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Laurence Gartside and Rowtons Training
  • Master the tools and principles of operations management to have and "impact" on your business's operations - manufacturing, services, industrial operations and production.

  • Equip yourself to take a leading role in your workplace - improving your processes, systems and business.

  • Understand the fundamental challenges of all business operations and the core tools and essential approaches to design and improve them.

  • Become the authority in your team on improving the operations systems in your business

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  • Master the tools and principles of operations management to have and "impact" on your business's operations - manufacturing, services, industrial operations and production.

  • Equip yourself to take a leading role in your workplace - improving your processes, systems and business.

  • Understand the fundamental challenges of all business operations and the core tools and essential approaches to design and improve them.

  • Become the authority in your team on improving the operations systems in your business

This MBA style course on Operations Management will prepare and empower you to make a real difference in your organization.

"This" course focuses on your business's "internal" operations. (Check out my other course on "Supply Chain Management A-Z".

This course is for the new or aspiring manager, the ambitious engineer, high flying consultant, the hands-on planners and the practical business analysts.

Business operations come in all shapes and sizes with a host of unique challenges; but the fundamentals of running successful and efficient operations all contain the same fundamentals. Without a grasp of these, no manager can apply the core principles or techniques of business operations management, strategy, design and improvement.

Take control of your career and equip yourself to understand the real nature of business operations and how you can be the key to unlock their potential.

Course Contents:

  1. Introduction to Operations Management

  2. Operations Strategy & Structure

  3. Inventory Management

  4. Forecasting Demand

  5. Demand and Capacity Management

  6. Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP)

  7. Scheduling and Planning

  8. Metrics / KPIs & Performance Management

  9. Operations Improvement

  10. Lean & Six Sigma Improvement Methodologies

  11. Conclusion

Turbo charge your career and your business. Join us today.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Become the operations management guru in your company! combine core understanding with powerful tools and techniques
  • Gain a total overview of operations management for manufacturing and service businesses
  • Increase your profitability, improve delivery and use your resources more efficiently
  • Master the fundamentals of operations strategy, systems design and business management
  • An mba style course on business process management (bpm)
  • Take practical actions on how to run and improve an operations business such as a factory, restaurant, or hospital department.
  • Organize and run your business more effectively and efficiently
  • Ideal for industrial / production / manufacturing organizations but also service and traditional business operations

Syllabus

Introduction to Operations Management

What operations management lessons can we find from some organised mayhem, setting school kids to work for charity

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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Provides an MBA-style overview of operations management, which may be useful for learners seeking a business education but who are not enrolled in a business degree program
Covers Lean and Six Sigma methodologies, which are industry-standard approaches to process improvement and quality management that are highly sought after by employers
Explores sales and operations planning (S&OP) and materials requirements planning (MRP), which are essential for coordinating supply and demand in manufacturing and service industries
Examines forecasting methods, which are critical for anticipating demand and making informed decisions about inventory and capacity planning, and which are useful in a variety of industries
Includes discussion of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, which are widely used in organizations to manage resources and streamline operations, and which are useful for learners to understand
Requires learners to understand the relationship between business strategy and operations functions, which may require learners to have some familiarity with business concepts

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Reviews summary

Solid foundation in operations management

According to students, this course offers a solid and comprehensive foundation in operations management, covering essential topics from strategy to improvement methodologies. Learners frequently highlight the instructor's clear explanations and the use of practical, real-world examples that make the material accessible and relatable. Many reviewers found the content to be highly applicable to their jobs, providing useful tools and perspectives for enhancing business processes and systems. The course is widely regarded as excellent for beginners or those seeking a thorough overview. While overwhelmingly positive, a small number of recent reviews suggest some areas might benefit from updates to reflect the latest industry practices.
Excellent introduction to operations management.
"Perfect for anyone new to operations management or looking for a strong introduction."
"As a beginner, I found this course very accessible and easy to follow."
"It lays a solid foundation for understanding business processes and systems."
"Ideal for someone looking to get started in operations management or a related field."
Covers a wide range of operations topics.
"This course is truly A-Z, covering all the essential areas of operations management."
"I feel like I got a complete overview of the field from strategy to KPIs and improvement."
"It provides a broad understanding of operations management fundamentals."
"Covers a comprehensive set of topics essential for anyone in an operations role."
Concepts are applicable to real-world jobs.
"The concepts learned here are directly applicable to challenges in my workplace."
"I found the practical examples particularly helpful; they show exactly how to use the tools."
"This course gave me practical strategies I could start using in my job right away."
"The material feels very relevant to real business operations and systems."
Instructor explains complex ideas clearly.
"The explanations were incredibly clear and easy to understand, even for someone new to OM."
"The instructor has a knack for breaking down complex concepts into digestible parts using simple language."
"I really appreciated how well the material was explained and the use of helpful visuals."
"The way the instructor explained topics was very clear and made the learning process smooth."
Some content may benefit from being updated.
"While the core principles are timeless, some examples or technologies discussed feel slightly outdated."
"Could benefit from an update to include more modern software or industry trends."
"The fundamentals are great, but a refresh on current best practices would be welcome."

