Unit 937: Operations Management

1. Introduction to Operations Management

• Definition and scope of operations management
• Importance of operations management in organizations
• Role of operations in achieving organizational goals
• Key functions and responsibilities of operations managers

2. Operations Strategy

• Concept and significance of operations strategy
• Aligning operations strategy with business objectives
• Decision areas: quality, capacity, flexibility, and sustainability
• Strategic frameworks and tools for operations strategy development

3. Process Design and Analysis

• Fundamentals of process design
• Types of production processes (job, batch, mass, continuous)
• Process mapping and flowcharting techniques
• Tools for process analysis (e.g., process flow analysis, value stream mapping)
• Identifying bottlenecks and waste reduction

4. Capacity Planning

• Definition and objectives of capacity planning
• Short-term vs. long-term capacity decisions
• Methods for capacity planning (forecasting, queuing theory, simulation)
• Capacity utilization and its impact on performance

5. Inventory Management

• Importance of inventory in operations
• Types of inventory (raw materials, work-in-progress, finished goods)
• Inventory control systems (EOQ, Just-In-Time, ABC analysis)
• Demand forecasting techniques
• Managing supplier relationships and supply chain integration

6. Lean Management

• Introduction to lean management principles
• The seven wastes (TIMWOOD)
• Lean tools and techniques: 5S, Kaizen, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping
• Implementing lean culture in operations

7. Six Sigma

• Overview of Six Sigma methodology
• DMAIC cycle (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control)
• Tools for process improvement and defect reduction
• Role of Six Sigma in enhancing quality management

8. Supply Chain Management

• Definition and components of supply chain management
• Coordination between sourcing, procurement, production, and logistics
• Strategies for supply chain integration and collaboration
• Technology in supply chain management (ERP, SCM software)

9. Quality Management

• Importance of quality in operations
• Quality control techniques and tools (control charts, Pareto analysis)
• Total Quality Management (TQM) principles
• Continuous improvement and benchmarking

10. Sustainability in Operations

• Concept of sustainability in operations management
• Environmental considerations and green operations
• Social responsibility and ethical decision-making
• Sustainable supply chain practices
• Long-term benefits of sustainability for business success