MG104 Half Unit
Operations Management
This information is for the 2021/22 session.
Teacher responsible
Dr Nayat Horozoglu
Availability
This course is compulsory on the BSc in Management. This course is available on the BSc in Accounting and Finance, International Exchange (1 Term) and International Exchange (Full Year). This course is available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit and to General Course students.
This course is not capped, any student that requests a place will be given one.
Course content
Operations management is a key function in every organisation. It is concerned with the processes that transform inputs into goods and services. This course introduces students to key concepts and techniques used in operations management, and their practical applications. The course covers a range of topics related to manufacturing and service operations such as operations strategy, sustainability, process design and analysis, supply chains, inventory management, lean operations, and quality control.
Teaching
Teaching hours in the MT will be commensurate with a usual half unit undergraduate course but note that teaching may take a different format and/or structure in 2021/22.
This course includes a reading week in Week 6 of Michaelmas Term, in line with departmental policy.
Formative coursework
Students are expected to prepare answers to set questions on a weekly basis, and they will receive teacher and peer feedback during the classes. One formative take-home assessment will be set in MT.
Students will also be offered additional support for their summative assignments in preparatory sessions, and they will have the opportunity to ask questions during assessment clinics.
Indicative reading
A selection of essential readings is provided below. For further details, please refer to the full reading list for the course.
• Iansiti, M. & Serels, A. (2013). Operations Strategy. Harvard Business Publishing.
• Whelan, T. & Fink, C. (2016). The Comprehensive Business Case for Sustainability. Harvard Business Review.
• Frei, F.X. (2006). Breaking the trade-off between efficiency and service. Harvard Business Review.
• Fisher, M.L. (1997). What is the right supply chain for your product? Harvard Business Review.
• Spear, S. & Bowen, H.K. (1999). Decoding the DNA of the Toyota Production System. Harvard Business Review.
Assessment
Take-home assessment (40%) in the MT.
Take-home assessment (60%) in the LT.
Take-home assessments will be individual assessments.
Course selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Important information in response to COVID-19
Please note that during 2021/22 academic year some variation to teaching and learning activities may be required to respond to changes in public health advice and/or to account for the differing needs of students in attendance on campus and those who might be studying online. For example, this may involve changes to the mode of teaching delivery and/or the format or weighting of assessments. Changes will only be made if required and students will be notified about any changes to teaching or assessment plans at the earliest opportunity.
Key facts
Department: Management
Total students 2020/21: 296
Average class size 2020/21: 18
Capped 2020/21: No
Value: Half Unit
Personal development skills
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication
- Application of numeracy skills
- Commercial awareness
- Specialist skills
