Operations Management

Subject 325-696 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 9 (Graduate/Postgraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 1, - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period not applicable
Assessment Period End not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol not applicable
Census Date not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail not applicable


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: One 3-hour seminar per week (Semester1).
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects: None
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Dr Prakash Singh
Subject Overview: This subject examines the engine of every organisation: its productive processes. These are the systems , processes and activities that convert the organisation's inputs into its outputs. Whether manufacturing of goods or provision of services, the principles and techniques of Operations Management can assist an organisation to achieve effective outcomes in terms of cost, quality, delivery, service levels, flexibility and innovation. This subject is integrative in nature, drawing upon concepts originally developed in other areas. The traditional topics such as: assessing the strategic importance of operations; planning and controlling the use of resources; ensuring quality of products and services; and various human issues involved in operations are examined from a contemporary perspective that involves complex phenomena such as globalisation, supply chains, virtual and e-operations, agile/lean operations and mass customisation. Quantitative approaches are often useful in leading us toward possible solutions and so these are introduced where appropriate. However, in many situations, it is sufficient to descriptively understand the critical issues and major trade-offs involved. Finally, links with other areas of decisions and organisational functions are considered as they are critical to getting the most from the operations system.
Objectives:

The objective of this subject is to introduce the strategic and operating issues and decisions involved in managing the business/operational processes within an enterprise. The subject aims to provide students with a conceptual framework and a set of analytical tools to enable better understanding of why processes behave as they do. Given this understanding, students will be in a position to see how effective management of operations relates to organisations' strategic decisions, key processes, competitive posture and, ultimately, performance.

Assessment: A 2-hour examination (50%), written assignments not exceeding 4000 words (40%) and class participation (10%).
Prescribed Texts: None
Recommended Texts: Prescribed texts: To be advised.
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

  • Appreciation of resource allocation decisions;

  • Application of theory to practice;

  • Critical thinking;

  • Analysis and sythesis of issues;

  • Communication, presentation and reporting.

Related Course(s): Master Of Applied Commerce (Management)
Master Of Applied Commerce (Management)
Master of Applied Commerce
Master of Applied Commerce
Master of Applied Commerce (Operations Management)
Master of Applied Commerce (Operations Management)
Master of Business and Information Technology
Master of Business and Information Technology
Master of International Business
Master of Management

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