Foundations of Operations Management

This unit introduces core concepts and tools of operations management, including process mapping, basic process improvement, capacity and inventory considerations, and the structure of supply chains. It builds on foundational workplace skills and prepares students to apply planning, forecasting, and project-tracking techniques in subsequent units focused on advanced improvement methods and implementation.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze process workflows by creating and interpreting process maps and value-stream diagrams to identify at least three bottlenecks, wastes, or root causes
• Apply process-improvement and lean principles to propose solutions that balance cost, standardization, volume, and flexibility, including batching, setup reduction, and inventory approaches
• Evaluate capacity, forecasting inputs, and inventory trade-offs to develop a top-down operations plan that estimates required resources, lead times, and logistics impacts
• Demonstrate project-planning and tracking skills by estimating time and cost, selecting appropriate delivery approaches (iterative vs. waterfall), and using basic metrics to monitor progress and manage disruptions or outsourcing