Study information

Operations Management - 2024 entry

MODULE TITLEOperations Management CREDIT VALUE15
MODULE CODEECM3164 MODULE CONVENERUnknown
DURATION: TERM 1 2 3
DURATION: WEEKS 11 weeks 0 0
Number of Students Taking Module (anticipated) 39
DESCRIPTION - summary of the module content

When managing operations, there are many aspects to consider, which can determine the success of a business. For instance, is it best to make your product with hand tools, or do you want to mass produce with moulds, but face huge costs when a design changes and you must re-tool? Designing a company's resources is central to operations management and a key focus of this module.
 

A large component of this course is a problem-solving case study, for which you will receive a brief on a real company. Pretending to be a consultant, you will be challenged to consider this business' problems and work out what you would do to solve them. Putting the theory into practice, you will analyse business and manufacturing strategies and operations systems; looking at the company's priorities and shortfalls and deciding how you would approach these issues. Mirroring the role of a junior consultant or plant manager, this gives you a taste of how to do these jobs in industry, providing you with excellent preparation for an engineering management career.

AIMS - intentions of the module

This module explores the current approaches to running engineering operations facilities and strategies, as well as giving you an introduction to computer tools used for aspects like stock control and purchasing, such as MRP. On completing this module you willl be equipped with the analysis skills to judge how best to solve a management problem and how you would set up your operations as a manager. You'll also have an understanding of change management, how you design a solution, present a report and then implement it, and some knowledge of personnel issues.

 

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES (ILOs) (see assessment section below for how ILOs will be assessed)

Programmes that are accredited by the Engineering Council are required to meet Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP4) Learning Outcomes.  The Engineering Council AHEP4 Learning Outcomes are taught and assessed on this module and identified in brackets below. 

 

On successful completion of this module, you should be able to: 

 

Module Specific Skills and Knowledge:  

 

  1. Demonstrate an understanding of issues and concepts in operations management. 

  1. Apply knowledge, concepts and ideas to any given situation to better understand the operations management task. (M2, C2) 

  1. Demonstrate an awareness of the tools and techniques to improve an operations function. (M3, C3) 

  1. Appreciate the central role of operations and its strategic importance in an organisation. 

 

Discipline Specific Skills and Knowledge:  

 

  1. Choose the right tools and techniques for improving an operations function. (M3, M5, C3, C5) 

  1. Demonstrate an enhanced analytical approach to the understanding of an operations task. (M1, M2, M3, C1, C2, C3) 

  1. Make an informed contribution to the corporate debate and the overall business performance. (M4, C4) 

 

 

Personal and Key Transferable/ Employment Skills and Knowledge:  

 

  1. Enhance teamwork spirit and Enhance report writing and presentation skills. 

 

SYLLABUS PLAN - summary of the structure and academic content of the module

- Introduction to operations management;
- Operations performance and operations strategy
- Process design and product design
- Layout design and group technology
- Capacity management – production planning and control
- Inventory management
- Resource planning – Introduction to MRP and ERP
- Just In Time (JIT)
- Supply Chain Management (SCM)

 

LEARNING AND TEACHING
LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS (given in hours of study time)
Scheduled Learning & Teaching Activities 22 Guided Independent Study 128 Placement / Study Abroad 0
DETAILS OF LEARNING ACTIVITIES AND TEACHING METHODS
Category Hours of study time Description
Scheduled learning and teaching activities 22 Lectures and seminars
Guided independent study 128 Guided independent study
     

 

ASSESSMENT
FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT - for feedback and development purposes; does not count towards module grade
Form of Assessment Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Not applicable      
       

 

SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT (% of credit)
Coursework 30 Written Exams 70 Practical Exams
DETAILS OF SUMMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Form of Assessment % of Credit Size of Assessment (e.g. duration/length) ILOs Assessed Feedback Method
Written exam – closed book 70 2 hours - January Exam 1-7 (MC 1-3, 5) Exam mark
Coursework – individual case study 30 3000 words 1-8  (MC 1-5) Written
         

 

DETAILS OF RE-ASSESSMENT (where required by referral or deferral)
Original Form of Assessment Form of Re-assessment ILOs Re-assessed Time Scale for Re-reassessment
All above Written exam (100% - 2 hours) 1-7(MC 1-3, 5)  Ref/Def period
       

 

RE-ASSESSMENT NOTES

Deferrals: Reassessment will be by coursework and/or exam in the deferred element only. For deferred candidates, the module mark will be uncapped. 

Referrals: Reassessment will be by a single written exam worth 100% of the module. As it is a referral, the mark will be capped at 40%

 

RESOURCES
INDICATIVE LEARNING RESOURCES - The following list is offered as an indication of the type & level of
information that you are expected to consult. Further guidance will be provided by the Module Convener

Basic reading:

 

ELE: http://vle.exeter.ac.uk

 

Web based and Electronic Resources:

 

Other Resources:

 

Reading list for this module:

Type Author Title Edition Publisher Year ISBN
Set Slack Nigel et at. Operations Management 7th Pearson 2013 9780273776208
CREDIT VALUE 15 ECTS VALUE 7.5
PRE-REQUISITE MODULES None
CO-REQUISITE MODULES None
NQF LEVEL (FHEQ) 6 AVAILABLE AS DISTANCE LEARNING No
ORIGIN DATE Tuesday 10th July 2018 LAST REVISION DATE Tuesday 1st October 2024
KEY WORDS SEARCH Operations management; mode of production; strategy; MRP; JIT.

Please note that all modules are subject to change, please get in touch if you have any questions about this module.