Sorry, this page is no longer available
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Jeffrey Berk

The course focuses on teaching students how to successfully analyze a business process, research methods of improving a process, and adapt/integrate the improvement. methods into the business process in a prioritized and actionable manner. The goal of the course is to expose students to a universal set of business processes and provide them with a formal approach to improving and monitoring the health of those processes that they can apply in a current or future opportunity.

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Module 1: Performance Improvement Methodology
Welcome to Operations and Process Management! The course focuses on teaching students how to successfully analyze a business process, research methods of improving a process, and adapt/integrate the improvement methods into the business process in a prioritized and actionable manner. The goal of the course is to expose students to a universal set of business processes and provide them with a formal approach to improving and monitoring the health of those processes. Module 1 presents an overview of a six-step process improvement methodology. Lesson one will review the overall model and focus on defining the problem. Lesson two is a detailed discussion of the As Is and Should Be processes to help understand the current and desired states. Lesson three is understanding how to prioritize gaps, create business-ready action plans and use key performance indicators to measure and monitor changes.
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Utilizes specific methodologies like Six Sigma, ISO, and Baldrige models
Teaches students the importance of balancing operational efficiency with business risk
Uses real-world examples to support the learning process
Suitable for beginners and students looking to strengthen their foundation in operations and process management
Led by industry professionals with extensive experience in operations and process management
Provides a comprehensive overview of process mapping, historical data analysis, and performance measurement

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Practical operations and process management foundations

According to learners, this course offers a largely positive experience, providing practical frameworks and a structured methodology for operations and process improvement. Students found the coverage of continuous improvement tools, risk management, and project management particularly helpful. The inclusion of real-world case studies throughout the modules is frequently praised for demonstrating concepts in action. While many appreciate the foundational approach, some more experienced professionals suggest that certain sections could offer greater depth or explore the integration of emerging technologies more extensively beyond a high-level overview. Overall, it serves as a robust introduction for those seeking to apply process management in professional settings.
Instructor makes complex topics accessible and engaging.
"The instructor made the concepts of process improvement really clear and easy to follow."
"I found the engaging game in Module 5 a fun way to review key concepts."
"The lessons were well-paced, and the explanations were always straightforward."
Covers a broad range of essential operations management topics.
"This course covers everything from Six Sigma to risk management and even new technologies like AI."
"It provides a universal set of business processes and a formal approach to health monitoring."
"I gained a solid understanding of continuous improvement, project management, and quantifying ROI."
Illustrates concepts with detailed, industry-specific examples.
"The finance and accounting case study in Module 4 really helped me see the full process methodology in action."
"I appreciated the marketing and HR case studies; they grounded the theory in practical scenarios."
"The course effectively uses real-world examples to make complex topics relatable."
Provides actionable methodologies for process improvement.
"I learned a six-step process improvement methodology that I can immediately apply in my job."
"The course outlines a formal approach to improving and monitoring processes, which is incredibly useful."
"It offers practical tools like Pareto Charts and Cause & Effect Diagrams that directly apply to real-world problems."
Some topics could benefit from more advanced, in-depth exploration.
"As someone with prior experience, I found certain sections too introductory; could use more advanced techniques."
"While the course introduces emerging technologies, I wished for a deeper dive into their practical application."
"It's a great overview for beginners, but those looking for highly specialized insights might seek supplemental material."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Operations and Process Management with these activities:
Review basic statistics and probability concepts
Strengthens your foundation in statistical methods, which are essential for analyzing process data and making informed decisions.
Browse courses on Statistics
Show steps
  • Review lecture notes
  • Complete practice problems
  • Take a refresher course
Review Operations Management by Jay Heizer
Provides a strong foundation in the principles and practices of operations management, which is essential for understanding the course material.
Show steps
  • Read the textbook
  • Take notes on key concepts
  • Complete the end-of-chapter exercises
Complete the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt training on Coursera
Provides a structured learning path on Lean Six Sigma, complementing the course content and expanding your knowledge base.
Browse courses on Lean Six Sigma
Show steps
  • Enroll in the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt training
  • Complete the training modules
  • Take the quizzes
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Complete the Six Sigma Green Belt practice problems
Provides hands-on experience with Six Sigma problem-solving techniques, enhancing your ability to identify and eliminate process inefficiencies.
Browse courses on Six Sigma
Show steps
  • Download the Six Sigma Green Belt practice problems
  • Solve the practice problems
  • Check your answers
Participate in a process mapping workshop
Provides hands-on experience in creating visual representations of processes, enhancing your ability to understand and improve them.
Browse courses on Process Mapping
Show steps
  • Find a process mapping workshop
  • Register for the workshop
  • Attend the workshop
Develop a process improvement plan for a real-world business
Allows you to apply the concepts and methodologies learned in the course to a practical business scenario, reinforcing your understanding.
Browse courses on Process Improvement
Show steps
  • Identify a business process for improvement
  • Analyze the current process
  • Design a new or improved process
  • Write a process improvement plan
Develop a risk analysis report for a business process
Challenges you to assess and document potential risks associated with a business process, strengthening your decision-making skills.
Browse courses on Risk Management
Show steps
  • Identify potential risks
  • Analyze the risks
  • Develop mitigation strategies
  • Write a risk analysis report

