BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected].

in

Course: Operations Management

Course code: QM ZG526
Instructor: P.B. Venkataraman
Course Objectives:
Operation is the core function of a business and its management directly impacts
business performance. However, business operations are generally managed
intuitively. Operations Managers equipped with a perspective and relevant analytical
tools can positively influence business performance. This course aims to provide this
potential to the working executives through gamified lessons, case-studies,
experiments and work-integrated learning exercises.

Learning Outcomes:
1. Design, manage and improve process performance in context of process variability.
2. Dissect overriding strategy of a given organization and develop a suitable
operations strategy in alignment with the organization strategy.
3. Compare and contrast various strategic options for design, process, location &
planning and select appropriate strategies using suitable methods.

Course Material:
Prescribed textbook:
T1 - Jay Heizer., Operations Management, Pearson Education 9th Ed., 2009.

Additional reading:
R1 – Eliyahu M, Goldratt, The Goal, Productivity & Quality Publishing Pvt Ltd (1 May 2013).

Pedagogy:
 Recorded lectures (RL) Case studies (C); Video cases (V)
 Live classroom discussions Simulation labs (SL)
 Work integrated learning exercises (WILe)

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 1

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Instructions to the students:

Welcome to the course on Operations Management. Your course code is MBA ZG526. The prefix
signifies the program you are enrolled and rest of the letters are unique to the course.

This course adapts three teaching-learning strategies namely, gamified lessons, group-learning and
flipped classrooms. Research has confirmed that these strategies improve student engagement,
knowledge retention / recollection and flexibility, a favourable feature for working students like you
all.

Each lesson (module) is built over a gamified content developed by leading universities. You will
learn while playing these games. You will answer a set of questions to test your own understanding.
Relax, these quizzes are not graded. The modules will be further explained through live debriefing
sessions. Upon completing these live lectures, you will attempt the same set of quiz questions as a
team, which are graded.

Group learning is found to be beneficial than self-study. Most of our learning is going to be in
groups. This preconditions formation of small teams of 4-5 right at the beginning of the semester.
This team will remain same all through the semester. You may choose to interact through
WhatsApp, facebook, twitter, Skype or our own learning management system Taxila. I will be
available for interaction in all these media.

A flexible learning approach is adopted to suit your needs as a working professional with time
constraints and multi-tasking. Several pre-recorded learning instruments in the form of lectures by
BITS professors, videos and case articles have been created / archived and provided to you to learn
at your leisure. In addition to these a few resourceful books have been prescribed to refer to.

The course has ten modules that will be covered in twenty two lecture sessions each with an hour
duration. A very detailed course hand-out is shared with you here. This will help you plan your
learning schedule for the entire course duration.

In order to translate the learning into practice, two work integrated learning exercise (WILe) are to
be experimented at your work place. These WILe are graded components. Students are advised to
consider IP / confidentiality aspects before sharing the outcomes.

Two online lab exercises of one week duration each are administered during the course that will
enable the application of certain concepts learnt. These labs are graded based on the performance
and the write-up submitted by the students.

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 2

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

The evaluation scheme and schedule are shared at the end of this document. This continuous
assessment is found to help recollection and retention, while curbing cramming for exams.

Wishing you all the best for your learning efforts.

Module 0 Introduction to Operations Management Course
 Define course outcomes.
Learning  Relate pedagogical methods to course outcomes.
Outcomes  Match assessment methods with course outcomes.
 Plan teaching-learning to meet the course schedule.

