Operations Strategy

Code

BUSI3151

School

Business

Level

3

Credits

10

Semesters

Spring UK

Summary

This module examines the strategic importance of manufacturing and service operations, and the key links between operations and other functional strategies. The module explores the importance of a properly formulated and explicit operations strategy to ensure the development of a successful business. The module discusses the interdependence of policies for capacity, technology, supply networks, development and organisation.

Target Students

Part I and II undergraduate students. Also available to Erasmus students

Classes

• One 1-hour-30-minute lecture each week for 11 weeks

11 x 90 minutes lectures. No seminar (seminar now integrated into lectures).. Please note all non-lectures will be timetabled in the Business School. All teaching will be face to face (i.e. Returning to Pre Covid-19).

Assessment

• 100% Examination (1-hour): In person exam.

Assessed by end of spring semester

Educational Aims

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and understanding
This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:
•    The dynamic and changing nature of business and the consideration of the future of organisations within the global business environment, including the management of risk
•    The development, access and operation of markets for resources, goods and services
•    The management of customer expectations, relationships and development of service excellence
•    The management of resources
•    The management of the supply chain
•    The management of procurement
•    The management of outsourcing
•    The management of quality systems
•    The development, management, application and implementation of information systems and their impact upon organisations
•    The different approaches for segmentation, targeting, positioning, generating sales and the need for innovation in product and service design
•    The development of strategic priorities to deliver business at speed in an environment where digital technology has reshaped traditional revenue and business models
•    Taking innovative business ideas to create new products, services or organisations including the identification of Intellectual Property and appreciation of its value
•    Operations strategy formulation principles, content and process

Intellectual skills
This module develops:
•    The ability to analyse facts and circumstances to determine the cause of a problem and identifying and selecting appropriate solutions
•    Conceptual and critical thinking, analysis, synthesis and evaluation

Professional practical skills
This module develops:
•    Numeracy and quantitative skills to manipulate data, evaluate, estimate and model business problems, functions and phenomena
•    People management, to include communications, team building, leadership and motivating others
•    Evaluate operations strategies in relation to cost, time, quality and people

Transferable (key) skills
This module develops:
•    Communication and listening including the ability to produce clear, structured business communications in a variety of media
•    Articulating and effectively explaining information
•    Work effectively as a member of a team
•    Undertake self-directed study, including information acquisition and analysis to enable continued learning during a professional career
•    Develop innovation and creativity in problem solving

Conveners

• Professor Kim Tan