Operations Management for Sustainability

The Operations Management for Sustainability module (QUAL11001) begins with an introduction to and overview of Sustainable Operations Management, starting with some core definitions, models and frameworks.  Topics covered in lectures will include strategic objectives of operations management, sustainable operations strategy, operations development and improvement, evolution of operations management.

There will then be a series of lectures on design in operations management for sustainability.  These will refer to the design of products and services, process design and the operations network, and design of facilities.  The module will develop a range of graduate attributes.  Students will learn about some of the key techniques used in Operations Management for sustainability.  These are techniques that are used for forecasting, planning and control, manufacturing, and maintenance.  Techniques covered will range from simple exponential smoothing for forecasting, through MRP and Just-In-Time, to TPM.  The module requires some directed and undirected research to be undertaken in order to gain a working understanding of the subject.

At the end of this module, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate a critical understanding of the functional role of operations in an organisation and its strategic importance for sustainability
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge and critical understanding of issues associated with the design, management, and improvement of sustainable operations systems
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of sustainable manufacturing planning and control systems and associated analytical techniques

This is an SCQF Level 11 module, and upon successful completion, participants will be awarded 20 credits.