Students
MMBA8090 – Managing Operations
2021 – Term 4, Special circumstances
Session 2 Learning and Teaching Update
The decision has been made to conduct study online for the remainder of Session 2 for all units WITHOUT mandatory on-campus learning activities. Exams for Session 2 will also be online where possible to do so.
This is due to the extension of the lockdown orders and to provide certainty around arrangements for the remainder of Session 2. We hope to return to campus beyond Session 2 as soon as it is safe and appropriate to do so.
Some classes/teaching activities cannot be moved online and must be taught on campus. You should already know if you are in one of these classes/teaching activities and your unit convenor will provide you with more information via iLearn. If you want to confirm, see the list of units with mandatory on-campus classes/teaching activities.
Visit the MQ COVID-19 information page for more detail.
General Information
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| Unit convenor and teaching staff |
Unit convenor and teaching staff
Unit Convenor
Masud Behnia
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|---|---|
| Credit points |
Credit points
10
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| Prerequisites |
Prerequisites
Admission to MBA or GradDipMgt
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| Corequisites |
Corequisites
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| Co-badged status |
Co-badged status
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| Unit description |
Unit description
This unit examines key issues currently facing service and manufacturing organisations when creating products and services. A primary aim of the unit is to illustrate the principles involved in effectively creating a value proposition and how the value transformation process is managed in the organisation and across the value chain. The unit will also examine the strategic contribution that managing operations can make to the organisation's long-term success. After placing the activities required of the operations manager into a conceptual framework, the practical issues and difficulties in making operations decisions are examined. Topics covered include the areas of product design conversion processes for making goods and services, planning and control, the impact of e-commerce on operations, supply chain management, and improvement activities. |
Important Academic Dates
Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.mq.edu.au/study/calendar-of-dates
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
- ULO1: Identify and apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
- ULO2: Critically examine business operations data and information through group and individual analysis to make well- informed operational, tactical and strategic decisions.
- ULO3: Research and evaluate the design, operations planning, supply chain and improvement processes of a business in the context of social, economic and environmental factors.
General Assessment Information
Late assessment submissions must be submitted through the appropriate submission link in iLearn. No extensions will be granted unless an application for Special Consideration is made and approved. There will be a deduction of 10% of the total available marks made from the total awarded mark for each 24 hour period or part thereof that the submission is late. Late submissions will not be accepted after solutions have been discussed and/or made available.
Note: applications for Special Consideration Policy must be made within 5 (five) business days of the due date and time.
Assessment Tasks
| Name | Weighting | Hurdle | Due |
|---|---|---|---|
| Case Analysis | 10% | No | 7th November 2021, 23:59 |
| Critiquing Operations Management | 20% | No | 8th November 2021, 23:59 |
| Research Project | 35% | No | Presentation - Sessions 6-10; Report - 26th Nov 2021, 23:59 |
| Final Online Examination | 35% | No | University Examination Period |
Case Analysis
Assessment Type 1: Case study/analysis
Indicative Time on Task 2: 10 hours
Due: 7th November 2021, 23:59
Weighting: 10%
Class participation and contribution will be assessed during discussion of class content, exercises and cases. This will be based on the extent to which the student appears prepared, the relevance and depth of comments, reflections on work experiences or other industry examples, and contribution to the learning experience of the class.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
Critiquing Operations Management
Assessment Type 1: Report
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: 8th November 2021, 23:59
Weighting: 20%
Students will choose from two of four assigned cases to critique. You will apply critical thinking techniques to assess each case. Submissions will be of up to 1,500 words.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
- Critically examine business operations data and information through group and individual analysis to make well- informed operational, tactical and strategic decisions.
- Research and evaluate the design, operations planning, supply chain and improvement processes of a business in the context of social, economic and environmental factors.
Research Project
Assessment Type 1: Project
Indicative Time on Task 2: 20 hours
Due: Presentation - Sessions 6-10; Report - 26th Nov 2021, 23:59
Weighting: 35%
Students will be allocated into groups and will need to collaborate and engage in a group activity. Students will work individually on a common topic, and then come together to discuss, compare and assess their findings. Each student will submit their initial research findings via a 1,500 word report before working collaboratively. A group presentation will be made towards the end of the session which exhibits a synthesis of individual research findings.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
- Critically examine business operations data and information through group and individual analysis to make well- informed operational, tactical and strategic decisions.
