2015/16 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

LUBS5663M Operations Philosophies and Innovation

15 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Tom Burgess
Email: tfb@lubs.leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2015/16

This module is not approved as an Elective

Objectives

This module aims to:
- introduce the student to Operations Management (OM) theories and models, and to develop their knowledge of what OM is and what it encompasses;
- develop the student's understanding of the key issues and concerns related to the Operations Management discipline;
- explore a variety of Operations Philosophies, looking at the concept of an operations philosophy, their typical lifecycle and impact on practice;
- explore how innovation can be applied within organisations and used to support operations.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, the student will be able to:
- understand the nature and significance of Operations Management as an organisational practice;
- apply key Operations Management theories to various organizational contexts;
- critique a number of Operations philosophies and corresponding impacts on the Operations Management function and other parts of the business;
- understand approaches to innovation management;
- understand how innovation can impact the operation and the wider organisation.

Skills outcomes
Critical reading and evaluation of literature in management. Analysis of complex, multidisciplinary problems through case studies and an in-firm project.

Syllabus

Whilst Operations Management remains a vital part of any organisation, Operations philosophies - the key principles underpinning different approaches to operations management (including quality management) - can come and go. The module will discuss key Operations philosophies, past and current, comparing and contrasting benefits and drawbacks in the context of Operations Management.

Indicative content includes:

Introduction (including systems approach and the importance of modelling)
Strategy
Operations design, planning and control
Operations philosophies, such as: MRP, JIT, BPR, TQM, lean, flexible and agile working
Innovation management and performance improvement

The module will run over four days, in two blocks of two days separated by a period of approximately two weeks.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	8	1.00	8.00
Seminar	8	3.00	24.00
Private study hours			118.00
Total Contact hours			32.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Private study

Background reading and case analysis hours. = 48 hours
Coursework hours, including data-collection = 70 hours

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Formative feedback will be provided through interactive discussion, and presentation of case study work and practical exercises in the seminar sessions. Delivery in two separate teaching blocks will allow for monitoring of progress and structured feedback. The numbers on the module will facilitate a highly interactive and supportive approach to delivery of the teaching materials and learning.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	3,000 words. The assignment will involve addressing a specific aspect of contemporary international operations and supply in the context of the student's own organization. It will involve collection of primary data for the purpose. Skills in analysing such data will be developed during the module through the use of case-study exercises.	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 21/12/2010 12:23:40

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