M0.1 Course hand-out Course hand-out document

Pre-Class
Hours

M0.2 Course overview

M0.3 Student learning outcomes, pedagogy
Class Hours
[2 lecture and assessments
sessions] M0.4 LMS, Networking
M0.5 Student guidelines

M0.6 How to use LMS

Post Class
Hours M0.7 Make it stick https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88X4zqkRWFs

WILe None

Lab Work None

References

Notes

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 3

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Module 1 Theory of Constraints

 State the true goal of a business and explain the factors influencing it.
Learning
 Apply the theory of constraints in your workplace.
Outcomes  Analyze process constraints in the context of process variability.
M1.1 The Goal Movie [46 minutes] The Goal Video – will be live streamed.
Pre-Class
M1.2 Quiz – Individual, not graded Refer course page in LMS
Hours

M1.3 Module overview

Class Hours
[3 lecture M1.4 TOC terminologies
sessions] M1.5 TOC concepts debriefing

M1.6 The Goal R1

Post Class
M1.7 Quiz – Group, graded for 2% Refer course page in LMS
Hours

WILe - Improving Operations Performance:

WILe – Select a sufficiently complex process from your workplace. Measure the throughput
[Group time, cycle time and capacity utilization. Compute the throughput, operating
exercise – expense, inventory (buffer capacity in case of service process) and gross profit.
graded for Measure process time variability for each process. Re-compute the process metrics.
6%] Identify bottleneck. What will you do to improve operations performance? Present it
as a 10 minutes video case.

Lab work None

R1 – Eliyahu M, Goldratt, The Goal, Productivity & Quality Publishing Pvt Ltd (1 May
2013).
References
The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Eliyahu M. Goldratt and Jeff Cox |
Key Takeaways, Analysis & Review. Kindle Edition by Instaread.
Notes

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 4

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Module 2 Improving Operations (Simulation Lab)

 Measure the optimal performance of a process.
Learning
 List key concepts of process analysis.
Outcomes  Analyze how variability affects key process measures and profitability.

M2.1 Balancing process capacity HBP Exercise [4301-HTM-ENG]

Pre-Class
Hours

M2.2 Module overview

Class Hours
[2 lecture M2.3 Debriefing of exercise
sessions] M2.4 Capacity & constraint management

Post-Class None
Hours

WILe None

References Jay Heizer., Operations Management, Pearson Education 9th Ed., 2009

Lab [Group
exercise – Harvard Business Publishing [4301-HTM-ENG]
graded for
4%]
Notes

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 5

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Module 3 Process Design

Learning  Design processes using flow diagram.
Outcomes  Prepare to play process analytics lab.
M3.1 Process analysis – Core curriculum reading HBP [8007-HTM-ENG]
Pre-Class M3.2 Quiz – Individual, not graded Refer course page in LMS
Hours
[8009-DOC-ENG]

M3.3 Module overview

Class Hours
M3.4 Debriefing process analysis HBP [8011-PPT-ENG]
[2 lecture
sessions]

M3.5 Quiz – Group, graded for 6% Refer course page in LMS

Post-Class
Hours

WILe None

References Harvard Business Publishing [8007-HTM-ENG]

Lab None

Notes

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 6

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Module 4 Process Analytics (Lab)

 Apply process analysis concepts in a dynamic experiential manner.
Learning
 Analyze the interplay between the various elements of process analytics through
Outcomes questions and toolkits.

M4.1 Process analytics lab HBP [3291-HTM-ENG]

Pre-Class
Hours M4.2 Lab Quiz – Individual, not graded Refer course page in LMS

Class Hours M4.3 Module overview

[2 lecture M4.4 Debriefing - Process analytics
sessions]
M4.5 Lab Quiz – Group, graded for 8% Refer course page in LMS

Post-Class
Hours

WILe None

References Harvard Business Publishing [3291-HTM-ENG]

Lab [Group
exercise –
Harvard Business Publishing [3291-HTM-ENG]
graded for
8%]
Notes

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 7

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Module 5 Process Selection

Learning  Compare and contrast various process strategic options and their features.
Outcomes  Select the appropriate strategy using the framework.

