Course profile

Operations Design (BISM7807)

Study period
Sem 2 2024
Location
Brisbane City
Attendance mode
In Person

Course overview

Study period
Semester 2, 2024 (22/07/2024 - 18/11/2024)
Study level
Postgraduate Coursework
Location
Brisbane City
Attendance mode
In Person
Units
2
Administrative campus
St Lucia
Coordinating unit
Business School

The objective of this course is to develop the student's understanding of operations and process design within an organisation, and how they relate to the organisation's corporate objectives and business development and sustainability. Students should gain an understanding of the major theoretical issues and concepts relating to the discipline of operations and core business process design, as well as an understanding of the practical application of these concepts.

This course introduces MBA students to organisational operations by providing an introduction to the basic concepts of operations management, with a focus on strategic issues.

A conceptual, and contemporary approach is used to examine an organisation’s operational processes to determine their appropriateness. The processes are then examined in more detail, subjected to measurement to determine whether they are producing output of adequate quality, and then evaluated for improvement. Topics covered include supply chain integration and management, yield management, Six Sigma, Lean management, Data collection and statistical analysis.

The course utilises material that is conceptual and strategic, and tailored to meet the needs of MBA students who will benefit more from discussions and examples than heavy quantitative presentations. Having said that, students are expected to support recommendations made in operations with sound arguments and convincing evidence. Examples featuring services organisations and international companies are used to engage and prepare students for operations in the global economy.

On completion of the course students will be able to:

  • Deliver superior managerial performance with significant business impact
  • Apply what is learned to an organisation's performance in international as well as domestic markets, using operations and supply chain management techniques to create value.
  • Transform their organisation’s operations to a seamless project-process oriented system
  • Discover the keys to making operations visible by improving visibility and reducing clutter
  • Formulate practical ideas, models and tools that will help examine and evaluate their process management techniques

Course requirements

Recommended prerequisites

We recommend completing the following courses before enrolling in this one:

MGTS7801 and 7803

Incompatible

You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:

MGTS7060 or 7807

Restrictions

GCBA, GDipBA, MBA

Course contact

Course staff

Lecturer

Timetable

The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.

Additional timetable information

Please note: Teaching staff do not have access to the timetabling system to help with class allocation. Therefore, should you need help with your timetable and/or allocation of classes, please ensure you email business.mytimetable@uq.edu.au from your UQ student email account with the following details:

Full Name

Student ID

Course Code

Aims and outcomes

Aims and outcomes

This course aims to develop a students' understanding of operations and process design within differing types of organisations, ranging from service-based organisations to manufacturing-based organisations. In doing so, students will learn that operational objectives lie at the core of what an organisation does, and that efficient and effective organisational processes are needed to support an organisation's aims and objectives. Further, this course aims to provide students with the necessary tools and techniques to gather data, evaluate and measure the effectiveness of an organisation's operations, and provide mechanisms for ongoing performance reporting and accountability.

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course you should be able to:

LO1.

Demonstrate a comprehensive working knowledge of operations management and application systems and practices, and apply operations management process tools and frameworks to improve core business processes.

LO2.

Understand why quality is core to successful operations, and how operational practices contribute to the production of quality products in both service and manufacturing environments.

LO3.

Identify the core business processes along an organisation's supply chain and the interactions that will lead to high quality outcomes in a computer-based environment.

LO4.

Appraise the use of operations design modelling and analytical tools to recommend solutions to operational problems.

LO5.

Apply theoretical principles to a real-world case study.

LO6.

Work collaboratively and professionally in a student team on an assigned case study and in seminar group activities.

Course overview
Assessment

Assessment

Assessment summary

Category Assessment task Weight Due date
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation Team Case Study Presentation and Report
  • Team or group-based
 30%

11/09/2024 - 30/10/2024

Dates will depend on the number of groups which depends on the class size
Paper/ Report/ Annotation Individual Operational Audit Report 40%

28/10/2024 1:00 pm
Paper/ Report/ Annotation Individual Take-Home Assessment 30%

9/11/2024 - 10/11/2024

This assessment item will become available at 1pm on Saturday, November 9th and must be completed by 1pm on Sunday, November 10th.

