Learning Outcomes to be assessed :

- Identify and solve decision problems related to the various operations functions, like operation process, project management, and supply chain and logistics management.
- Differentiate the different techniques and use the appropriate technique in problem solving within operations management.
- Analyze and appreciate the influence of the strategic initiative programmes in Operations Management,
e.g. MRP, JIT, SCM, TQM etc.

Assignment Task:

The group shall have to choose any SME manufacturing company or unit in Oman, each group should have to select different SME company from each other, visit and collect the information's related to the following aspects in the organization. Answer in details the below questions:

1. Identify what are the operational issues that the SME Manufacturing Company is facing?
2. What could be the action plan to solve the SME issues using appropriate technique?
3. Explain the concept of ERP & MRP in the modern context and the importance of information technology for operation management?

The answer to the assignment should be elaborated and should include the practices of the chosen SME manufacturing company. Each concept should be explained properly and sufficient data should be provided to support the statements.

Part 1 Group Assignment Proposal

The students should have to:-

- Select the local SME manufacturing company Size: (Small -Medium -Large)
- Indorse the SME manufacturing company name with the faculty (avoid repetitions)
- Draft the proposal as per the below structure
o Provide some background about the manufacturing company (approximately 300 words).

o The group plan of action to complete the assessment (how data gathering will be conducted, maximum of two paragraphs.

o Timeline and work breakdown (Gantt Chart)
o Expected references and Journals

Part 2 Group Report.

Group report should disclose consolidated results of group work on the task.

1. For the assignment students are expected to refer to library resources, minimum 8 journals

2. Total words count should be 2000 words, +/- 10% can be accepted.

The evaluation criteria for the assignment shall consist the below marking. Marking rubric should have to be clearly considered

3. The report should contain:

Cover page, which indicates title, names of students, name of instructor and date and place of submission (students can use provided template);

Table of contents;

Introduction, which briefly describes the project using the details asked for.

Discussion, description of the main points with proper in-text references;

Conclusions that reveal main findings regarding each point and challenges faced during completing the assignment;

List of references (using Coventry Harvard style of referencing);

Appendices if needed (appendices are not included in the main report words count);

4. The report should be done in Word, font size 12, font style Times New Roman, text color black, colors can be used ONLY in appendices; main body of the report should be black and white.

5. Report should be submitted through Moodle ONLY on time, any delay will lead to deduction in total marks.

Part 3 Group Presentation.

Each group shall make a presentation for 10-15 minutes. Presentation shall reveal the group work results. The contribution of each student should be clearly disclosed. Care should be taken that duration and content of all the group members is uniform. A Power Point presentation may be made. Avoid unnecessary pictures on the PowerPoint. Present relevant information point wise. Writing big paragraphs on the power point and reading directly from the Power point slides directly is not acceptable. Presentation is schedule on week 11 during the class time. Presentation is compulsory and there will be no repeat chances for presentation. Students who are not present during the group presentation day and time will get zero mark for the presentation. The criterion for presentation are as follows

Part 4 Individual Reflection.

Individual Reflection to be made by each student, it is 02 pages and 1.5 spacing. The students have to submit a reflection on their assignment through the Moodle (at least 500 words). The reflection should cover the following:

1) What was the objective of the group work done?

2) What was the student's contribution in group work?

3) What did the student learn from the assessment?