Operations Management: Organization and Analysis from Coursera

In this course, you will learn about the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. You will learn and practice the use of decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions such as connecting process to the needs of various customer segments, to front-line tactical decisions such as choosing between ordering larger quantities vs. ordering more frequently.

You will be able to:

• Relate underlying principles to operations management frameworks and techniques

• Synthesize information to make strategic operations decisions

• Evaluate processes on different dimensions

• Apply analytical techniques for tactical operations decision

This course is part of Gies College of Business’ suite of online programs, including the iMBA and iMSM. Learn more about admission into these programs and explore how your Coursera work can be leveraged if accepted into a degree program at https://degrees.giesbusiness.illinois.edu/idegrees/.

What's inside

Syllabus

Course Orientation & Operations Strategy

In this first module, you will be introduced to the instructors and the course. Next, you will learn about the significance of operations management, and how to formulate and implement an operations strategy that is aligned with the business strategy and with market requirements.

Process Configurations and Analysis

In this module, you will learn about types of process arrangements and the implications of adopting each one. You will learn to analyze the performance of processes and of the activities within the processes, and to recognize the impacts of variability on processes.

Inventory Management Concepts

In this module, we will learn about the importance of inventory management in operations settings. Inventories entail several costs such as holding and ordering costs. These costs depend on key decisions such as order quantity and reorder point. We will learn how the different types of costs depend on inventory decisions. We will also discuss the trade-offs associated with inventory decisions and how to make optimal decisions related to inventory management. This module is focused on simple inventory scenarios where demand is fixed and known. The learnings from this module are important because it provides key basics of inventory management which are important in learning and mastering more complex decision scenarios

Inventory Management Applications

In this module, we extend the learnings from the previous module to more complex scenarios of inventory management, namely, when demand is uncertain and cannot be predicted with certainty. First, we learn how to measure uncertainty in demand using demand distributions – particularly the Normal distribution, which is the more common demand distribution used in practice. Second, we will learn about the decision tradeoffs in managing inventory with uncertainty, namely, between service levels and costs of inventory. The key decisions related to managing inventory with demand uncertainty are order quantity, reorder point, safety or buffer stock levels, and frequency of inventory review and ordering. Upon completion of this module, we will gain knowledge and expertise in making these decisions optimally using different inventory policies such as continuous review policy and periodic review policy. This module is important for managing inventories in most operations settings in an efficient and effective manner.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Appropriate for learners with prior understanding of manufacturing and service-focused organizations or an interest in operations strategy

Suitable for individuals seeking development in decision-making frameworks and techniques for operations improvement

Might be challenging for beginners lacking basic knowledge of operations management

Provides a strong theoretical foundation for understanding process improvement and inventory management techniques

Potential supplement to existing programs in business management or related fields

Reviews summary

Professor makes material dry

According to students, this Operations Management course is difficult to understand because the professor makes the material dry and hard to concentrate on during lectures. Students say this course would benefit from a new professor.

Makes material dry and hard to understand.

"Makes the material very dry by droning on and on and makes it hard to concentrate during lectures."

"Makes simple concepts very complicating."

"This course needs a new professor that can get their point across clearly."

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: Organization and Analysis with these activities:

Review: Operations Management: Sustainability and Supply Chain Management

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Review the content to reinforce the importance of sustainability and supply chain management in operations management

View Operations and Supply Chain Management on Amazon

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Read Chapters 1-4 to understand the fundamental concepts of operations management and sustainability.
Read Chapters 5-8 to learn about the different aspects of supply chain management.

Create an Inventory Management Flow Chart

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Use a flowchart to demonstrate the sequence of steps involved in inventory management.

Browse courses on Inventory Management

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Identify the key steps involved in inventory management.
Create a flowchart that visually represents the flow of inventory through the organization.
Use standardized inventory management symbols.

Practice Setting Up Workplace Processes

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Set up a few example processes in a work environment for application

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Identify a simple process that can be used for practice
Choose a method to set up the process. Consider a flowchart.
Set up the process and include documentation.

