Unit 498: Business Operations

1. Introduction to Business Operations

• Definition and scope of business operations
• Role of operations in organizational success
• Key terms and definitions in operations management
• Overview of operational processes: input, transformation, output

2. Operations Strategy

• Importance of operations strategy in business
• Competitive advantage through operations
• Aligning operations strategy with organizational goals
• Decision-making in operations management
• Case examples of successful operations strategies

3. Process Design and Analysis

• Fundamentals of process design
• Process mapping techniques (flowcharts, SIPOC)
• Identifying bottlenecks and constraints
• Tools for process analysis (value stream mapping, process simulation)
• Strategies to improve process efficiency
• Evaluating process performance metrics

4. Quality Management

• Principles of Total Quality Management (TQM)
• Introduction to Six Sigma methodology
• Quality control tools (Pareto charts, cause and effect diagrams, control charts)
• Continuous improvement and Kaizen
• Implementing quality management systems

5. Supply Chain Management

• Overview of supply chain concepts
• Supplier relationship management
• Logistics and distribution management
• Inventory management techniques (JIT, EOQ)
• Integration of supply chain activities for operational effectiveness

6. Lean Operations

• Lean principles and philosophy
• Identifying and eliminating waste (Muda)
• Lean tools and techniques (5S, Kanban, Value Stream Mapping)
• Enhancing productivity and customer value through lean
• Case studies of lean implementations

7. Project Management

• Introduction to project management in operations
• Project life cycle phases: initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, closure
• Tools and techniques (Gantt charts, Critical Path Method, PERT)
• Risk and resource management in projects

8. Performance Measurement and Improvement

• Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in operations
• Designing performance measurement systems
• Benchmarking best practices
• Continuous improvement strategies and feedback loops

9. Risk Management in Operations

• Identifying operational risks
• Risk assessment and prioritization
• Mitigation strategies and contingency planning
• Business continuity planning

10. Sustainability in Operations

• Principles of sustainability in business operations
• Environmental management practices
• Social responsibility and ethical considerations
• Sustainable supply chain initiatives
• Measuring and reporting sustainability performance