This course focuses on the strategic, tactical, and operational aspects of managing production and service systems. Through analytical frameworks and applied methodologies, students examine how operations contribute to organizational performance and value creation.
Core topics include capacity planning, forecasting, product and process design, quality and lean management, inventory and layout strategies, and the role of technology in modern operations.
The course equips students with tools to address real-world challenges and enhance efficiency and innovation.
Titular Professors
Professors
None
RA.01 Explain the role of Operations Management within the overall business strategy and its interconnections with other functional areas of the company.
RA.02 Understand the key elements of Operations Management, including forecasting, product and service design, and quality management.
RA.03 Identify and analyze the main components of manufacturing operations: process strategy, location and layout design, and inventory management.
RA.04 Evaluate the impact of information technologies and digital tools on Operations Management, such as ERP, MES, Industry 4.0, Machine Learning, and Big Data.
RA.05 Develop a broader understanding of how Ethics and Sustainability apply to Operations Management across its three dimensions: economic, social, and environmental.
Topic 0 Introduction to the course
Topic 1 Operations Management, Strategy, Productivity + Capacity
Topic 2 Process + Theory of constraints
Topic 3 Forecasting
Topic 4 Operations Planning (BOM/ MPS / MRP)
Topic 5 Inventory Management
Topic 6 Quality Management
Topic 7 Sustainability & Technology (TBC)
Please refer to the detailed time schedule for specific topics per week.
This course follows some project-based learning methodology designed to encourage active student engagement, deep learning, and practical application of operations management concepts. Students are expected to take ownership of their learning by studying theoretical content independently before each in-person session.
1. Pre-Class Preparation
Before each class, students must review the learning materials provided on the virtual campus. These include: - Theoretical content and conceptual explanations - Readings and case studies - Video tutorials and guided exercises - Practical examples related to operations management
This self-directed study phase ensures that students come to class prepared to apply concepts rather than passively receive information.
Professors will review a short version of the theory and will go through Q&A session.
2. In-Class Application
Class time is dedicated to collaborative, hands-on learning.
This approach fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making skills—all essential for future professionals.
3. Project Structure and Evaluation
Each team will work on a series of deliverables throughout the semester.
An extended Company Overview, detailing the structure, processes, and context.
The Course grade will be based on the following point breakdown:
Continuous assessment:
(A) Participation / Attitude / Attendance 10%
(B) Quizzes (individual) 30% (5 - Only in class- not remotely)
(C) Project (teams) 30% (about 4 deliverables)
70%
Final evaluation:
(D) Final Project Presentation (indiv+ team) 30% (highly important evaluation)
TOTAL 100%
In this course, the student's ability to integrate strategic vision with operational execution will be assessed through the following dimensions:
Regarding Preparation and Participation (Attendance and Quizzes):
- Consistency and Rigor in the preliminary preparation of theoretical materials (Flipped Classroom).
- Conceptual Precision in solving self-assessment quizzes regarding the fundamentals of Operations Management (T1-T7).
- Synthesis and Initiative Skills during group discussions and the oral defense of decisions made during the workshop sessions.
Regarding the Development of the Final Project (Deliverables and Final Project):
- Correct Application of Quantitative Techniques in solving operational problems (Forecasting, EOQ, MRP, Capacity) following APICS standards.
- Rigor and Coherence in using data for tactical decision-making and its modeling in spreadsheets (Excel).
- Interdisciplinary Connection Capability, demonstrating how operational decisions directly impact financial profitability (Cash Flow) and the marketing value proposition.
- Critical and Innovative Vision in the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies (Big Data, Machine Learning) and information systems (ERP, MES).
- Ethical and Sustainable Commitment, evaluating the supply chain's impact across economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
- Clarity, Structure, and Professional Quality in the presentation of deliverables and the final operations strategy report.
- Operations Management, Sustainability and Supply Chain Management. Heyzer, J.; Render, B.; Munson, C. 12th Edition. Pearson
- Operations Management. Stevenson, W. 13th Edition. Mc Graw Hill Education
- Operations and Process Management. Slack, N.; Brandon-Jones, A. 6th Edition. Pearson
RECOMMENDED
- Operations Management: Creating Value Along the Supply Chain," (7th edition) Roberta S. Russell & Bernard W. Taylor III, JOHN WILEY & SONS, INC. (2011). ISBN-13: ISBN-13 9780470525906
- OPERATIONS & SUPPLY MANAGEMENT (12th edition), Chase, R.B.; Jacobs, F. R. & Aquilano, Nicholas J. Graw-Hill/Irwin / ISBN: 9701044681
- Operations Management (13th edition). Stevenson, WJ, Saunder College of Business, McGraw Hill. 2018
- Production & Inventory Management: Author: Fogarty, Blackstone & Hoffman Publisher: APICS South West. ISBN: 0538074612 Edition: 2001 Recommended Textbooks
FREE ONLINE RECOMMENDED:
- Service Operations Management. 2021. (5th edition). Johnston, R.; Shulver, M.; Slack, N.; Clark, G. Pearson
- Fundamental of Operations Management. 2024. Abbas, A.; and Goosheh, S. Creative Commons