Overview
Operations Management explores the contemporary principles and practices involved in the management of both service and manufacturing operations. Taking a strategic approach to operations, the unit covers fundamental areas such as process planning, design, control and improvement; quality management and lean thinking; the role of the supply chain in modern operations; capacity and location principles as well as the use of project-based activities in an operational environment. The unit provides theory-based, and research proven, practical approaches to the management of operations in a dynamic environment. If you have successfully completed the unit MGMT20085 you should not enrol in this unit.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 2 - 2017
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure – International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback – Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from 'Have your say'
All the lecturers and the coordinator are really good! They are the most experienced teachers that I have ever seen. They teach me not only the knowledge but also learning strategies. They are always kindly help me"
Maintain respectful support to assist each student's progress.
Feedback from 'Have your say'
"The notes and video conferencing and the ability to communicate and feedback was excellent"
Maintain currency of material by incorporating Australian examples and topical issues that have implications for an operations manager.
Feedback from 'Have your say'
"Firstly the course is very interesting as it includes practical approach"
Maintain the link between the insights from evidence-based research published in the Journals and the application of these to the operating contexts for managers in this field.
Feedback from 'Have your say'
"Good to see the changes over the years. It is becoming an environment for students to succeed"
Maintain uploading the weekly Zoom sessions and the specific Zoom workshops prior to assignment submission.
Feedback from 'Have your say'
"We are busy people and more video content would be easier and more convenient way to understand the principles. Also busy people travel a lot and a podcast format of the modues would assist. If the book came in an audio version it would help tired eyes and give an opportunity to cover the chapters whilst travelling, driving, walking etc"
Zoom sessions each week are uploaded in both video and audio format. The request for an audio version of the text is acknowledge as an improvement if one can be sourced'
Feedback from 'Have your say'
"More interaction opportunity with manager could be provided to enhance practical knowledge of student"
Record and upload interviews with Operations Managers around specific topics.
- critically examine operations management and the role of operations managers within the organisation;
- apply a systems approach to the management of operational functions;
- explain and assess the linkages between operations and other functions within the organisation;
- identify, analyse and find solutions to contentious issues and situations in the management of operations;
- critically evaluate the role that operations management plays in achieving the sustainability goals of an organisation; and
- demonstrate a critical awareness of contemporary developments in operations management.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 25% | ||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 35% | ||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | ||||||
| 2 - Communication | ||||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | ||||||
| 4 - Research | ||||||
| 5 - Self-management | ||||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | ||||||
| 7 - Leadership | ||||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | ||||||
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes
| Assessment Tasks | Graduate Attributes | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 25% | ||||||||
| 2 - Written Assessment - 35% | ||||||||
| 3 - Written Assessment - 40% | ||||||||
Textbooks
Operations Management for MBAs
Edition: 5th IE (2013)
Authors: Meredith JR, & Shafer SM
Wiley
Hoboken Hoboken , NJ , USA
ISBN: 9781118379790
Binding: Paperback
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
m.n.johnson@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction to Operations Management
Developing customer value.
Chapter
Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Operations and competitive strategy
Chapter
Chapter 1
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Process planning and design
Chapter
Chapter 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Controlling processes
Chapter
Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Using 'six sigma' to improve processes
Chapter
Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Using 'lean' principles to improve processes
Chapter
Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Project management
Chapter
Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Managing the supply chain
Chapter
Chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Managing inventory
Chapter
Chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Location and capacity strategies
Chapter
Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Forecasting and managing demand
Chapter
Chapter 8 (Supplement)
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Review of operations management
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
Module/Topic
Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
The primary purpose of this reflective essay is to focus attention on the discipline of Operations Management and the likely skills necessary as jobs and careers evolve in response to technology and other developments.
Your task is to choose a topic that interests you from one of the eleven to be covered from week 1 to week 11 (see the unit schedule in the Unit Profile).
Write a brief description of your understanding of what the topic is about, and how formal study of this topic will help you develop the necessary skills that can respond to technology and other developments.
As this is an essay, no headings or references are required.
Week 4 Monday (31 July 2017) 9:00 am AEST
Monday (21 Aug 2017)
5:00PM
Your reflective essay will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Succinct understanding of the chosen topic: 20%
Identification of technology and other developments emerging in the field: 30%
Compelling evaluation of how current skills are likely to evolve in response to the above: 30%
Quality of self-reflective evaluation of skills gap and how formal study will help you specifically: 15%
Clarity of expression, grammar, use of Australian English, in an essay format: 5%
Report length 1000-words (±10%). Submissions that exceed 1100 words will be penalised at a rate of 1% per 100-words (or part thereof) of the nominated assessment value.
Submissions must be in an essay format using Word with 1.5 line spacing and Times Roman 12 point font.
Submit this assignment through Turnitin in Moodle, with a cover sheet showing the unit name and code, assessment number, your name and student number.
