Course Provides An Overview Of Operations Management

Course Provides An Overview Of Operations Manag

This course provides an overview of operations management. Students will analyze the planning, organizing, controlling, and general management of productive resources in manufacturing and service organizations. This course also addresses the design and control of systems that are responsible for the efficient use of raw materials, labor, equipment, and facilities in the production of customer satisfying products and services.

Policies Faculty and students/learners will be held responsible for understanding and adhering to all policies contained within the following two documents: · University policies : You must be logged into the student website to view this document. · Instructor policies: This document is posted in the Course Materials forum. University policies are subject to change. Be sure to read the policies at the beginning of each class. Policies may be slightly different depending on the modality in which you attend class. If you have recently changed modalities, read the policies governing your current class modality.

Course Materials Chase, R. B., Jacobs, F. R., & Aquilano, N. J. (2006). Operations management for competitive advantage (11th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Companies. All electronic materials are available on the student website.

Paper For Above instruction

The provided course overview introduces students to the fundamental principles and practices of operations management, a discipline that critically influences the efficiency and effectiveness of both manufacturing and service industries. Operations management encompasses the planning, organizing, controlling, and improvement of organizational processes that transform resources into finished products or services aligned with customer needs.

In today's competitive global market, organizations increasingly recognize that effective operations management is pivotal to gaining and sustaining competitive advantage. By managing resources efficiently—raw materials, labor, capital, and facilities—companies can improve quality, reduce costs, and respond quickly to changing customer demands. This paper explores the essential elements of operations management, its application in various organizational contexts, and the policies governing its practice, grounded in scholarly literature and contemporary industry examples.

Operational excellence hinges on the strategic management of systems designed for efficiency. Such systems include manufacturing processes like Lean, Six Sigma, and Just-In-Time (JIT), as well as service processes emphasizing customer satisfaction and swift delivery. By analyzing these systems, organizations identify opportunities for process improvements, optimize resource utilization, and enhance overall performance.

The course emphasizes the importance of understanding policies at multiple levels. University policies establish the framework within which operations professionals operate, ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. Instructor policies align classroom practices and assessments to facilitate a fair and effective learning environment. Awareness and adherence to these policies are fundamental for success in the program and for fostering a culture of integrity and professionalism.

The course’s structure involves sequential modules progressing from foundational concepts to advanced topics such as supply chain design, capacity planning, scheduling, and continuous improvement. Each module integrates reading assignments—primarily from Chase et al.'s text—along with electronic reserve readings to deepen understanding. Participation through discussion questions and team projects develops collaborative and analytical skills essential for operations managers.

Practical application constitutes a core component, with students selecting real or virtual organizations for case analysis. Students examine key processes, stakeholder impacts, and performance metrics relevant to their selected entities. These projects aim to develop competencies in identifying inefficiencies, designing effective solutions, and leveraging technology—such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and e-business platforms—to optimize supply chains and operational workflows.

Furthermore, the curriculum encompasses the development of strategic decision-making skills. For example, students analyze supply chain performance measures, capacity management strategies, and forecasting techniques, contextualized within actual organizational projects. The integration of theoretical concepts with real-world applications prepares students for leadership roles that require a comprehensive understanding of operations management principles.

Overall, this course serves as an essential foundation for students pursuing careers as operations managers, supply chain analysts, or quality assurance specialists. It emphasizes a holistic approach, combining technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and ethical considerations, to address contemporary challenges faced by organizations globally. By fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, the program equips learners to contribute meaningfully to their organizations' success and adaptability in an evolving business landscape.

References

• Chase, R. B., Jacobs, F. R., & Aquilano, N. J. (2006). Operations management for competitive advantage (11th ed.). McGraw-Hill.
• Krajewski, L. J., Ritzman, L. P., & Malhotra, M. (2013). Operations management: Processes and supply chains (10th ed.). Pearson.
• Heizer, J., Render, B., & Munson, C. (2017). Operations management (12th ed.). Pearson.
• Slack, N., Chambers, S., & Johnston, R. (2010). Operations management (6th ed.). Pearson Education.
• Russell, R. S., & Taylor, B. W. (2014). Operations management: Creating value along the supply chain (7th ed.). Wiley.
• Heinrich, M., & Leseure, M. (2004). Supply chain management: A strategic perspective. Supply Chain Management Review, 8(2), 42-49.
• Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & supply chain management (5th ed.). Pearson.
• Melnyk, S. A., Davis, E. W., Spekman, R. E., & Sandor, J. (2010). Fixing the supply chain: Insights from a holistic approach. Journal of Business Logistics, 31(2), 127-140.
• Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2016). Supply chain management: Strategy, planning, and operation (6th ed.). Pearson.
• Stadtler, H., & Kilger, C. (2008). Supply chain management and advanced planning: Facts, concepts, and data. Springer.