University of Technology SydneyHandbook 2008

21741 Value Chain Management

Faculty of Business: Management
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Postgraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

Operations management is about the way organisations produce goods and services. Everything we buy, eat, read and wear has to be produced. Every service we receive from hospitals, banks, local government, the local cinema, etc., has to be produced. This subject provides a broad introduction to planning, design, implementation and improvement of operations. Topics covered include operations strategy; various approaches to operations planning and control; quality management; performance measurement; supply chain management; and operations improvement. Teaching methods include case studies and a hands-on simulation exercise.

Subject objectives/outcomes

On successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

  1. Understand the critical need for effective operations management in the design, operation and improvement of value chains.
  2. Understand the factors that contribute to similarities and differences between operations.
  3. Understand the relationship between business strategy, operations strategy and process design.
  4. Use a number of analysis techniques to assess and improve value chain processes and performance.
  5. Understand approaches to planning and controlling operations and the areas of application of different approaches.
  6. Understand the process of setting up an effective performance measurement system.
  7. Understand different approaches to the design of jobs and processes and the importance of taking a socio-technical perspective.
  8. Understand challenges in the area of value chain management related to social, environmental and technological issues.

Contribution to graduate profile

This is broad based introductory subject in the area of operations management that focuses on the design and improvement of value chains. The subject exposes students to an important body of knowledge related to the design, planning, control and improvement of value chains. Participants should be able to apply what they have learned in a wide range of complex business situations. The subject involves both quantitative and qualitative approaches to process and value chain analysis. Students should also find that the skills and knowledge gained from this subject will be advantageous when they undertake the subject Strategic Management.

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject will be taught using a combination of lectures, case studies, video material and experiential exercises. These classes will be supplemented with both printed and electronic learning materials. The UTS web-based communication tool UTS Online will be used to facilitate learning.

Content

  • Introduction to the subject, the value chain concept
  • Operations strategy
  • Design of products processes
  • Simulation workshop – value chain design in action
  • Quality planning and quality management
  • Operations planning and control including ERP, JIT and project management
  • Operations improvement
  • Value chain management
  • Performance measurement
  • Introduction to service operations
  • The operations challenge.

Assessment

Process Analysis (Individual)30%
Students carry out a structured analysis of a business process of their choice, usually related to their work experience. This assignment assesses students' ability to apply key analysis tools. Addresses objectives 3, 4 and 8.
Assignment (Group)30%
Groups are allocated a topic which they have to have to research. Two pieces of work are produced. First, a short report which addresses the research question related to the topic that has been allocated. Second, the group shares their research findings through a presentation to the class. Presentations are assessed by other student groups and the lecturer. This assignment assesses students' ability research a topic and their understanding of an important issue related to the subject. Addresses objectives 1, 4 and 8.
Examination (Individual)40%
The exam consists of short answer questions, multiple-choice questions and some longer questions requiring an essay or quantitative answer is designed to assess the students' understanding of theory and its application across the subject. Addresses objectives 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8.

Recommended text(s)

Slack, N., Chambers, S. and Johnson, R. (2001) Operations Management, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall, London.

Indicative references

Evans, R. and Lindsay, W.M. (2002), The Management and Control of Quality, (5th ed.), South-Western, Cincinnati.

Fitzsimmons, J.A. and Fitzsimmons, M.J. (2002), Service Management: Operations, Strategy and Information Technology, 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill, New York.

Gaither, N. and Frazier, G. (1999), Production and Operations Management, (8th ed.), South-Western College Publishing.

Krajewski, L.J. and Ritzman, L.P. (2002), Operations Management, (6th ed.), Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, New Jersey.

Goldratt, E.M. and Cox J. (1989), The Goal, Revised Edition, Gower Publishing Group, Aldershot, UK.

Hammer, M. and Champy, J. (1993), Re-engineering the Corporation - A Manifesto for Business Revolution, Nicholas Brealey, London.

Hines, P., Lamming, R., Jones, D., Cousins, P. and Rich, N. (2000), Value Stream Management: Strategy and excellence in the supply chain, Prentice Hall.