Career center

Learners who complete Operations and Process Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager oversees business processes and implements strategies to improve efficiency and productivity. This course provides foundational knowledge in process improvement methodologies, continuous improvement tools, and risk management, which are essential for success in this role. By understanding how to analyze and optimize processes, graduates can effectively manage operations, drive innovation, and achieve organizational goals.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts identify and solve business problems by analyzing processes and recommending improvements. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of process mapping, historical data analysis, and performance measures, which are crucial skills for Business Analysts. Graduates can leverage these concepts to gather insights, develop solutions, and drive process enhancements.
Process Engineer
Process Engineers design, improve, and optimize processes to enhance efficiency and productivity. This course offers a systematic approach to process improvement, including risk management and project management. Graduates gain the knowledge and skills to identify inefficiencies, develop solutions, and implement process changes that drive business value.
Quality Manager
Quality Managers ensure that products and services meet quality standards and customer expectations. This course provides a foundation in quality models, continuous improvement tools, and performance measures. Graduates develop the skills to assess process performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement quality control measures to enhance customer satisfaction and business outcomes.
Continuous Improvement Manager
Continuous Improvement Managers lead and facilitate initiatives to improve business processes and drive organizational performance. This course provides a comprehensive understanding of continuous improvement methodologies, tools, and techniques. Graduates gain the skills to identify opportunities for improvement, develop and implement solutions, and monitor progress to sustain operational excellence.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and control projects to achieve specific goals and deliverable. This course offers a foundation in project management practices, including risk management and action plan development. Graduates develop the skills to manage project timelines, budgets, and resources effectively, ensuring successful project outcomes.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical methods to improve decision-making and optimize business processes. This course provides a foundation in process mapping, data analysis, and performance measures. Graduates develop the skills to analyze data, identify patterns, and develop evidence-based recommendations to enhance operational performance.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers oversee the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. This course provides insights into process improvement methodologies, risk management, and performance measures. Graduates gain the knowledge to optimize supply chain operations, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
Lean Six Sigma Specialist
Lean Six Sigma Specialists use a structured approach to identify and eliminate waste and improve processes. This course provides a foundation in Lean Six Sigma principles, tools, and techniques. Graduates develop the skills to lead improvement projects, reduce defects, and enhance operational efficiency.
Change Management Consultant
Change Management Consultants help organizations navigate and manage change effectively. This course offers insights into change management practices, risk mitigation, and action plan development. Graduates gain the skills to assess change impact, develop strategies, and facilitate smooth transitions to achieve desired outcomes.
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights and support decision-making. This course provides a foundation in data analysis techniques, performance measures, and risk management. Graduates develop the skills to extract meaningful insights from data, identify trends, and communicate findings to drive informed decision-making.
Process Automation Engineer
Process Automation Engineers design and implement automated systems to improve efficiency and reduce costs. This course provides insights into process analysis, risk management, and performance measures. Graduates gain the skills to identify automation opportunities, develop solutions, and ensure smooth implementation to enhance operational outcomes.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants advise businesses on various aspects of operations and strategy. This course offers a foundation in process improvement methodologies, risk management, and performance measures. Graduates gain the skills to analyze business processes, identify areas for improvement, and develop actionable recommendations to drive organizational success.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts evaluate and make recommendations on investment opportunities. This course may be helpful in developing analytical and problem-solving skills. By understanding process improvement methodologies and risk management, graduates can enhance their ability to assess financial data, identify trends, and make informed investment decisions.
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course may be helpful in developing problem-solving and analytical skills. By understanding process improvement methodologies and risk management, graduates can improve their ability to design efficient software solutions, identify potential risks, and ensure software quality.

Reading list

We've selected nine books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Operations and Process Management.
Provides a step-by-step guide to process mapping, which critical tool for understanding and improving business processes. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a comprehensive guide to Six Sigma, which process improvement methodology that can be used to improve the quality and efficiency of business processes. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of lean thinking, which process improvement philosophy that can be used to improve the quality and efficiency of business processes. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Toyota Production System, which process improvement methodology that has been used by Toyota to become one of the most successful manufacturers in the world. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of project management, including how to plan, schedule, and control projects. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a comprehensive overview of business process improvement, including how to identify, analyze, and improve business processes. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a quick reference guide to Lean Six Sigma tools and techniques. It valuable resource for students and professionals alike.
Provides a practical guide to continuous improvement. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are interested in implementing continuous improvement in their organizations.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Six Sigma. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about Six Sigma.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:

Similar courses

Similar courses are unavailable at this time. Please try again later.
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser