COMMGMT 2511 - Business Operations Management

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2020

The course provides a broad introduction to operations management and the associated tools and techniques that support the design, planning and improvement of systems or processes. The course develops awareness of the different aspects of operations, including; process flow, scheduling, inventory, layout and risk, and explores ways in which these can be represented to improve business decision making. Students will develop systematic and critical thinking skills essential to understanding, managing and improving operations in a broad range of industries and business contexts..

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code COMMGMT 2511
    Course Business Operations Management
    Coordinating Unit Adelaide Business School
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites COMMGMT 1001
    Course Description The course provides a broad introduction to operations management and the associated tools and techniques that support the design, planning and improvement of systems or processes. The course develops awareness of the different aspects of operations, including; process flow, scheduling, inventory, layout and risk, and explores ways in which these can be represented to improve business decision making. Students will develop systematic and critical thinking skills essential to understanding, managing and improving operations in a broad range of industries and business contexts..
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Wayne Hobbs

    Dr Wayne Hobbs
    10.47 Nexus 10
    wayne.hobbs@adelaide.edu.au
    ext 61946
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    This course is designed to develop student understanding of operations management and the variety of supporting skills and tools available. The presentation and assessment of the course employs independent and group learning activities to promote critical inquiry.
    On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

    1. Describe the fundamentals of operations management.
    2. Apply quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques to improve understanding of operations.
    3. Identify and employ appropriate operations and project management tools.
    4. Understand and develop performance metrics for improvement of operations.
    5. Independently and as part of a group, effectively communicate the results of analysis of operations.
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1, 2, 3, 4
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    2, 4
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    2, 5
    Career and leadership readiness
    • technology savvy
    • professional and, where relevant, fully accredited
    • forward thinking and well informed
    • tested and validated by work based experiences
    1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    2, 4, 5
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    2, 4, 5
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Course Testbook:
    Operations Management (8th Edition)
    Nigel Slack, Alistair Brandon-Jones, Robert Johnston
    ISBN  9781292098678

    In addition to the textbook there may be additional weekly readings to enable students to prepare adequately for lectures and tutorials. It is essential that all readings and preparation exercises are completed each week. All classes (tutorials and lectures) will assume that students are fully prepared and conversant with theories, concepts and models introduced in the weekly readings. 


    Recommended Resources
    Additional recommended resoucres will be coimmunicated through the course MyUni page.
    Online Learning
    The course will utilise MyUni as a communications and assessment tool. Students are expected to visit and actively scan the course MyUni page regularly throughout the semester for announcements and resources that may be posted, including lecture recordings and additional material (e.g. additional weekly readings). Variations in lecture/tutorial times or assessment activities will be communicated through MyUni.

    The weekly online quiz will also be accessed through links in MyUni. 
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    This course content is delivered through weekly lectures of one hour duration each; two lectures per week. During lectures, participants will be introduced to new concepts through formal presentation. Concepts discussed in each lecture will be reinforced through associated one-hour workshops. Workshops will be highly participative and involve use of problem-based learning approaches. Outside of these lectures and workshops students will be expected to complete online quizzes and engage in self-directed study towards individual and group projects and presentations.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    The University expects full-time students (i.e. those taking 12 units per semester) to devote a total of 48 hours per week to their studies. This means that you are expected to commit approximately 9 hours for a three-unit course (13 hours for a four-unit course) of private study outside of your regular classes. This time commitment includes reading the relevant text book chapter, preparing for tutorials, on-line activites and assessment tasks.
    Learning Activities Summary
    Tutorial classes will be held weekly commencing week 1. Tutorial activities generally relate to the lecture given in the previous week (except for the first tutorial that will introduce tutorial participants to the course requirements, their tutor and each other). Membership of tutorial classes is to be finalised by the end of the second week of semester. Students wishing to swap between tutorial classes after this time are required to present their case to the course coordinator.

    Tutorial activities are a central part of the group and individual assessment tasks, so you are expected to attend and participate in the tutorial programme. Full details of the preparation required for each tutorial will be provided each week in advance through MyUni. This will generalluy include some recommended reading and specific preparation tasks; the outcomes of which you should bring along to tutorials.

    The outline schedule (below) may be subject to change; students will be informed in advance of any such changes through MyUni.

    Week 1 Introduction to Operations Management An introduction to operations management and overview of course activities and assessment tasks
    Week 2 Business processes  Linking process design to business objectives including environmental or cultural considerations
    Week 3 Process mapping  Application of process mapping tools for visualisation and improvement of business processes
    Week 4 Planning and Control  Exploration of monitoring and control of operations
    Week 5 Project Management and Scheduling Investigation of approaches to project management and scheduling
    Week 6 Layout and flow  Transformation of resources; designing layouts to facilitate the operation or process 
    Week 7 Inventories and supply chains Decision making regarding inventories; types, costs and profiles
    Week 8 Quantitative Analysis  An introduction to quantitative analysis techniques employed in operations management and decision making
    Week 9 Qualitative Analysis  An introduction to qualitative analysis techniques employed in operations management and decision making Lecture
    Week 10  Improving Operations  Investigation of performance metrics applied to operations and processes
    Week 11 Managing under uncertainty Consideration of approaches for managing under uncertainty; includes risk analysis and scenario-based planning
    Week 12 Operations management in context Considers the broader context in which future organisations will be managed


  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Due to the current COVID-19 situation modified arrangements have been made to assessments to facilitate remote learning and teaching. Assessment details provided here reflect recent updates.

