This is an introductory course to Production and Operations Management. By the end of the course, students be able to:
" Draw parallels between issues in everyday life and production and/or operations management issues;
" Understand the ins and outs of such issues;
" Master the basic techniques applied to such issues;
" choose and apply the most appropriate technique;
" pass a judgement on their final decision. (express opinions on how the issues should be solved)
Close attention will be paid to the development of a rational and structured approach to these issues and an awareness of the links between the various issues in production and operations management.
Main themes
Production and Operations Management can be broadly defined as comprising all those techniques and methods which are intended to organise activity at an individual, departmental or company level. The course is structured around the following components:
" Characteristics of products/services and processes;
" Short, medium and long term planning of production activities
" Inventory management and demand forecasting;
" Quality Management.
" Project management (Optional)
Content and teaching methods
Method:
The teaching methods adopted vary according to subject -matter, and involve a combination of lectures, summaries and information given in answer to student questions; reading (preparatory or accompanying); analyses of concrete situations using simple examples and case studies.