The main objective of this unit is to provide an introduction to operations management, and to be the role of operations in an organisation, not only as an important element of corporate strategy but also as a means of enhancing customer value. This unit will introduce students to a range of quantitative techniques, to enable them to analyse problems in operations management and make decisions or recommendations based on the interpretation of their analysis and other strategic considerations. A series of cases will be used to provide simulated experience in the management of operations and to explore the interaction of the operations function with other functional areas.

This unit provides the philosophy, tools and computerised techniques for effectively managing large projects and programs in any organisation. Topics include project definitions and examples, research and development, benefits and costs of project management, personnel policies, the mechanics of project planning, developing networks, network validation, scheduling and control, resource analysis and control, cost analysis and budgetary control, and training.

This unit provides the concepts, tools and techniques needed in purchasing and materials management. It includes purchasing policy and strategy, organising and staffing in purchasing and materials functions, supplier selection and evaluation, price/cost analysis, negotiation skills, inventory management, value analysis and standardisation, purchasing in the international market, government purchasing, and legal aspects of purchasing. These issues are examined in contexts such as the opportunities of globalisation and new information and communication technologies. A key learning strategy is case analysis.

This unit will provide an introduction to quality management principles, quality management systems and the quality tools and techniques needed for creating customer value and improving competitiveness and organisational effectiveness.

Performance measurement and benchmarking provides firms, managers, and employees with a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the organisation and its business processes. Performance measures are also a good way for communicating a firm’s strategy throughout the organisation. Furthermore, performance measurement is the first step in planning and implementing quality and productivity in an organisation. The unit offers an opportunity to critically review and apply a range of performance measurements, such as the balanced scorecard approach.

The unit aims to provide an understanding of the concepts and techniques for managing logistics activities and warehouse effectively. Topics include the role of logistics in the economy and firm, development of logistics management, integrated logistics management concept, channels of distribution, customer service, transportation systems and mathematical models, documentation for exports and imports and government regulations, designing warehouse layout, material handling systems, storage techniques for locating and reducing costs, automated warehouse, barcode systems and uses in warehouse management, paperless warehouse, order processing and information systems, decision support systems for logistics management, logistics performance, managing material flow- logistics/manufacturing interface, logistics/marketing interface, and the strategic logistics plan-global logistics.

This unit provides participants with an understanding of the diverse and complex issues surrounding the strategic management of technology. Special emphasis will be placed on the basic concepts and theories that will be needed to understand, anticipate, acquire, and use technology strategically for attaining a competitive edge in the market. The unit is of particular relevance to managers, engineers, technologists, and scientists who have, or will have, responsibilities for managing technological change and innovation.