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 Management A-Z: Business Processes and Systems with these activities:
Review Basic Statistics Concepts
Strengthen your understanding of statistical concepts, which are essential for forecasting demand and managing capacity effectively in operations management.
Browse courses on Statistical Forecasting
Show steps
  • Review key statistical terms and formulas.
  • Work through practice problems on forecasting.
Explore ERP System Tutorials
Familiarize yourself with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems by following online tutorials and exploring their functionalities.
Show steps
  • Identify popular ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite).
  • Find online tutorials or demo videos for these systems.
  • Follow the tutorials to learn about key ERP modules and features.
Read 'The Goal: A Process of Ongoing Improvement'
Understand the principles of the Theory of Constraints, a critical concept for improving operations and eliminating bottlenecks.
Show steps
  • Read the book and take notes on key concepts.
  • Reflect on how the concepts apply to real-world operations.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Inventory Management Calculations
Reinforce your understanding of inventory management by working through practice problems on EOQ, safety stock, and reorder points.
Show steps
  • Find practice problems online or in textbooks.
  • Solve the problems and check your answers.
  • Review the concepts if you struggle with any problems.
Create a Presentation on Lean Principles
Solidify your understanding of Lean principles by creating a presentation that explains the core concepts and benefits.
Show steps
  • Research Lean principles and methodologies.
  • Develop a presentation outline.
  • Create visually appealing slides with clear explanations.
  • Practice your presentation delivery.
Analyze a Local Business's Operations
Apply operations management principles to a real-world scenario by analyzing the processes of a local business.
Show steps
  • Choose a local business to analyze.
  • Observe their operations and identify key processes.
  • Identify areas for improvement using course concepts.
  • Write a report summarizing your findings and recommendations.
Read 'Toyota Production System'
Gain a deeper understanding of Lean manufacturing principles by studying the Toyota Production System.
Show steps
  • Read the book and highlight key concepts.
  • Reflect on how TPS principles can be applied in different industries.