Assessment details

Team Case Study Presentation and Report

  • Team or group-based
Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation
Weight
30%
Due date

11/09/2024 - 30/10/2024

Dates will depend on the number of groups which depends on the class size

Other conditions
Peer assessment factor.

See the conditions definitions

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06

Task description

  • In the first seminar, teams will be allocated to work together throughout the course.
  • The participants of each team will work together on a case study to identify the operational issues, and formulate a strategy for moving forward.
  • The overall objective of the case study is to prepare a 1,500 word board report on the operations of the case assigned to the team.
  • The team will present their solutions to the class. (This will form 10% of the course assessment.) A total of 30 minutes will be allocated for each presentation including a class discussion. Teams should allocate 10 to 15 minutes within the time allocated for discussion with the lecturer and class. The presentation schedule will be communicated at the first seminar.
  • The team will then write up the Case Study Report, incorporating feedback from the presentation. The style of the report should be as if being submitted to the Board of Directors of the Case Study entity. (This will form 20% of the course assessment.)


The study must concentrate on the operational aspects of the operation considered. While there may be marketing or strategic issues involved, for example, it would not be appropriate to devote all the analysis to development of marketing plans or strategic plans. The aim of the exercise is not only to demonstrate an understanding of how the operation supports or hinders the attainment of the organisation's objectives but more importantly to identify any outstanding operational problems and make recommendations for improvement.

 

The final report should include the following:

  1. an Executive Summary;
  2. a brief description of the business or organisational objectives and context including its method of obtaining competitive advantage;
  3. an analysis of the operational issues and challenges involved;
  4. identification of the problems involved, including problems already dealt with;
  5. identification of any outstanding problems;
  6. recommendations and implementation plans to address these problems.


As a team assessment item, it is important team members have the opportunity to provide a peer evaluation with this assessment. Team members will be given the oppportunity to provide feedback on the contributions made by other team members. Consequently, an individual team member's assessment may increase or decrease as a result of the evaluation of their contribution to the team by their peers. Further details will be provided in the class by the Course Coordinator during Seminar One.


Further details will be provided in the case study briefing available in Seminar One.

AI Statement

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Report submitted to TurnItIn in Blackboard Assessment link one week after presentation. Presentation must be emailed to the lecturer immediately after the presentation in class.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Students may be eligible to apply for an extension. Follow the process set out in https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Items (for which no extension has been granted) submitted after the due date and time, incur a late submission penalty. The Late Submission Penalty is applied for that particular piece of assessment, for each calendar day or part thereof that the item is overdue. The penalty once calculated is deducted from the marks awarded for the assessment.

Individual Operational Audit Report

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
40%
Due date

28/10/2024 1:00 pm

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

  • The overall objective of the Operational Audit is to prepare a 1,500 to 2,000 word Operational Audit report on an aspect of the operations of an organisation selected by the student.
  • The study must primarily concentrate on the operational aspects of the operation identified. While there may be marketing or strategic issues involved, it would not be appropriate to devote all the analysis to the development of marketing or strategic plans. 
  • This task requires consideration of one or more of the analytical frameworks or methodologies addressed in the course to examine the organisation's operations and to support the conclusions reached and any recommendations proposed.
  • The aim of the assignment is not only to demonstrate an understanding of how the operation supports or hinders the attainment of the organisation's objectives, but also to identify any outstanding operational problems, and make recommendations for improvement, focussed at Board level.
  • Further information will be supplied in the assignment guideline.

AI Statement

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Translation (MT) are emerging tools that may support students in completing this assessment task. Students may appropriately use AI and/or MT in completing this assessment task. Students must clearly reference any use of AI or MT in each instance.

A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Submitted through TurnItIn in the Blackboard Assessment link.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Students may be eligible to apply for an extension. Follow the process set out in https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension.

Late submission

A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.

Items (for which no extension has been granted) submitted after the due date and time, incur a late submission penalty. The Late Submission Penalty is applied for that particular piece of assessment, for each calendar day or part thereof that the item is overdue. The penalty once calculated is deducted from the marks awarded for the assessment.

