Course coordinator
Mr Brian Lorigan
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Location
- Brisbane City
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Business School
Students will learn how operations support the delivery of an enterprise’s strategy and how operational capabilities contribute to its competitive advantage. Using a process-based approach, the course explores concepts and practical frameworks for managing and transforming operations to create value. Operations are considered in the context of the customers they serve, the supply chains in which they participate, and their sustainability impacts. The course includes a range of case studies across service and manufacturing industry sectors exemplifying the core concepts.
12 seminars, 2 per day in intensive mode, with a final course review, spread over ~3 weeks of teaching
We will also conduct a site visit to a business that embodies much of what we discuss in our course, likely in the final of the three teaching weeks - timing to be confirmed with our host company.
Sustainable Development Goals - UQ Business School is a proud supporter and Advanced Signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Management Education (UN PRME). As part of the largest global collaboration between business schools and the UN, the school emphasises its role in empowering students to drive societal transformation through the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDGs highlight that a thriving economy relies on a healthy environment, aiming to balance economic growth, social well-being, and environmental protection for a sustainable future.
Course requirements
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
MGTS7807
Restrictions
GCBA, GDipBA, MBA
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Mr Brian Lorigan
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
The course aims to equip students with the tools, frameworks, and understanding necessary to manage and transform service and manufacturing operations across industry sectors. Using a process-based approach, students explore a range of operational issues, understand the key management decisions required, and learn to develop operations strategies and plans that support delivery of the enterprise strategy.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
Identify the integral role operations play in the formulation and delivery of enterprise strategy.
LO2.
Analyse operations processes and supply chains to sustainably maximise value while managing risk.
LO3.
Work in teams to solve an operational problem and reflect how feedback from stakeholders can lead to a more robust solution.
LO4.
Plan, execute and review operations across all time frames to deliver strategic and operational objectives.
LO5.
Define and recommend continuous and/or transformational improvements that enhance enterprise value.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiz |
A1: Online Quizzes (2: first one after seminar 6; second one after seminar 13)
|
20% |
12/09/2025 2:00 pm 31/10/2025 2:00 pm
There are two quizzes, each worth 10% of total course marks, with separate due dates. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Reflection |
A2: Team Case Study Presentation and Reflection
|
40% (Presentation 30%, Individual Reflection 10%) |
22/09/2025 - 27/10/2025
Presentations will be delivered in class from session 9 (22nd September 2025) to session 13 (27th October 2025), pending the number of teams. Individual reflection is due 1 week after team's case presentation at 1pm. |
| Paper/ Report/ Annotation | A3: Operational Review Report | 40% |
12/11/2025 2:00 pm |
Assessment details
A1: Online Quizzes (2: first one after seminar 6; second one after seminar 13)
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Quiz
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
12/09/2025 2:00 pm
31/10/2025 2:00 pm
There are two quizzes, each worth 10% of total course marks, with separate due dates.
- Other conditions
- Time limited.
Task description
A1 Online Quizes (two x 10% each, online. individual, open book)
- Quiz 1 (10%): Short answer questions covering the topics addressed in the first 6 sessions
- Quiz 2 (10%): Short answer analytical questions testing the student’s understanding of topics covered in the second half of the course.
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
Online via Blackboard. Time limited once started.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
Late submission
Exams submitted after the end of the submission time will incur a late penalty.
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.
A2: Team Case Study Presentation and Reflection
- Team or group-based
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation, Presentation, Reflection
- Weight
- 40% (Presentation 30%, Individual Reflection 10%)
- Due date
22/09/2025 - 27/10/2025
Presentations will be delivered in class from session 9 (22nd September 2025) to session 13 (27th October 2025), pending the number of teams.
Individual reflection is due 1 week after team's case presentation at 1pm.
- Other conditions
- Peer assessment factor.
Task description
Each student is allocated at random to a team which is assigned one case study. Participants work together to address the identified operational issues of the case study and formulate a strategy and recommendations to address them.
The team prepares a presentation of their solution to the case for a Board-level audience. After making their presentation to the class, the team participates in a question-and-answer discussion on their proposal.
Each member of the team then completes a short, written reflection on the insights and learnings obtained from the class discussion.
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
Case study presentations and individual reflections to be submitted online in the course Assessment link on Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
A3: Operational Review Report
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Paper/ Report/ Annotation
- Weight
- 40%
- Due date
12/11/2025 2:00 pm
Task description
The objective of the Operational Review is to prepare a 1,500-to-2,000-word Board-level Operational Review report on an aspect of the operations of an organisation selected by the student. 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 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.
The student will select an aspect of the operation different to that covered in the Team Case Study Presentation.
This assessment item offers an opportunity for a Work Integrated Learning experience for students with an appropriate work connection.
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 via TurnItIn in Blackboard.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
The maximum extension allowed is 7 days. Extensions are given in multiples of 24 hours.
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.
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.
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.
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
Filter activity type by
Please select
| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Not scheduled |
Excursion |
Site visit - optional but highly recommended. Exact date to be discussed with class |
Week 1 |
Seminar |
Session 1 - Course Introduction; Operations and Supply Chain Strategy |
Week 2 |
Seminar |
Session 2 - Transformation Processes |
Week 3 |
Seminar |
Session 3 - Strategic Capacity Management |
Week 4 |
Seminar |
Session 4 - Monitoring and Control (1) |
Week 5 |
Seminar |
Session 5 - Monitoring and Control (2) |
Week 6 |
Seminar |
Session 6 - Process Analysis and Modelling |
Week 7 |
Seminar |
Session 7 - Operations Transformation (1): Process Improvement & Six Sigma |
Week 8 |
Seminar |
Session 8 - Operations Transformation (2): Lean transformation |
Week 9 |
Seminar |
Session 9 - Guest lecture + Outsourcing; Insourcing; Global Sourcing and Operations; Service Process Automation |
Mid Sem break |
No student involvement (Breaks, information) |
In-Semester Break |
Week 10 |
Seminar |
Session 10 - Projects and Project Management |
Week 12 |
Seminar |
Session 11 - Supply Chain Planning |
Seminar |
Session 12 - Supply Chain Management |
|
Week 13 |
Seminar |
Session 13 - Course Conclusion |
Additional learning activity information
Sustainable Development Goals
This course integrates the following Sustainable Development Goals through lectures and assessment.
Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
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:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.