Career center

Learners who complete Operations Management A-Z: Business Processes and Systems will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for overseeing the production of goods and/or provision of services. A grasp of operations management fundamentals is essential to success in this role. This course provides a foundational understanding of these fundamentals. It also teaches core tools and essential approaches to design and improve operations. Because the Operations Manager role is cross-functional, the overview of operations management for manufacturing and service businesses featured in this course may be useful. This course's training in sales and operations planning could prove particularly valuable.
Plant Manager
Plant Managers oversee the operations of a manufacturing plant. They may use the principles of operations management to improve processes. This course provides training in tools and techniques to do just that. Plant Managers are often tasked with increasing profitability and using resources more efficiently. This goal aligns with the course's learning objectives. Plant Managers should find that the course helps them to organize and run their plants more effectively.
Production Manager
Production Managers oversee the manufacturing process to ensure efficiency and quality. Mastering operations management principles is an essential skill. This course is tailored to equip you with these skills. It covers topics such as inventory management, demand forecasting, and scheduling and planning. For Production Managers, the course's emphasis on improving delivery and using resources more efficiently may be beneficial. This course touches upon sales and operations planning, as well as enterprise resource planning.
Process Improvement Specialist
Process Improvement Specialists focus on streamlining and enhancing business workflows. They often employ methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma. This course provides a comprehensive overview of operations management. It also covers these methodologies in detail. Aspiring Process Improvement Specialists may find the insights into making operations run more effectively and efficiently particularly valuable. This course may help you unlock the potential of your organization's operations.
Business Operations Director
Business Operations Directors are senior leaders responsible for overseeing all aspects of a company's operations. They need a broad understanding of operations management principles. This course provides a comprehensive overview. This overview helps them make strategic decisions and drive efficiency improvements. The Business Operations Director may be able to combine core understanding with powerful tools and techniques to manage operations. This course may thus play an important role in their professional development.
Business Analyst
The Business Analyst identifies areas for improvement in a business. This often involves a close look at business operations. The Operations Management A-Z course provides a solid grounding in the principles of operations management. It teaches approaches to design and improve operations. This course's emphasis on improving delivery and using resources efficiently may be helpful. Business Analysts may find the course's section on metrics, key performance indicators, and performance management to be directly applicable to their work.
Inventory Control Manager
Inventory Control Managers handle a company's inventory levels and ensure efficient stock management. The inventory management section of this course is directly relevant to their responsibilities. In this role, the Inventory Control Manager may apply the fundamental principles or techniques of business operations management. The course may also help the Inventory Control Manager understand the broader context of operations. It covers topics like forecasting demand and sales and operations planning.
Management Analyst
Management Analysts propose ways to improve an organization's efficiency. This Operations Management course focuses on improving business processes and systems. It ensures that one is equipped to take a leading role improving processes, systems, and business. The course's focus on the challenges of all business operations is helpful for anyone seeking to make improvements. Management Analysts may find the course's lessons on metrics, key performance indicators and Lean methodology particularly relevant.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants advise organizations on how to improve their performance and efficiency. This Operations Management course focuses on improving business processes and systems. It equips you to take a leading role improving processes, systems, and business. The course's focus on the challenges of all business operations helps build a foundation for anyone seeking to improve them. Management Consultants may find the course's lessons on Lean and Six Sigma improvement methodologies particularly useful.
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Managers are responsible for ensuring that products or services meet certain standards. Many of these standards relate to operations. This course enhances an understanding of operations management that may be useful in this role. The course focuses on improving processes, systems, and business. It covers metrics, key performance indicators, and performance management, all of which are highly relevant to quality assurance. The Quality Assurance Manager may also find the sections on Lean and Six Sigma methodologies useful.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, execute, and close projects, often involving operational improvements or changes. This course gives learners an overview of operations management for manufacturing and service businesses. Project Managers who complete this course may be able to increase profitability, improve delivery and use their resources more efficiently. Mastering the fundamentals of operations strategy, systems design and business management may allow Project Managers to create a real difference for their organization. The course may help to turbo charge their career.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use analytical methods to help organizations make better decisions. This course provides a solid foundation in operations management principles. Operations Research Analysts may use the concepts in this course to model and optimize operations. The course may help to combine core understanding with powerful tools and techniques. Their expertise in analytics and modelling, combined with the concepts in this course, may have a greater impact.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers oversee the entire supply chain process, from sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products to customers. This course focuses on your business's internal operations. While there is a course on supply chain management, this course may discuss the fundamentals of running successful and efficient operations. They may use the core principles or techniques of business operations management, strategy, design and improvement in the Supply Chain Manager role.
Logistics Manager
Logistics Managers oversee the flow of goods and materials within an organization. While logistics focuses on the movement and storage of materials, a good understanding of Operations Management is vital. The course may help you to optimize operations. It covers inventory management, demand forecasting, and scheduling and planning. These concepts have clear implications for logistics. This course may be useful for those Logistics Managers seeking to broaden their operational understanding.
Supply Chain Analyst
Supply Chain Analysts help businesses optimize their supply chain operations. Although this course focuses on internal operations, it provides a foundation in operations management principles that may be useful. This foundation helps you understand the broader context in which the supply chain operates. The Supply Chain Analyst role may benefit from the course's sections on forecasting demand and managing inventory. That said, this course is not a substitute for a full supply chain course.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 Management A-Z: Business Processes and Systems.
This novel illustrates the principles of the Theory of Constraints, a crucial concept for identifying and eliminating bottlenecks in operations. It provides a practical and engaging way to understand how to improve throughput and reduce inventory. The book is widely used in operations management courses and is highly recommended for understanding process improvement. It offers a different perspective from traditional textbooks, focusing on a narrative approach to problem-solving.
This book, written by one of the key architects of the Toyota Production System (TPS), provides a detailed explanation of the principles and practices behind this revolutionary approach to manufacturing. It offers valuable insights into waste reduction, continuous improvement, and respect for people. is essential reading for anyone interested in Lean manufacturing and operations excellence. It provides a historical context and practical guidance for implementing TPS principles.

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