Operations Management D, 7.5 Credits

Contents

The aim of this course is to help the students understand how to manage operations. Operations are the organization’s core production activities that have to be planned and controlled in order to meet competitive goals. Therefore, the first part of the course is dedicated to how production is linked to the business idea and strategy for creating a competitive advantage. An applied approach follows on how companies design, plan and control product or services, supply chains and production capacity, using tools such as queuing, enterprise and materials planning, total quality management, etc. In the second part, students are required to develop their knowledge and skills by writing an individual report where students discuss extant knowledge on an operations topic within contemporary research, and a group assignment.

The course is given and examined in English.
 

Expected learning outcomes

After completing this course, the student should be able to:

• describe and discuss what impact different competitive strategies have on the management of operations,
• apply and evaluate different models used for designing, planning and controlling operations,
• analyse and critically reflect upon the operation of an organisation
• apply theories and concepts on practical problems and discuss practical solutions based on a theoretical foundation,
• search, evaluate and present scientific articles
• communicate central concepts for the course in English, both orally and in writing
  
   

Required Knowledge

90 credits with a minimum of 75 credits in Business Administration. At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 credits in Management, Marketing, Accounting and Finance.  At the C-level (Bachelor), a minimum 15 credits.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B or the equivalent.

Form of instruction

The learning is supported by lectures, calculation exercises, and literature/case seminars. The first part of the course will be focused on of lectures and calculation exercises, whereas the second part of the course consists of more individual and group assignments.

The course is given an examined in English.

Examination modes

Examination consists of:

• individual written homeexam
• individual written report and oral presentation of a topic chosen
• a written case report and presentation of the group work

The following grading system is used:
Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
and Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%).
 
Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations. The course is given and examined in English.
To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 credits course consisting of four modules of the same size, the student must have achieved Pass with distinction (VG) in at least three out of four modules. In shorter courses for example 7,5 credit courses, 15 credit courses or 22,5 credits courses Pass with distinction (VG) is given when the student has achieved at least 75% of the total weighted points.
 
A student who does not pass at the time of the written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within two months. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term. If required by specific circumstances, the Director of Studies may decide on other forms of examination

In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given, no later than two weeks after the completion of the module. Mandatory assignments (seminars, written assignments, cases, computer assignments etc.) that have not been handed in within stipulated time must be done the next time the course is offered. If the form of examination does not permit repetition other forms of re-examination may be used.
 
When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.
 
A student who has passed an examination can not redo the examination to get a higher grade.
 
If a student fails to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written exam in an exam room will not be allowed to take the exam.
 
Disciplinary action may be taken against students who uses unauthorized help aids or in some other way tries to mislead on a test or when another type of task is being evaluated. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. (see instructions in the thesis manual, Thesis Writing in Business Administration). Urkund records may be used for control. In addtion, Umeå University rules and regulations  for education and research applies:  http://www.umu.se/regelverk/utbildning-pa-grund--och-avancerad-niva

Educational activities are designed to facilitate students towards achieving expected learning outcomes and can explain, supplement and provide contrast to the course literature and other relevant course materials.
 

Other regulations

Academic credit transfers are according to the University credit transfer regulations.