This module is a core requirement for those studying the HND in Business. It aims to introduce you to a project management methodology that can be used to develop the plans for to a hypothetical but realistic project. You will then examine operations models and concepts that will enable you to analyse real world operations, identify operational problems and suggest appropriate improvements. You will then compare and contrast the way operations and project managers typically work.
Skills developed
Employability
The skills taught during the sessions can be used practically in businesses and organisations. Exploring various business types will help to broaden student outlook on future career options.
There will be weekly two hour lectures / seminars and a weekly two hour workshops working on assignments and case studies. Lectures and seminars will be supported by regular Moodle postings which will include the following:
Scheme of work (abridged)
PowerPoint lecture outlines
Case study material
Website addresses.
Project Management seminars will introduce students to relevant theory and methodologies. Project management assignment workshops will stress the importance of team working and communication in small groups to develop a practical and viable project plan and will provide feedback and feed forward opportunities on a group and individual basis. Operations management lectures and seminars will introduce students to core principles in order to provide students with the theoretical foundation for analysis and application of such principles within a number of environments. Operations management workshops will also be examine key case studies. Operations management assignment workshops will allow students to work individually on the application of relevant concepts to a business or organisation they are familiar with and to propose solutions to operational problems.
Definitive UNISTATS Category | Indicative Description | Hours |
---|---|---|
Scheduled learning and teaching | Weekly, lectures, seminars, workshops and individual/group tutorials | 128 |
Guided independent study | 172 | |
Total (number of credits x 10) | 300 |
The operations management element is assessed by an individual business report in two parts. The first part examines the operations strategy of the selected business. After submission, marking and feedback on this, students investigate a single operational failure, examining the causes and suggesting an appropriate improvement plan.
The project management element is examined mostly by a group assignment. The students firstly produce a detailed project definition and work breakdown structure for a hypothetical project. They then prepare a detailed responsibility matrix and a project schedule including cost estimates prepared and also a Group Log containing a record of progress reports and the individual contribution of team members. The second part of this element is an individual assignment containing a Risk Register and suggested actions to mitigate the risks.
The third element ie. a comparison of the roles of operations and project managers is assessed by a presentation. Students firstly submit a hardcopy of their PowerPoint presentation and then deliver this in a ten minute slot to the lecturing team. This is followed by five minutes of questions.
Learning Outcome | Assessment Strategy |
---|---|
1) Analyse project requirements and break them down into manageable work packages that can be developed into a plan | Coursework 2 |
2) Identify potential risks and strategies to mitigate them | Coursework 2 |
3) Analyse a business by reviewing how operational strategy links to corporate goals and the importance of customer satisfaction | Coursework 1 |
4) Analyse the reasons for operational failure and suggest a strategy for improvement | Coursework 1 |
5) Demonstrate an understanding of and be able to recognise the differences and similarities between operations and projects | Practical examination |
6) Prepare and deliver a business presentation | Practical examination |
Description of Assessment | Definitive UNISTATS Categories | Percentage |
---|---|---|
Operations management individual assignment | Coursework 1 | 40% |
Project Management group portfolio including individual reflection | Coursework 2 | 40% |
Presentation comparing roles of operations and project managers | Practical examination | 20% |
Total (to equal 100%) | 100% |
It IS NOT a requirement that any major element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.
Hill, A. and Hill, T. (2011), Essential Operations Management, Palgrave Macmillan.
Dennis Lock (2012), Essentials of Project Management, Gower.