- Research and evaluate the design, operations planning, supply chain and improvement processes of a business in the context of social, economic and environmental factors.
Final Online Examination
Assessment Type 1: Examination
Indicative Time on Task 2: 15 hours
Due: University Examination Period
Weighting: 35%
A two-hour online final examination, administered via iLearn, will be held during the University Examination Period.
On successful completion you will be able to:
- Identify and apply theoretical and conceptual frameworks to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of operations.
- Critically examine business operations data and information through group and individual analysis to make well- informed operational, tactical and strategic decisions.
1 If you need help with your assignment, please contact:
- the academic teaching staff in your unit for guidance in understanding or completing this type of assessment
- the Writing Centre for academic skills support.
2 Indicative time-on-task is an estimate of the time required for completion of the assessment task and is subject to individual variation
Delivery and Resources
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Required Text |
Slack, N. and Brandon-Jones, A. (2019). Operations Management, 9th edition. Pearson Education UK. ISBN: 9781292253961 Where to Purchase Textbook? Pearson Education Australia – Online store: This textbook is also available for order via the publisher’s online store. For information on textbook prices and online ordering, please refer to the Pearson Education Australia online store at https://www.pearson.com.au/9781292253961. |
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Unit Web Page |
The web page for this unit can be found at: https://ilearn.mq.edu.au |
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Technology Used and Required |
Students are required to have access to a personal computer and familiarise themselves with iLearn (https://ilearn.mq.edu.au). iLearn will be used to post lecture slides, assessment details, student grades and as a means of communication between staff members and students. |
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Delivery Format and Other Details |
The timetable for classes can be found on the University web site at: http://www.timetables.mq.edu.au/ |
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Recommended Readings |
Recommended Readings are provided via Leganto on the iLearn Unit page Highly Recommended Journals
Other Related Journals
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Study Requirements |
It will be assumed that the assigned reading for each session has been done prior to class. Class time will be spent ensuring that you have understood this material and exploring new developments and extensions to the basic concepts. Class case discussions and project preparations will be used as methods for active participatory learning. The grade you obtain for them together with the participation grade will measure the effectiveness of the learning process. The primary output measures are written assignments, case study discussions and the final examination. Your understanding of the basic principles on which the unit is based will be measured by the final exam and your ability to apply them measured by the project, assignment and cases. The mode of assessment will test your skills through a number of ways during this unit: situation investigation and analysis, report writing, verbal and written presentations, the ability to work effectively in teams, participation in class discussions, and examination. If you are unable to attend a class session or have to arrive late or leave early, please let me know before the session concerned as this will have an obvious impact on the planned syndicate work. If this situation occurs, you should also arrange with a fellow class member to collect any handouts and other information for you. Formal assessment for this unit is designed to recognise both individual and team effort. This is consciously done to reflect the business environment where effective teamwork is essential to the achievement of individual success. Please note that class “contribution” and not simply “participation” will be graded; there is a subtle but important difference between the two. After each session, notes will be made of those who made important contributions to the session, as well as other individuals who participated. All of you have significant work experience to contribute to the class: you are strongly encouraged to use that in order to make the class a more productive learning experience for us all! |
Unit Schedule
Please see iLearn.
Policies and Procedures
Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:
- Academic Appeals Policy
- Academic Integrity Policy
- Academic Progression Policy
- Assessment Policy
- Fitness to Practice Procedure
- Grade Appeal Policy
- Complaint Management Procedure for Students and Members of the Public
- Special Consideration Policy
Students seeking more policy resources can visit Student Policies (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/policies). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.
To find other policies relating to Teaching and Learning, visit Policy Central (https://policies.mq.edu.au) and use the search tool.
Student Code of Conduct
Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/admin/other-resources/student-conduct
Results
Results published on platform other than eStudent, (eg. iLearn, Coursera etc.) or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au or if you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
Student Support
Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/
Learning Skills
Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to help you improve your marks and take control of your study.
The Library provides online and face to face support to help you find and use relevant information resources.
Student Services and Support
Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.
Student Enquiries
For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au
If you are a Global MBA student contact globalmba.support@mq.edu.au
IT Help
For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/.
When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.
Unit information based on version 2021.07 of the Handbook