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Collaborative Process Analysis

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Engage in collaborative analysis of a process to exchange diverse perspectives and enhance problem-solving

Browse courses on Process Analysis

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Form teams of 3-4 students.
Select a process for analysis and define the scope.
Use a structured process analysis technique, such as value stream mapping.
Share and discuss findings with the team, identifying areas for improvement.
Document the analysis and recommendations.

Tutorial: Using Simulation for Inventory Optimization

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Enhance understanding of inventory optimization techniques through guided simulation tutorials

Browse courses on Inventory Management

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Find tutorials on simulation software, such as AnyLogic or Simio.
Build a simulation model of an inventory system.
Use the simulation to evaluate different inventory management strategies.
Analyze the results of the simulation to identify the best strategy.

Inventory Management Calculations Practice

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Deepen understanding through practice calculations related to inventory management concepts.

Browse courses on Inventory Management

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Review the formulas for calculating inventory costs, such as holding costs and ordering costs.
Practice calculating inventory costs using real-world examples.
Analyze the impact of different inventory management strategies on inventory costs.

Contribute to an Open-Source Inventory Management System

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Deepen understanding of inventory management systems by contributing to open-source projects.

Browse courses on Inventory Management

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Identify an open-source inventory management system, such as Openbravo or Odoo.
Review the project's documentation and contribute to discussions on forums.
Fix bugs or implement new features in the system.

Develop an Operations Improvement Plan

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Draft a plan to optimize operations by integrating concepts covered in the course

Browse courses on Process Improvement

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Identify an operational area for improvement.
Conduct a thorough analysis of the current process.
Develop a plan outlining the proposed improvements.
Estimate the potential benefits and costs of the improvements.
Present the plan to stakeholders for feedback and approval.

Career center

Learners who complete Operations Management: Organization and Analysis will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Operations Manager

Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a business, ensuring that goods and services are produced and delivered efficiently. This course helps Operations Managers understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Operations Managers who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Industrial Engineer

Industrial Engineers design, improve, and install integrated systems of people, materials, and equipment. This course helps Industrial Engineers understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Industrial Engineers who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

Manufacturing Engineer

Manufacturing Engineers plan and oversee the production of goods. This course helps Manufacturing Engineers understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Manufacturing Engineers who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Engineer

Logistics Manager

Logistics Managers plan and oversee the movement of goods and materials. This course helps Logistics Managers understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Logistics Managers who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Logistics Manager

Supply Chain Manager

Supply Chain Managers plan and oversee the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. This course helps Supply Chain Managers understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Supply Chain Managers who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Project Manager

Project Managers plan and oversee the completion of projects. This course helps Project Managers understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Project Managers who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Business Analyst

Business Analysts identify and solve business problems. This course helps Business Analysts understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Business Analysts who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Management Consultant

Management Consultants advise businesses on how to improve their operations. This course helps Management Consultants understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Management Consultants who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts provide financial advice to businesses and individuals. This course helps Financial Analysts understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Financial Analysts who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst

Data Analyst

Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make decisions. This course helps Data Analysts understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Data Analysts who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. This course helps Software Engineers understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Software Engineers who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computer technologies. This course helps Computer Scientists understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Computer Scientists who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Scientist

Accountant

Accountants prepare and maintain financial records for businesses. This course helps Accountants understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Accountants who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Accountant

Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course helps Economists understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Economists who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Economist

Statistician

Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to help businesses make decisions. This course helps Statisticians understand the role of operations and how they are connected to other business functions in manufacturing and service-focused organizations. It also teaches decision-making frameworks and techniques applicable at all levels, from management-level strategic decisions to front-line tactical decisions. This course may be particularly useful for Statisticians who want to improve their understanding of process configurations and analysis, inventory management concepts, and inventory management applications.

See salaries and explore the career path for Statistician