M5.1 Introduction RL 4.1.1, Hard Rock Video Case

M5.2 Process strategies RL 4.2.1
Pre-Class
Hours M5.3 Process strategy selection RL 4.3.1
M5.4 Quiz – Individual, not graded Refer course page in LMS

Class Hours M5.5 Module overview

[3 lecture M5.6 Strategy selection - Illustration
sessions]
M5.7 Process strategy cases https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAff1PblvSQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVoQJrz0sH8

Post-Class https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nP84fiuKfws
Hours
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C00cbfykUvY

M5.8 Quiz – Group, graded for 2% Refer course page in LMS

WILe None

References Jay Heizer., Operations Management, Pearson Education 9th Ed., 2009
Lab None
Notes

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 8

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Module 6 Foundations of Operations Strategy

 Dissect mission statements and link them to strategies.
Learning  Dissect overriding operations strategy of a given organization and infer its
Outcomes performance against its strategy.
 Build operations strategy for a given organization.
M6.1 Introduction – Mission, Strategy RL 2.1.1, Video Case – Regal Marine
M6.2 Overriding strategies RL 2.2.1, Video cases – WalMart,
Pre-Class Mercedes, Amazon.com
Hours
M6.3 Ten strategic decisions in operations RL 2.3.1
M6.4 Quiz – Individual, not graded Refer course page in LMS

M6.5 Module overview

Class Hours
[2 lecture M6.6 Developing operations strategy –
sessions] Illustration

Post-Class M6.7 Quiz – Group, graded for 2% Refer course page in LMS
Hours
WILe None

Jay Heizer., Operations Management, Pearson Education 9th Ed., 2009

References
Mike Michalowicz., The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, HarperCo Books., 2008

Lab None
Notes

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 9

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Module 7 Product Strategy

 Compare and contrast the various phases in product life cycle and interpret
Learning their impact on business and strategies
Outcomes  Select the appropriate strategy using product-by-value analysis
 Explain various design approaches in achieving business effectiveness

M7.1 Introduction (2) RL 7.1.1, Regal Marine Video Case

M7.2 Product life cycle (3) RL 7.2.1
Pre-Class M7.3 Product-by-value analysis (3) RL 7.3.1
Hours
M7.4 Design approaches (4) RL 7.4.1
M7.5 Quiz – Individual, not graded Refer course page in LMS

M7.5 Module overview

M7.6 Product-by-value illustration
Class Hours
[2 lecture M7.7 Design strategy illustrations
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcDT3bNrQkY
sessions] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bl3g4JK2V2c

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qspaTf-F9BU

M7.8 MB S Class design process http://youtu.be/_LRuqrnXBM8

M7.9 Product complexity interview https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7qzWnAR7bY

Post-Class
Hours M7.10 Ideo Cart design challenge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M66ZU2PCIcM

M7.11 Quiz – Group, graded for 2% Refer course page of LMS

WILe NA

Jay Heizer., Operations Management, Pearson Education 9th Ed., 2009.

References

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 10

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Lab None

Notes

Module 8 Location Strategy

 List the factors considered in selection of location and analyze how they impact
Learning
the business.
Outcomes  Select the right location using quantitative tools.

M8.1 Factors impacting strategic location RL 8.1.1, Hard Rock Video Case
M8.2 Factor rating method RL 8.2.1
Pre-Class M8.3 Cost-volume analysis RL 8.3.1
Hours
M8.4 Centre-of-gravity method RL 8.4.1
M8.5 Quiz – Individual, not graded Refer course page in LMS

Class Hours M8.6 Module overview

[2 lecture M8.7 Pizza Hut Case study http://www.livemint.com/Companies/
xrI7jynz4qNIbLyHdxaaLK/Pizza-Hut-to-open-100-
sessions] outlets-in-India-to-counter-competitio.html

M8.8 Location decisions https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltOf4-1jq0I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPyHdkk_034
M8.9 Car wash site selection
Post-Class
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pPKPWrlm2Co
Hours M8.10 Location promo
M8.11 Quiz – Group, graded for 2% Refer course page in LMS

WILe – WILe - Selecting the right location for your business:

[Group Assume that your management has decided to expand the operations to meet the sales
exercise – targets. Select an appropriate location for this new facility. Use the factor-rating-method,
graded for cost-volume analysis and center-of-gravity method. Present it as a PPT [8 slides max].
6%]
References Jay Heizer., Operations Management, Pearson Education 9th Ed., 2009.
Lab None
Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 11
BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Notes

Module 9 Planning Strategy

Learning  Define S&OP and Aggregate Planning.
Outcomes  Apply various strategies for aggregate planning to minimize cost.

