Operations Strategy

1.5 Credits · Level: Graduate, Juris Doctor

A firm derives a competitive advantage either by achieving a cost advantage, or through product differentiation. That is, either the firm must be able to produce its goods at a lower cost, or it must offer features that customers desire and competitors lack. We explore specific operational strategies that the firm might pursue to achieve this superior process or product innovation. Within each topic, we develop a framework, or theory, that the firm can use as an aid in its decision-making process, and also tackle a real-life problem through a case study. The topics are as follows: Introduction: The Dynamics of Innovation; Competing Through Operations; Strategic Implications of the Learning Curve; Encroachment Strategies; Outsourcing; New Product Development; Strategic Quality Management; Capacity Management; Capacity, Flexibility and Timing; Path to Profitability; Value Creation in Private Equity.