Late submissions will also be penalised at the rate of "five per cent of the total marks available for the assessment each calendar day (full or part) it is overdue" (Policy: Assessment of Coursework section 3.2.4)
- critically examine operations management and the role of operations managers within the organisation;
- apply a systems approach to the management of operational functions;
- explain and assess the linkages between operations and other functions within the organisation;
- identify, analyse and find solutions to contentious issues and situations in the management of operations;
- critically evaluate the role that operations management plays in achieving the sustainability goals of an organisation; and
- demonstrate a critical awareness of contemporary developments in operations management.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
2 Written Assessment
This assessment task is designed to apply Operations Management principles, theories and models. You are to apply these to analyse the current operations of an organisation described in a short case study. The assignment requires you to write a succinct business report that identifies the operational issues in the case and develops an argument about their root causes. As such, your diagnostic business report presents a cause/effect argument that reflects the insights from extensive research within the academic literature relating to operations management. The objective is to identify and specify the problems that exist (do not try to solve the case study). Some research into the sector would also be beneficial.
Full details of the case and assignment requirements are available on the unit website.
Week 7 Monday (28 Aug 2017) 9:00 am AEST
Monday (11 Sept 2017)
5:00PM
Your diagnostic report will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Thorough understanding of relevant concepts, principles, theories, tools and models used in identifying the issues in the case study and diagnosing their causes: 45%
Compelling expression of your evidence-based arguments: 30%
Clear flow of thought throughout the paper with a clear and succinct purpose described in the introduction and a clear and succinct summary of the causes of the issues: 10%
Critical analysis and integration of relevant academic insights from at least ten (10) academic journals: 10%
Appropriate in text referencing and reference list. Adherence to APA formatting: 5%
Report length 2000-words (±10%). Submissions that exceed 2200 words (reference list excluded) will be penalised at a rate of 1% per 100-words (or part thereof) of the nominated assessment value.
Submissions must be in Business Report format using Word with 1.5 line spacing and Times Roman 12 point font.
Submit this assignment through Turnitin in Moodle, with a cover sheet showing the unit name and code, assessment number, your name and student number.
Late submissions will also be penalised at the rate of "five per cent of the total marks available for the assessment each calendar day (full or part) it is overdue" (Policy: Assessment of Coursework section 3.2.4)
- critically examine operations management and the role of operations managers within the organisation;
- apply a systems approach to the management of operational functions;
- explain and assess the linkages between operations and other functions within the organisation;
- identify, analyse and find solutions to contentious issues and situations in the management of operations;
- critically evaluate the role that operations management plays in achieving the sustainability goals of an organisation; and
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
3 Written Assessment
This assessment task extends the application of knowledge and skills demonstrated in previous unit assessments. In the context of the prescribed case study, you are required to analyse the current situation, identify key operational problems within the organisation, and develop a set of recommendations that, when implemented, will overcome the identified problems without creating new ones.
To be presented in a business report format, you are expected to provide a compelling analysis and recommendations supported by appropriate evidence and discussion from relevant academic literature. You are also required to develop an 18-month action plan that details how you propose to implement the recommendations.
Week 12 Friday (6 Oct 2017) 5:00 pm AEST
Assignments and marks will be made available after Grade Certification on November 3, 2017.
Your business report will be assessed according to the following criteria:
Thorough understanding of relevant concepts, principles, theories, tools and models used to analyse the current situation and key operational problems in the case study: 40%
Compelling expression of your evidence-based arguments leading to your recommendations: 25%
Development of an action plan to implement your recommendations over an 18-month period: 20%
Critical analysis and integration of relevant academic insights from at least fifteen (15) academic journals: 10%
Appropriate in-text referencing and reference list. Adherence to APA formatting: 5%
Report length 3000-words (±10%). Submissions that exceed 3300 words (reference list excluded) will be penalised at a rate of 1% per 100-words (or part thereof) of the nominated assessment value.
Submissions must be in Business Report format using Word with 1.5 line spacing and Times Roman 12 point font.
Submit this assignment through Turnitin in Moodle, with a cover sheet showing the unit name and code, assessment number, your name and student number.
Late submissions will also be penalised at the rate of "five per cent of the total marks available for the assessment each calendar day (full or part) it is overdue" (Policy: Assessment of Coursework section 3.2.4)
- critically examine operations management and the role of operations managers within the organisation;
- apply a systems approach to the management of operational functions;
- explain and assess the linkages between operations and other functions within the organisation;
- identify, analyse and find solutions to contentious issues and situations in the management of operations;
- critically evaluate the role that operations management plays in achieving the sustainability goals of an organisation; and
- demonstrate a critical awareness of contemporary developments in operations management.
- Knowledge
- Communication
- Cognitive, technical and creative skills
- Research
- Self-management
- Ethical and Professional Responsibility
- Leadership
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
