1.1 Introduction
This assessment mainly assesses learning outcomes (LO) 2 and 4 of the module, but builds upon LO1 and LO3, the LOs are that on successful completion of the module students will be able to:
• Analyse how technology is used currently and may be used in the future to deliver value.
• Critically evaluate the contribution of operations management and information systems to a business organisation’s strategic aims.
• Critically evaluate the key concepts and theories of digital business.
• Critique key concepts and theories within the areas of operations management, service operations, and process management.
1.2 Objective of the assessment
The operations function of any enterprise has a direct and significant impact on the competitiveness and success of the firm. Upon completion of this project, you will have gained a deeper understanding of how the goals and objectives of an operation are realized in the way they do business.
The project will draw upon the skills, concepts and models we have discussed this semester – e.g. operations strategy, technology adoption and implementation, process mapping, quality management, lean whichever is relevant to the organisation you study – and apply them to a real-world setting.
1.3 Assignment
Select an organisation that you can apply what you are learning on this course, and research relevant material in journals This could be a service operation, such as a coffee shop, other retail or distribution, transport or manufacturing operation but it has to be one where you can identify the contribution of operations management.
1.4 Required:
1. Evaluate the objectives of the selected organisation. You might discuss aspects of operations strategy, goals and objectives, contribution to competitive priorities, order qualifiers/winners, customers, and technology. Flowing on from this analysis, in a strategic sense what is operations management expected to deliver?
2. How does the organisation do operations? How does OM and technology translate these organisational goals into tangible outcomes and processes?
What does it aim to be exceptional at? How is it delivering the competitive advantage identified above?
Essentially address the question how does the operations management and technology of your organisation deliver on the strategy?
• Example outputs could be: process flow diagrams, customer statistics (as appropriate), appropriate process measurements, benchmarking, where are operations visible where are they back office in support of performance objectives, etc.
