Course description
Every organization has an operations function, whether or not it is officially called ‘operations’. Most organizations produce goods or services and ‘operations management’ includes all the activities required to create and deliver them to customers or clients. This diploma course provides a clear and practical understanding of the central principles, practices and standards of operations management.
We begin by defining the role of an operations manager and identifying the key skills required to work as one. We then outline the historical development of operations management as a discipline and discuss its focus on decision-making. This course lays out the key aspects of operations management, including the roles of quality and supply chain management. We also explore strategies for managing production systems and overall equipment effectiveness.
This diploma course teaches you everything you need to know to understand and take on the role of a professional operations manager. We explain the important operations management responsibilities and decision-making skills you need to handle employees and the day-to-day running of your organization. You need to be able to handle people and logistics to perform as an operations manager so sign up to acquire a valuable new skill that can launch the next stage of your career.
Upcoming start dates
Training content
Introduction to Operations Management
Description: This module is designed to introduce the learner to the fundamental role of operations management. The module begins by defining the role of operations within an organisation and outlining the key skills and responsibilities of the operations manager. The module then moves onto explain the historical development of operations management and the three major phases of change, namely, craft manufacturing, mass production and the modern period. Lastly, the module also covers process management.
- Learning Outcomes
- Defining the Role of Operations Management
- Historical Development of Operations Management
- Role of Process Management in Operations Management
- Lesson Summary
Operations Management and Decision-Making
Description: This module is designed to introduce the learner to the fundamental role of decision-making in operations management. The module will begin by defining the role of decision making in operations management and will then explore the nine types of operations management decisions (i.e. inventory, capacity, quality, scheduling, process, technology, location, layout and supply chain). The module also covers how to develop the operations strategy using Hayes and Wheelwrights four stage model.
- Learning Outcomes
- Role of Decision-Making in Operations Management
- Types of Operations Management Decisions
- Operations Strategy
- Lesson Summary
Managing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
Description: This module is designed to introduce the learner to the fundamental role of managing Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) in operations management. The module begins be defining what OEE is and how to calculate OEE using a formula. Each component of the OEE formula is also explained. The module then outlines how Total Effective Equipment Performance (TEEP) can be used to measure how efficient an organisation's OEE is. The module then explains the Six Big Losses model and how to minimise losses.
- Learning Outcomes
- Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
- Loss Analysis and OEE
- Lesson Summary
Diploma in Operations Management - First Assessment
Description: This interim assessment is based on the first three modules of the Diploma in Operations Management course. If the learner does not achieve the required result after the first attempt, then the learner can re-take the assessment until a successful outcome of 80% or more is achieved.
- Assessment: Diploma in Operations Management (Ops) - First Assessment
Quality Management
Description: This module is designed to introduce the learner to the fundamental role of managing quality management from an operations management perspective. The module begins by highlighting the importance of quality management as a competitive advantage. The module then presents the two main approaches to quality management and highlights the importance of Total Quality Management (TQM). The module also examines the four key types of quality costs and explains how to apply TQM practices in operations.
- Learning Outcomes
- Introduction to Quality Management
- Total Quality Management (TQM)
- Applying TQM Practices in Operations Management
- Lesson Summary
Supply Chain Management
Description: This module is designed to introduce the learner to the fundamental role of managing the supply chain from an operations management perspective. The module begins by highlighting the importance of supply chain management as a competitive advantage. The module then moves onto highlight how the bullwhip effect occurs within the supply chain, including the four main causes, as well as guidelines on how to combat the bullwhip effect. Lastly, productivity and competitiveness are also covered.
- Learning Outcomes
- The Role of the Supply Chain in Operations Management
- Relationship between Operations, Productivity and Competitiveness
- Lesson Summary
Managing Lean Production Systems
Description: This module is designed to introduce the learner to managing lean and JIT production systems. The module begins by highlighting the origins of lean production and its focus on reducing muda (wastes), mura (unevenness) and muri (overburden). The module then moves onto to introduce the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle and highlights some of the key techniques of the lean production approach such as kanban systems and the use of a heijunka box. Lastly, the four key inventory methods are also covered.
- Learning Outcomes
- Managing Lean Production Systems
- Inventory Management Techniques
- Lesson Summary
Diploma in Operations Management - Second Assessment
Description: This interim assessment is based on the modules 4, 5 and 6 of the Diploma in Operations Management course. If the learner does not achieve the required result after the first attempt, then the learner can re-take the assessment until a successful outcome of 80% or more is achieved.
- Assessment: Diploma in Operations Management (Ops) - Second Assessment
Course assessment
- Assessment: Diploma in Operations Management - Final Assessment
Certification / Credits
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Define the role of operations management in decision-making
- Outline the historical development of operations management
- Explain the ‘input/output’ transformation model
- Calculate ‘overall equipment effectiveness’ (OEE)
- Compare the two key types of quality management approaches
- Discuss the four types of inventory management technique
- Describe the four stages of Hayes and Wheelwright’s ‘Four Stages of Operations Contribution’
- Define the four major types of quality costs
- Identify the main causes of the ‘bullwhip effect’ (or ‘Forrester effect) in the supply chain & explain how to combat it
- State the purpose of the ‘lean production’ philosophy
- Describe the purpose of ‘kanban systems’ and ‘heijunka boxes’
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