Operations Management
Code
2359
Academic unit
null
Department
null
Credits
3,5
Teacher in charge
Alper Nakkas
Teaching language
English
Objectives
Operations management is the study of processes: the sequence of activities by which organizations take inputs and transform them into goods and service that customers value. For example, a process might be the way in which a computer manufacturer fulfills an order for a desktop computer how does it assemble the computer, how does it manage the supply of components that go into the computer (e.g., disk drives), how does it deliver the computer to the final customer. Another process might be the way an airline transports its customers how should routes be structured, how should airplane turn-around be managed, how should planes and crews be scheduled, how should customers waiting times be managed In this class, we will explore questions like these that relate to the design, management, and execution of processes in a variety of businesses.
This is a survey course designed to give you an introduction to many areas in operations. In the introduction module, we begin with a discussion of operations strategy to develop an understanding regarding the relationship between corporate objectives and proper design and management of operational processes.
-In the second module, we study processes in more detail. Regardless of the setting, manufacturing or service, we study process analysis and the impact of variability in a process. In the third module, we study operational issues that are specific to service settings.
-In the fourth module, we will discuss supply chain management, the design and management of processes related to product and information flows between companies. In the last module, we discuss scheduling aspects of project management.
Prerequisites
N/A
Subject matter
Class 1 - Introduction
Class 2 - Process Analysis - I
Class 1 - Process Analysis - II
Class 2 - Variability in Processes
Class 1 - Problem Diagnosis
Class 2 - Inventory Management
Class 1 - Project Management
Class 2 - Waiting in Line Analysis
Class 1 - Waiting in Healthcare
Class 2 - Supply Chain Management
Class 1 - Supply Chain Contracting
Class 2 - Supply Chain Collaboration
Bibliography
1. Donner Company (HBS 9-689-030)
2. University Health Services: Walk-In Clinic (HBS 9-681-061)
3. Hamptonshire Express (HBS 9-698-053) Suggested Textbook
"Matching Supply with Demand: An Introduction to Operations Management" (McGraw Hill, 2011) by Gérard Cachon and Christian Terwiesch, the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania. HONOR CODE
The Honor Code binds students and the following specific guidelines for all work completed in this course.
Please ask your professor (and not other students) if you have any questions regarding how the Honor Code applies to this course.
Teaching method
There are two classes per week. Each class is of 1h20m. Lectures will be the predominant form of presentation and will be complemented by discussion of case studies, in-class exercises and/or projects discussion. The learning in the classroom is based on interaction among class members (including the instructor). Preparation for each case and project analysis and active participation in class discussion is critical when we are to learn from each other (individuals and/or teams, depending on the number of students) to facilitate learning, particularly for the case analysis and projects and case studies discussion.
All team members are expected to evaluate and to listen to the evaluation of their teammates and give feedback and suggestions to teammates on their work, as well (this will have impact on evaluation). No free riders are accepted to obtain approval on the course.
Evaluation method
30% of your grade will be based on group work and 70% will be based on individual work. Your course grade will be determined as follows: