Operations Management Course

This learning programme is intended for all persons who need to develop, implement and evaluate an operational plan. It is designed for people who work in the field of operations management.

Outcomes

Upon Completion Of This Course, The Participants Should:

• Develop operational strategies for a unit

• Develop an operation plan for a unit

• Implement an operational plan

• Monitor, measure and evaluate the achievement of goals and objectives

Initiate, develop, implement and evaluate operational strategies, projects and action plans so as to improve the effectiveness of the unit.Priorities are identified by considering a broad range of factors in solving problems and making decisions on operational strategies.

The need for and the benefits of change are explained and recommendations are made to achieve intended results.The initiatives to be undertaken by the unit are linked to organisational goals and objectives.Operational strategies, projects and action plans are initiated, developed and managed.Operational strategies, projects and action plans are implemented and evaluated.

Contents

Develop Operational Strategies For A Unit:

• The strategic plan of an entity is examined to determine the purpose of a unit in contributing to the achievement of the entity's strategy.

• Management operational strategies for achieving the purpose of a unit are developed and recorded.

• The operational strategy of a unit is aligned with the overall strategy of an entity.

• A systematic process is followed to develop goals, objectives and performance standards that are clear, concise, measurable and achievable.

• Stakeholders are involved in the formulation of the goals, objectives and performance standards of a unit to obtain their commitment.

Develop An Operation Plan For A Unit:

• The operation plan is developed to transform the goals and objectives into tasks, responsibilities, time frames, performance measures, resource needs and contingencies.

• Measurable parameters are validated against customer and unit performance management requirements.

• Monitoring systems are described in the operational plan to enable the measurement of progress and results against the performance standards.

• Feedback on the operational plan is obtained from team members to promote buy-in in the implementation of the plan.

Implement An Operational Plan:

• The operational plan is implemented and managed, with amendments where necessary, to meet the specified goals, objectives and performance standards.

• Optimal use of available resources is ensured during implementation to promote cost- effectiveness.

• The use of control measures by first line managers is encouraged in the areas of their responsibility.

Monitor, Measure And Evaluate The Achievement Of Goals And Objectives:

• The performance of the unit is monitored against the goals, management objectives and performance standards in the plan using established monitoring systems.

• Performance reviews are conducted to measure inputs and outputs of team members against the operational plan.

• Recommendations on corrective action are implemented with the agreement of the responsible first line managers.

• Results are evaluated in terms of the teams' contribution to the performance of a unit.