Course Description

A study of how companies may use the operations function to create a strategic competitive weapon. Current issues and methods used in the management of the production of goods and services in the modern enterprise will be considered, with emphasis on the need to apply appropriate strategies and methods in different manufacturing and service situations and in frequently changing competitive environments in a global setting. Topics considered may include operations strategy, managing quality, facility location and layout, integrating technology, forecasting, operations planning and control, capacity management, inventory management, project management, and a review of modern production systems, including MRP, just-in-time production, and synchronous manufacturing. Other topics may be considered as time permits.

Course Sequencing

This course is the third course in Stage II of the MBA program. Students will have taken all Stage I courses and MBA 621 and 622 in Stage II prior to taking this course.

Course Educational Objectives

Upon successful completion of the course, the students will be able to:

· Describe how the operations function can be used to create a strategic competitive advantage for an enterprise;

· Explain the differences between different types of operating environments and how they are important in positioning and focusing the operations functions;

· Explain how the issues of quality management, facility location and layout, the integration of technology into operations, and establishing strong linkages with other organizational functions, suppliers, and customers affect the development of a viable competitive operations strategy;

· Describe the use of forecasting, aggregate planning, master scheduling, capacity management, and operations scheduling tools in balancing demand requirements with capacity limitations;

· Describe how inventory may be effectively managed; and

· Describe the concepts and use of modern operations management systems (i.e. project management, MRP II, just-in-time manufacturing, and synchronous manufacturing.

Measurement of Attainment of Course Objectives

Attainment of course educational objectives by the student is measured by scores on examinations and quizzes, evaluation of written documentation of research activities, evaluation of oral presentations, and class instruction assessment techniques.

Course Content, Perspectives Coverage, Integration, Communication Coverage,

Quantitative and Computer Coverage, and Instructional Resources

Course content, perspectives coverage, integration, communication coverage, quantitative and computer coverage, and instructional resources are consistent with the MBA 623 master course outline on file in the School of Business MBA Coordinator’s office.

Course Relationship to the School of Business’ Shared Values

· Lifelong learning skills will be enhanced through the use of organizational, critical thinking, and research skills for student projects.

· Workplace knowledge and skills will be enhanced through setting priorities, organizing work, and using time wisely. Case studies will provide an improved understanding of real-world problems and techniques used in problem-solving.

· Integration of technology will be accomplished through several of the items from Communications Coverage and Instructional Resources.

· Development of values and ethics will be addressed as a topic area.

· Business community connections will be established during the case study research project through interviews with representatives of organizations developing, implementing, or employing the tools and/or concepts studied during this course.

Textbook

Merideth, J. and Shafer, S. Operations Management for MBAs, 2^nd Ed. John Wiley & Sons: New York, NY, 2003.

Grading

Case Study Homework Assignments 20%

Mid-term Exam 20%

Research report presentation 15%

Research report documentation 25%

Final Examination 20%

Total 100%

A = 92 -100%

B+ = 89 - 91%

B = 84 - 89%

C+ = 81 - 83%

C = 77 - 80%

D+ = 75 - 76%

D = 70 - 74%

F = less than 70%

Research Report

Each student will be required to conduct an extensive research project using the case study methodology and report on the results of the research to the class. The topic of the research will be proposed by the student and approved by the instructor. Further details concerning this project will be articulated in class.