Introduction to Operations Management, Spring 2004

Abstract:: This half-term course introduces students to problems and analysis related to the design, planning, control, and improvement of manufacturing and service operations. Class sessions involve explaining concepts, working examples, and discussing cases. A wide range of topics are covered, including: process analysis, quality management, supply chain design, procurement, and product development. Toward the end of the course, students work in teams to manage a virtual factory in a web-based simulation exercise.

Operations Management, Summer 2002

Abstract:: Introduces students to problems and analysis related to the design, planning, control, and improvement of manufacturing and service operations. Includes process analysis, project analysis, materials management, production planning and scheduling, quality management, supply chain management, reengineering, design for manufacturing, capacity and facilities planning, and operations strategy. This course will introduce concepts and techniques for design, planning and control of manufacturing and service operations. The course provides basic definitions of operations management terms, tools and techniques for analyzing operations, and strategic context for making operational decisions. We present the material in five modules: Operations Analysis Coordination and Planning Quality Management Project Management Logistics and Supply Chain Managemen.

Abstract:: Provides unifying framework for analyzing strategic issues in operations and manufacturing companies. Analyzes relationships between manufacturing companies and their suppliers, customers, and competitors. Also covers decisions in technology, facilities, vertical integration, human resources and other strategic areas. Explores means of competition such as cost, quality, and innovativeness as well as emerging topics such as outsourcing, globalization, and the effects of the internet. This course will address operations strategy by building on the concepts of: Reengineering and process design developed by Dr. Michael Hammer. Manufacturing strategy as developed in the literature, primarily by people at HBS. Supply chain design and 3-D concurrent engineering literature as developed in Charles Fine's book, Clockspeed: Winning Industry Control in the Age of Temporary Advantage. Perseus Books, 1999. The concepts there emphasize the necessity of integrating product strategy, manufacturing strategy, and supply chain strategy. As a result, each of these will be touched upon in the course.

Read the Fine Print

Abstract:: In this activity, students investigate the life cycle of an engineered product and how the product impacts the environment. They analyze a product using a simple life cycle assessment that assigns fictional numerical values for different steps in the life cycle. They use their analysis to compare the impacts of their product to other products, as well as suggest ways to reduce the product's environmental impact based on their analysis.