Operations Management

4.0 credits

Operations Management is the systematic direction and control of the processes that transform inputs into finished goods or services. This course provides an introduction to the concepts and analytic methods that are useful in understanding the management of operations, whether they are done fully within a firm or using a supply chain that cuts across firm boundaries, and understanding the key role that operations play in firm strategy. This course gives an overview of operations strategy in a wide variety of industries such as: groceries, style goods, consumer electronics and services. The impact of shifts from traditional channels to e-commerce will be emphasized. New initiatives introduced to address these new challenges, such as vendor managed inventory (VMI), variety postponement, cross docking, real options contracts and quick response, will be studied and applied both in class and assignments.