21741 Managing Operations within Supply Chains
Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a
particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source
of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.
Subject handbook information prior to 2018 is available in the Archives.
Credit points: 6 cp
Subject level:
Postgraduate
Result type: Grade and marksDescription
Operations management is a fundamental course that helps design, operate, and improve the processes and systems that are used to create products and deliver services. Effective operations management can significantly contribute to the success of intra- and inter- business operations through improved productivity and enhanced competitive advantage. This subject provides a broad overview and introduction to operations management covering a range of key topics including operations strategy, quality management, new product and service design, forecasting and demand management, inventory management, sales and operations planning and resource planning, decision-making analysis for productivity gains, and sustainable operations management. This allows students to develop an understanding of key transactional and operational business practices and processes of procurement and supply chains in both intra- and inter- organisational relationships in supply chains.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
| 1. | Discuss the nature and importance of effective operations management to business success |
|---|---|
| 2. | Apply relevant analysis tools and techniques to assess and improve operational processes of procurement, supply chains and firm performance |
| 3. | Understand and apply appropriate approaches for design, planning and control of operations in intra- and inter- organisations |
| 4. | Explain the economic, social and environmental challenges facing operations managers who aspire to developing sustainable operations |
Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)
This subject also contributes specifically to the following program learning objectives:
- Use relevant information and data to critically analyse complex issues in strategic supply chain management practice (2.1)
- Formulate creative and innovative solutions to complex strategic supply chain management issues (2.2)
Contribution to the development of graduate attributes
This is a broad introductory subject that focuses on the design, planning and improvement of key business practices and processes within intra- and intersbusiness operations across a supply chain. The subject involves both quantitative and qualitative approaches to operations management analysis. Students will be able to learn and apply what they leam in this subject in a wide range of complex business operations situations. The skills and knowledge gained from this subject can also be advantageous for students when they undertake other subjects in operations and supply chain management.
This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:
- Critical thinking, creativity and analytical skills
- Attitudes and values
- Business practice oriented skills
This subject also contributes specifically to develop the following Program Learning Objectives for the Master of Strategic Supply Chain Management:
- 4.2: Critically evaluate and apply sustainability principles to decisions in business contexts
- 5.1: Apply broad technical and professional skills effectively within strategic supply chain management practice
Teaching and learning strategies
Apart from interactive face-to-face lectures, a combination of other methods may be used to develop understanding of the field. Such methods may include but are not limited to guest lectures, real world case analysis, site visits and videos. Students will use appropriate computer software such as Excel spreadsheet and Word processor to complete assigned tasks, as well as be able to take decisions through the use of a simulation game that allows them to get real life experiences whilst managing a business’s operations. Further, students' understanding of theory and its application across the subject by individually examining an industry focused research based experiential project is fundamental to enabling them to analytically solve problems related to operations and supply chain management.
All students will be provided with the opportunity to receive formative feedback on their performance during the sessions. Other forms of formative and summative assessments and feedback include the use of quizzes, peer review activities and opportunities for self-assessment and reflection. Further feedback will be provided specifically on the progression of technical and professional skills during sessions and in relation to the completion of each of the worksheets and submitted assessment tasks.
Content (topics)
- The nature of operations management and operations strategy
- Management practices in operations and supply chains
- Quality management and business excellence
- New product and new service design practice methodologies
- Forecasting and demand management for operations and supply chains
- Inventory and category management
- Sales, operations and resource planning
- Decision making analysis for efficiency and productivity gains
- Sustainable operations management in supply chains
Assessment
Assessment task 1: Process Analysis (Individual)
| Intent: | The purpose of this assignment is to enable students investigate, analyse and critique an operational process that produces specific outcomes. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 2 and 4 This addresses program learning objectives(s): 2.1 and 2.2 |
| Weight: | 40% |
Assessment task 2: Critical Analysis (Group)
| Intent: | The purpose of this assignment item is to enable students to understand the critical need for effective operations management, as well as give them the ability to select and apply appropriate approaches for design, planning and control of operations. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1 and 3 |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | The report is expected to be 3,000 words excluding references. (Plus or minus 10% is acceptable) |
Assessment task 3: Examination (Individual)
| Intent: | The final exam is designed to assess the students' understanding of operations management theory and concepts and demonstrate their application across a range of operations management scenarios. |
|---|---|
| Objective(s): | This addresses subject learning objective(s): 1, 2, 3 and 4 |
| Weight: | 30% |
| Length: | The exam will be 2 hours plus 10 minutes reading time. |
Minimum requirements
Students must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks as well as meet the Management Discipline Group compulsory attendance requirement, as detailed in the Subject Outline.
Required texts
First Textbook:
Please find info on the textbook : http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-EHEP002896.html
Wiley E-Text
Operations and Supply Chain Management, 8th Edition
ISBN : 978-1-118-79995-6
832 pages
December 2013, ©2014
AUD $50.00 BUY
Loose-leaf
Operations and Supply Chain Management, Binder Ready Version, 8th Edition
ISBN : 978-1-118-73854-2
832 pages
December 2013, ©2014
AUD $114.95Website: http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-EHEP002896.html
Students can purchase the E-Text option from http://au.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/productCd-EHEP002896.html.
Second Textbook:
Matching Supply with Demand: An Introduction to Operations Management: Third Edition
Authors Gerard Cachon, Christian Terwiesch
Publisher McGraw-Hill Higher Education,
Recommended texts
Subject Study Guide - available via
and provided via utsonline
Otherrecommended textbooks
- Stevenson W. J. (2012), “Operations Management”, 11th Edition, McGraw-Hill
- Jacobs, F.R. and Chase R. (2012) Operations and Supply Chain Management: The Core, 3rd ed, McGraw Hill.
References
Specialised journals (a selection only)
- Journal of Operations Management
- Management Science
- Operations Research
- Production and Operations Management
- International Journal of Production Research
- International Journal of Production Economics
- European Journal of Operational Reseach
- Computers and Operations Research
See ABDC journal wesbite to see journal ranking A*, A, B or C
http://www.abdc.edu.au/pages/abdc-journal-quality-list-2013.html