M9.1 S&OP and Aggregate planning RL 9.1.1

M9.2 Capacity option RL 9.2.1
Pre-Class
Hours M9.3 Demand option RL 9.3.1
M9.4 Quiz – Individual, not graded Refer course page in LMS

M9.5 Module overview

Class Hours
[2 hours] M9.6 Planning strategies - Illustration

M9.7 A day in office https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qo0g_YUOBKc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fM4xKfLZhFI
M9.8 Integrated planning
Post-Class
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAqaYwZhvbM
Hours M9.9 Planning at ABB
M9.10 Quiz – Group, graded for 2% Refer course page in LMS

WILe None

References Jay Heizer., Operations Management, Pearson Education 9th Ed., 2009.

Lab
Notes

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 12

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Module 10 Operations Management at Littlefield Technologies - Lab

Learning  Maximize the cash balance in a virtual factory by managing capacity and
Outcomes inventory.
 Apply the concepts learnt through the course thus far.

M10.1 Operations Management at Littlefield Link will be provided

Pre-Class Technologies – A week long simulation game
Hours
played as a group.

Class Hours M10.2 Debriefing

[2 hours]
Post-Class None
Hours
WILe None

References Simulation game – Littlefield Technologies

Lab [Group Simulation game – Littlefield Technologies – Based on cash balance maintained at
exercise – Littlefield Technologies and a one page write-up.
graded for 8%]
Notes

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 13

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Evaluation Scheme:
Legend: EC = Evaluation Component; AN = After Noon Session; FN = Fore Noon Session

# Name Type Duration Weight Day, Date, Session, Time

Quiz at the end of

modules 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 Online 1 week 18% End of respective module
and 9

EC-1 Two WILe at the end of

Online 10 days 12% End of respective WILe
modules 1 and 8

Three Labs in modules

Online 1 week 20% End of respective Lab
2, 4 and 10

Closed 26/02/2017 (FN) 10 AM – 12 Noon

EC-2 Mid-Semester Test 2 hours 20%
Book

Open 09/04/2017 (FN) 9 AM – 12 Noon

EC-3 Comprehensive Exam 3 hours 30%
Book

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 14

BITS-Pilani, WILP [email protected]

Syllabus for Mid-Semester Test (Closed Book): Modules 1 to 5

Syllabus for Comprehensive Exam (Open Book): All topics (Modules 1 to 10 )

Important links and information:

Elearn portal: https://elearn.bits-pilani.ac.in

Students are expected to visit the Elearn portal on a regular basis and stay up to date with the latest
announcements and deadlines.

Contact sessions: Students should attend the online lectures as per the schedule provided on the
Elearn portal.

Evaluation Guidelines:

1. EC-1 consists of Quiz, WILe and Lab. Students will attempt them through the course pages
on the Elearn portal. Announcements will be made on the portal, in a timely manner.

2. For Closed Book tests: No books or reference material of any kind will be permitted.

3. For Open Book exams: Use of books and any printed / written reference material (filed or
bound) is permitted. However, loose sheets of paper will not be allowed. Use of calculators
is permitted in all exams. Laptops/Mobiles of any kind are not allowed. Exchange of any
material is not allowed.

4. If a student is unable to appear for the Regular Test/Exam due to genuine exigencies, the
student should follow the procedure to apply for the Make-Up Test/Exam which will be
made available on the Elearn portal. The Make-Up Test/Exam will be conducted only at
selected exam centres on the dates to be announced later.

It shall be the responsibility of the individual student to be regular in maintaining the self-study
schedule as given in the course hand-out, attend the online lectures, and take all the prescribed
evaluation components such as Assignment/Quiz, Mid-Semester Test and Comprehensive Exam
according to the evaluation scheme provided in the hand-out. NO TIMELINE EXTENSION WILL BE
PERIMITTED. HENCE PLEASE DO NOT SEEK EXTENSION.

Course Hand-out –Operations Management QM ZG526 Page 15