The operations management function has always been of vital importance in a wide variety of organisations and industries whether manufacturing- or service-oriented, public or private, small or large. With the rise of Industry 4.0, managers are expected to continuously optimise operations to enable even faster, more flexible, and more efficient processes to create and deliver higher-quality goods and services at reduced costs. This digital revolution means that operations managers need to be prepared to face extraordinary levels of complexity and competitive pressures. Indicative topics include:
1. Provide with fundamental knowledge in operations management and understanding of how operations are being transformed by digital technologies, such as Blockchain, IoT, Big data, Cloud computing, driverless vehicles and 3D printing.
2. Inform and debate how operations management can deliver real competitive advantage by managing and leading digital transformation in businesses
3. Discuss the challenges of operations management to leverage the principles of Industry 4.0 to drive efficiency into the creation and delivery of products and services
Total contact hours: 24
Private study hours: 126
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods:
Group Presentation (20%)
Individual written report (2000 words) (80%).
Reassessment method:
100% coursework
Cordon, C., Garcia-Milà, P., Vilarino, T. F., Caballero, P. (2016), Strategy is Digital: How Companies Can Use Big Data in the Value Chain, Springer
Hill, A. and Hill, T. (2017), Essential Operations Management, Palgrave Macmillan
Ustundag, A and Cevikcan, E. (2018), Industry 4.0: Managing The Digital Transformation, Springer
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- demonstrate comprehensive understanding of operations management theories and techniques and how operations are being transformed by digital technologies.
- demonstrate creativity and originality in applying a variety of techniques and analysis frameworks to make informed decisions on operations strategy and lead digital transformation in businesses.
- systematically employ different approaches to operations design and effectively contribute to the organisation's objectives
- comprehend the challenges of operations management to leverage the principles of Industry 4.0 to drive efficiency into the creation and delivery of products and services.
- through case study and exercise work, be able to investigate problems, evaluate solutions and present recommendations for operations design, delivery and development.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems
- work and study independently and demonstrate learning through argumentative discussions on operations management theory and practice
- demonstrate integrative capability to negotiate and co-ordinate or eventually lead a team of multifunctional individuals.
- demonstrate analytical skills necessary for the analysis of problems and the identification of appropriate solutions.
- critically evaluate and interpret information from a variety of sources to formulate and support a well-reasoned and structured line of argument;
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