MM290-Managing Operations and Processes

Module Provider: Business Informatics, Systems and Accounting
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Mr Nigel Spinks
Email: nigel.spinks@henley.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Organisations of all kinds use operations and processes to deliver goods and services in order to create value for their customers and achieve business objectives. This module introduces students to the fundamentals of designing, operating and improving such operations and processes. It brings together insights from operations, process management and project management.

Aims:

The aims of the module are to:

• Introduce core theories underpinning operations and process management 

• Explore and critique relevant operations, process management and project management concepts and theories

• Develop insights into the delivery of goods and services in different organisational contexts  

Assessable learning outcomes:

On completion of the module, students should be able to:

• Explain and debate the role of operations and processes in organisations today

• Select and apply key concepts and theories from operations, process management and project management in order to design, operate and improve operations and processes

• Select and apply key concepts and theories to analyse and resolve operations and process-related problems and iss ues

• Critically assess selected academic and professional literature relevant to the design, management and improvement of operations and processes

• Communicate information effectively in the required format regarding analysis of operations and process-related topics

Additional outcomes:

In addition, the module aims to encourage development of oral and written communication skills through group-based working in seminars. Activities are designed to encourage both independent and collaborative learning skills, including reflection. Students are encouraged to develop investigative skills through the use of Web-based and other resources. 

Outline content:

Topics to be covered include:

1. Taking a process and systems approach to delivering goods and services

2. Aligning operations and processes to business strategy

3. Designing operations and processes 

4. Managing and controlling operations and processes 

5. Improving operations and processes 

Global context:

The module draws on examples of practice and case studies from operations and process management around the world. 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

A blended teaching approach will be used with core material being covered in lectures in which class interaction will be encouraged. These will be supported by seminars which will include practical individual and group case-based activities, aiming to deepen understanding and application of core module concepts in practice.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

One 2-hour unseen written paper with a weight of 60% of the final assessment mark to be held during the summer term examination period.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

The coursework has a weight of 40% of the final assessment work. It takes the form of an individual written assignment involving the analysis of a case study using appropriate models and frameworks from the module. The case study and questions will be released in Week 8 of the Autumn term and will be submitted in Week 11 of the Autumn term.  

Formative assessment methods:

Seminars will be organised to allow students to apply and test their understanding of core module concepts in a practical environment, as well as developing skills in case study analysis. Online support will also be available.

Penalties for late submission:

In accordance with the University policy the following penalties will apply for work submitted late,

• where the piece of work is submitted up to one calendar week after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for the piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days 


• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded. 

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf.  

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work. 

Assessment requirements for a pass:

A weighted average mark of coursework and examination of 40%. 

Reassessment arrangements:

By examination.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Required text book - Slack, N & Brandon-Jones, A (2018) Essentials of Operations Management, 2nd ed. Harlow: Pearson  - Approximately £40-£51

The following makes of calculator are permitted in exams: Casio FX-83GTPLUS or Casio FX-85GTPLUS or Casio FX-83GTX or Casio FX-85GTX- Approximately £15

Last updated: 12 April 2021