    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting hurdle requirement  Word/Time Due Learning Outcome
    Weekly online quizzes  Formative  10% N/A Weekly/ongoing 1, 2, 3, 4
    Tutorial Engagement Formative 15% N/A Weekly/ongoing 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
    Assignment 1: Critical Analysis Summative 10% 500 Week 5 1
    Assignment 2: Business Operations Analysis Summative 30% 1000 Week 12 2, 3, 4, 5
    Final Exam  Summatigve 35%  45% 3 hours Exam Week 1, 2, 3, 4
    Assessment Related Requirements
    To gain a pass for this course, a mark of at least 40% must be obtained in the examination as well as an aggregate total for all assessments of at least 50% overall.

    Students not achieving the minimum exam mark will be awarded no more than 49% for the course.

    Attendance and participation in workshops is compulsory. To gain a pass in this course, a mark of at least 80% must be obtained in workshop participation.

    All written submissions will be evaluated for plagiarism using turnitin.
    Assessment Detail
    Assessment 1: Weekly online quiz (10%)

    This assessment involves completion of the weekly online quiz. It is aimed at growing your knowledge of operations management in preparation for other assessments. From week 2 there will be 10 weekly text-based multiple-choice quizzes. Each quiz will assess material covered in the associated topic and will provide an opportunity to test your learning and identify areas requiring further study. Online quizzes should be attempted in a timely fashion as the relevant quiz will close after the topic is completed.

    Assessment 2: Workshop Participation and Preparation (10%)

    This assessment is aimed at growing your knowledge of operations management and involves engagement in weekly workshops. Workshops will explore in more detail concepts discussed during lectures and provide students with an opportunity to relate the theory to real life contexts and case studies. Time will also be available from week 6 for students to work on group projects. Workshops are an important formative activity leading up the summative assessments.

    You are expected to attend all scheduled workshops. Permission for any variation is generally only given for medical or compassionate reasons. All such requests must be emailed to the lecturer in charge and should be accompanied by documentary evidence from a social service professional (e.g. doctor, counsellor or psychologist). Each request will be assessed on its merits.

    Assessment 3: Individual Assignment (10%)

    This activity is aimed at students engaging with relevant academic literature in the operations management discipline. For this assessment you are required to select and review an academic paper and provide a succinct and constructively critical review of its content. You can choose any scholarly paper for this assignment; however, it must be in line with the themes covered in the first three weeks of the course. It is recommended you discuss your chosen paper with your tutor to ensure it is relevant.

    Assignment is to be 500 words submitted electronically through MyUni. Turnitin will be utilised to indicate potential plagiarism. A 5% of mark awarded per day late penalty will be applied to late submissions.

    Assessment 4: Group Assignment (20%)

    Students are to conduct an analysis of a business operation utilising the approaches, tools and techniques covered in the course. The study should look at defining and understanding the operation of the business and then apply appropriate analytical skills and approaches to improve operations. Proposed enhancements, will relate to appropriate measures and could include; layout, processes, risk management or other aspects of operations management covered in the course. This project should attempt to apply the concepts taught during the course into a real-life business context. It will require application of skills in; problem solving, decision making, managing uncertainty, working in a team, research and writing skills.

    The assessment includes a written report (10%) and a group presentation (10%, in Weeks 10 and 11 tutorials). Reports will be submitted and graded individually, while a group score will be assigned for the presentation. Your report should include:

    1. Introduction: Identify the business and key operational issues. Identify relevant stakeholders and concepts of improvement (i.e. metrics)
    2. Analysis: Conduct an analysis of the operation using the theories and frameworks discussed in lectures. This could be a specific aspect of the operation or the operation as a whole.
    3. Enhanced operations; Consider options for enhancing operations. Based on a qualitative or quantitative analytical technique provide logical reasoning regarding recommendations for action.
    4. Conclusions: Based on the results of analysis outline your recommendations along with potential limitations of your study and other factors that could impact on decision making.
    5. Reference list

    Assignment is to be 1000 words submitted electronically through MyUni. Turnitin will be utilised to indicate potential plagiarism. A 5% of mark awarded per day late penalty will be applied to late submissions.

    Assessment 5: Final Exam (50%)

    This assessment is aimed at testing your understanding of knowledge in operations management and capacity for logical, critical, and creative thinking. The examination will be held during the scheduled exam period. The contents of the exam will cover material discussed in the lectures and tutorials.
    Submission
    All written assessments should be submitted on myuni, in the assignments folder, as a single word or PDF document. Please retain a copy of all assignments submitted.

    For the group assignment, one group member should submit ONE copy of the written group work through the myuni link. 

    You must include a list of all your group members on the assignment cover sheet.

    Assessment marks will be available from the course website. Students are encouraged to check their marks and notify their tutor and the Course Coordinator of any discrepancies. Assignments will be marked with written feedback within two (2) weeks of the due date, whenever possible.

    For the written exam, legible hand-writing and the quality of English expression will be considered. Marks may be deducted because of poor handwriting. Students are not permitted to take a DICTIONARY (English or English-Foreign) into the examination.


    Late Assignment Submission

    Students are expected to submit their work by the due date. Extensions will generally only be given for medical or other serious reasons. All requests for extensions, including supporting evidence, must be submitted through the appropriate mechanism. Each request will be assessed on its merits.

    Any written work that is submitted late, without prior arrangement, will be penalised at 5% of the potential mark for each day that it
    is late.

    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

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