Main aims of the module:

o To critically evaluate the business processes using the "Input-Transformation-Output " Model.
o To differentiate the four perspectives on operations strategy.
o To evaluate the various stages involved in a product design.
o To identify optional strategies for developing an aggregate plan.
o To develop an effective Inventory management systems
o To determine the appropriate types of facility layout that must be selected.
o To manage product or service quality through continuous improvement.

Main topics of study:
o Strategic Operations Management
o Operations Strategy
o Operations Management & Product Design
o Capacity Planning
o The Management of Inventory
o Facility Layouts
o Business Process Re-Engineering (BPR) & Quality Management
o Statistical Process Control (SPC)

Learning Outcomes for the module

At the end of this module, students will be able to:

Knowledge

1. Recognize the importance of three fundamental elements concerned with operations (i.e.inputs,transformationand outputs).

2. Understand the ways in which operations strategy can be linked to business strategy.

3. Understand the application of some decision-making processes involved incapacity planning.

4. Critically evaluate the different types of forecasting techniques that could be used for demand forecasting (i.e Dependent demand & Independent demand.

Subject-based practical skills
5. Develop an effective Inventory Management Systems that could be used to reduce inventory levels.

6. Evaluate different types of facility layouts that suit to the current operations.

Skills for life and work (general skills)

7. Identify the suitable tools & techniques that could be used in implementing continuous improvement programme.

8. Understand the application of improvement cycle models (i.e PDCA Cycle & DMAIC Cycle) when carrying out continuous improvement programme.

Question:

Strategic operations management is concerned with the management of business processes that transform the inputs to the required outputs in the form of products and/or services. Due to the complexity of manufacturing operations, different problems were encountered by the operations manager. The major problems were identified as follows:
(1) Poor capacity planning.
(2) Poor forecasting
(3) Poor delivery-on-time.
(4) Ineffective and inefficient inventory management system.
(5) Poor facility layouts.
(6) Inappropriate use of tools & technique.
(7) Lack of knowledge and experience in applying improvement cycle models.
(i.e PDCA Cycle & DMAIC Cycle)

As a operations manager, You are required to work closely with the Quality Improvement

Team (QIT) members to overcome the above-mentioned problems in order to Improve the overall process performance.

Note: For the purpose of this assignment, select your company or any company you are familiar with.

PRESENTATION

Instructions for the Presentation:
Your assignment should be word processed and presented as follows: o The assignment should contain 3500 to 4000 words.
o Font Style: Times New Roman & Font Size: 12
o Line Spacing: 1.5
o Page Layout/Orientation: Portrait
o All the margins should be set about 25mm on both sides (i.e left & right) of each page.
o Numerical Systems (e.g 1.0, 1.1 and 1.1.1) should be used for each section and sub-section.
o Word count must be indicated on the cover page of the assignment.
Important Note: This assignment MUST be submitted on or before the due date.

REPORT

Instructions for the REPORT:
Your assignment should be organized and presented in the "Table of Contents" as follows: TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0 Executive Summary (About 300-400 words)
Executive Summary is the summary of the whole assignment. It should be written after you have completed your assignment.
2.0 Introduction
3.0 Main Body
The main body should contain the requirements (i.e major problems 1 to 7) as stated in the assignment questions.
4.0 Conclusions
5.0 References
All the references should be used according to the "Harvard Referencing System".
6.0 Appendices (If Applicable)