appropriate techniques for
managing operations
2. Interpret and theoretically apply performance
objectives to operations strategy
3. Design a strategic process that can be applied
in an operations management setting
1. Lectures (PS: 1,2)
2. Seminars (PS: 1-3)
3. Group presentations and discussion (PS: 1,2)
4. Set report and guided study (PS: 1-3)
→
Assessment Strategy
→
1. Written report (PS: 1-3)
2. Written examinations (PS: 1,2)
3. Group presentation (PS: 1,2)
Transferable Skills
Teaching and Learning Strategy:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
1. Seminars (TS: 1,2,5)
2. Group Presentations and discussions (TS:
2,4,5)
3. Set report and guided study(TS: 1-4)
Analytical skills
Critical thinking skills
Report writing skills
Research skills
Interpersonal, team working and negotiating
skills
→
Assessment Strategy
→
1. Written report (TS: 1-4)
2. Written examination (TS: 1,2,4)
3. Group presentation (TS: 1,2,4,5)
Key Texts and/or other learning materials
Krajewski, L., Ritzman, L. and Malhotra, M. (2012) Operations Management, 10th Edition, Pearson
Slack, M., Brandon-Jones, A., Johnston, R., (2013) Operations Management, 7th Edition, Pearson
Supplementary Material
Slack, N., Chambers, S., Johnson, R. and Betts, A. (2012) Operations and Process Management, 3rd Edition, Pearson
Bicheno, J. and Holweg, M. (2009) The Lean Toolbox: The Essential Guide to Lean Transformation, 4th Edition,
PICSIE.
Brown, S., Lamming, R., Bessant, J. and Jones, P. (2012) Strategic Operations Management, 3rd Edition, Routledge
Christopher, M. (2011) Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 4th Edition, FT Prentice Hall
Heizer, J., Render, B., (2013) Operations Management, 11th Edition, Pearson
Jones, P., Robinson, P., (2012) Operations Management, Oxford University Press
The Institute of Operations Management
https://www.iomnet.org.uk/
Journal of Operations Management
http://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-operations-management/
International Journal of Business Research and Management
http://www.cscjournals.org/csc/journals/IJBRM/description.php?JCode=IJBRM
Oxford University Press – Operations Management Resources
http://global.oup.com/uk/orc/busecon/business/jones_robinson/
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the module and the learning outcomes that a typical student
might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More
detailed information on the learning outcomes, content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each module and programme can be
found in the departmental or programme handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually by the
University of Buckingham and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Date of Production
Date approved by School Learning and
Teaching Committee
Date approved by School Board of Study
Date approved by University Learning and
Teaching Committee
Date of Annual Review