Individual Take-Home Assessment

Mode
Written
Category
Paper/ Report/ Annotation
Weight
30%
Due date

9/11/2024 - 10/11/2024

This assessment item will become available at 1pm on Saturday, November 9th and must be completed by 1pm on Sunday, November 10th.

Learning outcomes
L01, L02, L03, L04, L05

Task description

This assessment is a take-home assessment of 24 hours in duration. However, it is expected that the assessment will take approximately two to three hours to complete. The assessment takes the form of several problem-solving (requiring mathematical calculations and interpretation of results) and short essay questions focussed upon a single cohesive case study addressing operational management issues. The assessment is to be completed individually. More details will be provided during seminars.

AI Statement

This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.

Submission guidelines

Submitted via TurnItIn in Blackboard. Late penalties will apply. No deferred assessment is provided for; rather, extensions in line with UQ policy will be provided where applicable.

Deferral or extension

You may be able to apply for an extension.

Students may be eligible to apply for an extension. Follow the process set out in https://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/applying-assessment-extension.

Late submission

Items (for which no extension has been granted) submitted after the due date and time, incur a late submission penalty. The Late Submission Penalty is applied for that particular piece of assessment, for each hour or part thereof that the item is overdue. The penalty once calculated is deducted from the marks awarded for the assessment.

Course grading

Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.

Grade Cut off Percent Description
1 (Low Fail) 0 - 29

Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.
2 (Fail) 30 - 46

Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes.
3 (Marginal Fail) 47 - 49

Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes
4 (Pass) 50 - 64

Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes.
5 (Credit) 65 - 74

Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes.
6 (Distinction) 75 - 84

Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes.
7 (High Distinction) 85 - 100

Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes.

Additional course grading information

Grades will be allocated according to University-wide standards of criterion-based assessment.

Supplementary assessment

Supplementary assessment is available for this course.

Aims and outcomes
Learning resources

Learning resources

You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.

Library resources

Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.

Additional learning resources information

Learn (Blackboard)

All courses are supported by the UQ Learning Management System, Blackboard Learn, which provides an interactive environment for the students and teachers. This is accessible via PC or Mac or Mobile (Apps) environment.

To log on to Blackboard, go to https://learn.uq.edu.au.

Lecture Recordings

The University supports the recording of teaching, for example lectures, to supplement face-to-face teaching. This policy reflects the University’s commitment to students taking responsibility for their own learning, as well as to flexible provision of access to supplementary learning resources.

Sustainable Development Goals

This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goals through lectures and assessment.

Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth

Goal 12: Responsible consumption and production

Goal 13: Climate action

Goal 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions


Assessment
Learning activities

Learning activities

The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.

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Learning period Activity type Topic
Week 1
Seminar

Session 1

Course Introduction; Operations and Supply Chain Strategy for Competitiveness

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Week 2
Seminar

Session 2

Projects and Project Management

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Week 3
Seminar

Session 3

Product Design; Transformation; Process Design and Planning

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Week 4
Seminar

Session 4

Monitoring and Controlling Processes.

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Week 5
Seminar

Session 5

Capacity Planning and Scheduling; Benihana Simulation

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Week 6
Seminar

Session 6

Process Measurement and Improvement with Six Sigma; Process Modelling

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Week 7
Seminar

Session 7

Process Improvement Lean and the Focus on Value; Agile

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Week 8
Seminar

Session 8

Supply Chain Strategy, Design, and Management

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Week 9
Seminar

Session 9

Supply Chain Planning and Analytics; Blockchain

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Mid Sem break
No student involvement (Breaks, information)

In-Semester Break

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Week 10
Seminar

Session 10

Supply Chain Management - Inventory Management

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Week 12
Seminar

Session 11

Outsourcing; Insourcing; Global Sourcing and Operations; Service Process Automation

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Seminar

Session 12

Corporate Social Responsibility; Sustainability; Regulatory Compliance in Operations

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Week 13
Seminar

Session 13

Course Conclusion; Guidance for the Take Home Assessment

Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04, L05, L06
Learning resources
Policies and procedures

Policies and procedures

University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:

Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.

Learning activities