Basic Operations Management Course

Lesson 1 • Measuring Operational Performance

Introduces the metrics used to evaluate how well operations perform. Provides a baseline measurement vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Key Roles and Stakeholders

Maps the people and functions involved in operations decisions. Clarifies accountability structures students will encounter in practice.

Lesson 3 • Defining Operations and Its Scope

Establishes what operations management is and what it governs within an organisation. Grounds all subsequent chapters in a shared definitional framework.

Lesson 1 • Documenting and Communicating Processes

Covers standards for written process documentation and stakeholder communication. Ensures students can translate maps into actionable operational guidance.

Lesson 2 • What Is a Process?

Defines a process as a structured sequence of activities that transforms inputs into outputs. Establishes the analytical lens used in every subsequent chapter.

Lesson 3 • Process Mapping Techniques

Teaches standard visual tools for documenting processes. Students practise creating maps that expose handoffs, delays, and decision points.

Lesson 1 • Capacity Planning Strategies

Compares lead, lag, and match strategies for expanding or contracting capacity. Students evaluate trade-offs and select strategies for given scenarios.

Lesson 2 • Managing Capacity Constraints

Addresses real-time tactics for handling capacity shortfalls and surpluses. Connects capacity management to scheduling and workforce decisions.

Lesson 3 • Demand Forecasting for Capacity

Introduces forecasting methods that inform capacity decisions. Students learn to select and apply basic quantitative and qualitative forecasting approaches.

Lesson 1 • Inventory Types and Functions

Classifies inventory by type and explains the role each plays in operations. Establishes why holding inventory has both benefits and costs.

Lesson 2 • Inventory Accuracy and Control

Addresses how to maintain accurate inventory records through counting and auditing. Accurate records are a prerequisite for reliable replenishment and planning.

Lesson 3 • Inventory Costing and Classification

Introduces ABC analysis and cost structures to prioritise inventory management effort. Students apply classification to focus control on high-impact items.

Lesson 1 • Quality Management Systems Overview

Surveys structured approaches to managing quality across an organisation. Students understand how systems provide consistency and accountability.

Lesson 2 • Statistical Process Control Basics

Introduces control charts and process capability to distinguish normal from special-cause variation. Students interpret charts and recommend corrective actions.

Lesson 3 • Core Quality Control Tools

Teaches the seven basic quality tools used to collect, display, and analyse defect data. Students practise applying each tool to operational scenarios.

Lesson 1 • Sustaining Lean Improvements

Addresses the common failure modes of lean initiatives and how to prevent regression. Students design sustainment plans tied to performance metrics.

Lesson 2 • Lean Tools for Flow and Pull

Introduces 5S, kanban, and standard work as practical lean tools. Students apply each tool to stabilise and improve process performance.

Lesson 3 • Lean Philosophy and Origins

Traces lean thinking from its production-system roots to universal application. Establishes the mindset shift required before applying lean tools.

Lesson 4 • Value Stream Mapping in Practice

Applies value stream mapping to document current-state flows and design future-state improvements. Builds on process mapping skills from Chapter 2.

Lesson 1 • Workforce Scheduling

Addresses shift planning, staffing levels, and schedule fairness in labour-intensive operations. Integrates demand forecasting and capacity concepts into staffing decisions.

Lesson 2 • Priority Rules and Sequencing

Covers common job-sequencing rules and evaluates their performance on key metrics. Students apply rules to multi-job scenarios and compare outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Scheduling Tools and Technologies

Surveys Gantt charts, scheduling software, and digital workflow tools. Students select appropriate tools for different operational contexts.

Lesson 1 • Root Cause Analysis Techniques

Teaches methods for identifying the true cause of operational failures rather than symptoms. Accurate root cause identification prevents recurrence.

Lesson 2 • Structured Problem-Solving Frameworks

Introduces PDCA, DMAIC, and A3 as systematic approaches to operational problems. Students select the right framework based on problem complexity and scope.

Lesson 3 • Measuring and Tracking Improvements

Establishes how to set baselines, define success metrics, and track improvement progress. Connects measurement to the performance indicators introduced in Chapter 1.