21744 Manufacturing Management

Faculty of Business: Management
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level: Postgraduate

Result Type: Grade and marks

Handbook description

This subject presents a strategic approach to production planning and control. Topics include: a framework for the analysis of production planning and control systems; different approaches to production planning and control, e.g. time-phased (MRP), JIT, ROP, TOC; a strategic approach to the selection of production planning and control systems; integrating MRP and JIT; implementation issues; shop-floor scheduling techniques; benchmarking for performance measurement; and developments in EFI and their likely impact on production planning and control systems.

Subject objectives/outcomes

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

Understand Manufacturing Management techniques with emphasis on effective resource management.
Understand current issues and developments in Manufacturing Management.
Analyse the factors which need to be considered in the selection of appropriate Manufacturing Management systems.
Determine strategies needed for successful introduction of new Manufacturing Management systems.
Understand the importance of integrating manufacturing strategy with business strategy and to explore methods of achieving this linkage.

Contribution to graduate profile

This subject provides students with a broad and practical coverage of contemporary manufacturing management practices. It focuses on the development of vocationally relevant understandings of manufacturing organisation, planning, control, purchasing and implementation.

Teaching and learning strategies

The lectures will incorporate a range of teaching and experiential learning strategies including presentations, guest speakers, discussions, debates and a visit to a real production environment.

Content

Production Planning and Control, including various approaches, including MRPII, DRP, JIT, theory of Constraints and Hybrid Systems (MRP/JIT), linkages, operations, frameworks, elements
Strategic Purchasing, including theory, affectivity, purchasing, impacts
System Selection and Implementation, alternate approaches, macro level control and organisation, factors to consider, methodologies, sensible and appropriate decision making, planning, systems, operations
Shop Floor Issues, implications of automation, productivity, planning, production environments, design issues, workplace cultures, responsibility, delegation, job design, scheduling and control techniques.

Assessment

Essay (Individual)	50%
This will assess students' understanding of how the theories and concepts associated with management of the selection, implementation and control of manufacturing processes and their linkages to business strategy. Addresses objectives 1-5.
Assignment and presentation (Individual)	30%
This will assess students' ability to critically understand the issues associated with the implementation of manufacturing management practice. One suitable topic will be selected from a list of topics covering a variety of manufacturing management problem scenarios. A presentation and a report will be made to defend the approach taken by the group. Addresses objectives 2-5.
Final Examination (Individual)	20%
This will test students' understanding of the theories, processes and issues covered in the course and their ability to critically evaluate the processes of selection and implementation. Addresses objectives 1-5.

Recommended text(s)

Vollmann, E. T, Berry, W. E, and Whybark, D. C (1992) Manufacturing Planning and Control Systems, Dow Jones-Irwin/ APICS Series in Production Management.

Indicative references

Australian Manufacturing Council, Leading the Way – A Study of Best Manufacturing Practices in Australia and New Zealand, Melbourne, AMC, 1994.

Chase, R. B. and Aquilano, N. J., Production and Operations Management, 7th Edition, Richard D. Irwin, Illinois, 1995.

Gaither, N., Production and Operations Management, 6th Edition, Dryden Press, Chicago, 1994.

Gilmour, P., Operations Management in Australia, Longmans Cheshire, 1991.

Gilmour, P. and Hunt, R. A., The Management of Technology, Longmans Cheshire, 1993.

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

Ling, R. and Goddard, W., Orchestrating Success: Improve Control of the Business with Sales and Operations Planning, Oliver Wright Companies, 1991.

Maskell, B. H., Performance Measurement for World Class Manufacturing: A Model for American Companies, Productivity Press, Cambridge Mass, 1991.

Samson, D., Sohal, A., Muhemann, A., Oakland, J., and Lokyer, K., Production and Operations Management in Australia, Melbourne, Longmans, 1995.

Womack, P., Jones, D. T. and Roos, D., The Machine that Changed the World, Maxwell McMillan, 1991.