Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

The production of goods or services is the core activity of all organisations, irrespective of whether the organisation is part of the private sector, the public sector, or the not-for-profit sector. While the production of goods and services is the core activity of the organisation, it is only made possible by the integrated support of other functional and administrative areas of the organisation. It is essential that you gain an understanding of the central issues in relation to the production of goods and services, and how other functional and administrative areas contribute to this core activity. A key focus of the production of goods and services is the use of different qualitative and quantitative techniques to assist in managerial decision making. This also gives the unit a broader application than simply goods and services management.

Aims

In this unit, you will be introduced to the sub-discipline of management known as operations management. The design of the unit places a strong emphasis on services operations, reflecting the realities of the Australian and international economies. Your study of this important and interesting sub-discipline will be grounded in a practical approach that centres on business strategy and the customer perspective. At the same time you will be introduced to some of the analytical and statistical tools available for use in applying operations management techniques.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Undergraduate)
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Have knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline (KS)

1.1 Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
1.2 Incorporate the use of technology appropriate to the discipline and context

Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)

2.1 Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue

Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)

3.1 Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
3.2 Communicate effectively through professional oral presentations appropriate to varied contexts and audiences

Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)

4.1 Demonstrate effective team skills in order to contribute appropriately to the production of a group output

Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)

5.1 Apply ethical reasoning, standards or codes of practice relevant to the discipline and make decisions that are informed by social and cultural understanding


Unit Objectives
Upon successful completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Explain the key operations management activities, processes, technologies and techniques and how they interact with other management functions.
2. Solve real operations management problems in different operational settings and organisations using selected analytical and statistical tools and techniques.
3. Evaluate operational management decisions, strategies and activities in terms of consistency with other organisational strategies and management functions and the expectations of the broader community.
4. Communicate arguments and conclusions about operations management problems and issues in a variety of written formats to a target audience.


The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.

Content

The unit examines, in an introductory way, the major concepts that are used in managing the operations of an organisation, in either goods or services. It also introduces a managerial element by having you consider the organisational implications of problems that can be encountered in managing operations. The unit content draws heavily upon practical examples of operational issues in both goods and services organisations and how theory can provide action possibilities.

Introduction to managing operations (goods and services, value chain)

Managing operations and organisation theories

Measuring performance; strategy and operations; ethics; corporate social responsibility

Technology and operations

Goods and services design; process selection, design, and analysis

Facility and work design; waiting lines; front office/back office interface

Supply chain design (includes location planning)

Capacity management

Forecasting and demand planning

Managing inventories

Resource management

Quality management and quality control

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

A wide range of strategies are utilised in teaching this unit. While the structure is a 2 hour lecture and tutorial a range of approaches are utilised to create interactive learning experiences. Lectures involve the use of videos, discussion, case analysis, and the analysis of theory. Tutorials utilise experiential exercises, case analysis, group and small group discussions, presentations and others.

This unit uses the SafeAssign tool in BlackBoard. SafeAssign is a text matching tool that assists students to develop the academic skills required to correctly use and cite reference material as well as to check citations and determine possible instances of plagiarism. You will be expected to submit draft and/or final versions of one or more assignments using SafeAssign. Your Unit Coordinator will provide detailed information on how the software will be used in this unit.

Assessment

The assessment in this unit aims to support your achievement of the learning objectives for both Discipline Knowledge and Other Graduate Capabilities. Assessment has been designed in order to allow you to:

Receive feedback on your learning as you progress toward the development of knowledge, understanding, skills and attitudes (formative assessment); and

Demonstrate your learning in order to achieve a final grade (summative assessment).

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation

Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary

Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation

Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment name: Case Study
Description: This is an introductory case to allow you to examine how existing operations impact upon potential future operations.
Length/Duration: 2,000 words
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), SEU (5.1)
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 7

Assessment name: Final Examination
Description: The examination will include a number of operational issues that you will have to solve, using the appropriate techniques and then discuss the implications of the solutions to the operational management of the organisation.
Length/Duration: 2 hours
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1)
Weight: 60%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed Text
Russell, Roberta S & Taylor, Bernard W. III (2011), Operations Management; creating value along the supply chain. Hoboken, NJ, John Wiley and Sons.

Other Resources
See unit Blackboard site for other resources.
There are no other costs associated with this unit.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 17-Jan-2013