Operations Management
Overview
This unit critically examines the issues and techniques of Operations Management. It reviews the strategic importance of the operations function in delivering top quality products and services efficiently and effectively to meet the needs of clients and customers. It focuses on the three key operations management activities of operations design, operations planning and control, and operations improvement – all in a strategic context. The unit also provides an opportunity for students to apply theory and technique to real examples drawn from literature, observed in everyday life, and from students’ own experience. Contemporary issues in operations management are also explored.
Requisites
02-November-2025
31-May-2026
07-June-2026
01-November-2026
07-February-2027
Learning outcomes
Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of operations management and strategy both in theory and in practice
- Demonstrate and define the key theoretical and practice issues, decisions and processes involved in managing manufacturing and service transformations
- Analyse and critically address complex issues in contemporary operations management practice
- Communicate proficiently in a professional manner and operate as a member or leader of a team
- Apply theoretical knowledge to an applied research project using operations management theory
Teaching methods
Hawthorn
| Type | Hours per week | Number of weeks | Total (number of hours) |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-campus Class | 2.00 | 12 weeks | 24 |
| Online Lecture | 1.00 | 12 weeks | 12 |
| Unspecified Activities Independent Learning | 9.50 | 12 weeks | 114 |
| TOTAL | 150 |
Assessment
| Type | Task | Weighting | ULO's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Group | 30 - 40% | 1,2,3,4,5 |
| Assignment 2 | Individual | 10 - 20% | 1,2,3,5 |
| Assignment 3 | Individual | 40 - 60% | 1,2,3,5 |
Content
- Introduction to Operations Management and Performance
- Operations Strategy
- The Design of Process, Products and Services
- Supply Network Design, Layout and Flow, and Process Technology
- Job Design and Work Organization
- Capacity Planning and Control
- Inventory Planning and Control
- Supply Chain Planning and Control
- Enterprise Resource Planning
- Lean Operations and Just In Time
- Project Planning and Control
- Quality Management and Control
- Operations Improvement
- Risk Management, Failure Prevention and Recovery
- Managing Improvement and Total Quality Management approaches
- Operations and Corporate Social Responsibility, Contemporary Issues in Operations Management
Study resources
Reading materials
A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.