Operations Management Assessment

The Operations Management module will be assessed by a written assignment that deals with the application of any aspect of the theory covered in the module.

Aim of the assignment

The aim of the assignment is to allow you to show and develop your understanding of a topic that has been covered in the module. Operations management has a very broad base of knowledge and the intention of the assignment is to take advantage of that broad base, allowing you to focus on an area that concerns you or is of interest to you in some other way. The assignment will therefore emphasise the role that operations management plays in an organisation.

Assignment task

The assignment is a 2,000-word essay or report focusing on an aspect of the module.

Question 1

To apply the material covered in any ONE of the operations management topics in your own sphere of influence

Question 2

Evaluate the utility and relevance of any ONE of the operations management topics to the contemporary business environment

Question 1 offers the opportunity (if this is available to you within your organisation) to carry out research into the way a particular aspect of the module material works or does not work in your own sphere of influence - within your organisation. As an example, your organisation could be introducing quality management or lean management techniques. Thus giving

you the opportunity to discuss the theory and how well this applies in practice from your own experience, comparing and contrasting the two.

Question 2 offers the opportunity to further develop your knowledge in an area that is of interest to you. For example, should you have developed an interest in approaches to organising suppliers and wish to extend your knowledge, it is acceptable within the assignment requirements to research into the topic and to present your research as your assignment. This work does not need to be related to your organisation - it can relate to any organisation(s) currently in existence, i.e. the contemporary business environment.

The word count for the assignment is very small, hence the emphasis on ONE topic. There is inevitably some overlap between concepts, so please use your intelligence when scoping your response. It is very difficult to treat a very broad subject like ‘supply chain management' with sufficient insight to score high marks. If a broad topic interests you, we advise you to pick a specific aspect of it to focus on.