Level 7 Operations Management Diploma - Course Outline
This advanced Level 7 Operations Management Diploma provides an in-depth overview of the OM profession and its applications, over a series of 20 detailed modules as follows:
Module 1 - What is Operations Management?
The course begins by providing candidates with a detailed definition of operations management, outlining the most important duties and responsibilities in the field of OM. Module 1 also examines a series of key reports, the different types of operations in a business setting, several financial fundamentals and an introduction to General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Module 2 - Process Management
Candidates are then familiarised with the basics of process management, while considering the applications and objectives of business analysis. Additional key topics covered include enterprise content management, an overview of the enterprise content management model, the concept of business process reengineering and the business process life cycle.
Module 3 - Supply Chain Management
An introduction to supply chain management follows in the third module, which presents candidates with a detailed overview of the structure of a supply chain and outlines the benefits of effective supply chain management. The evolving structure of supply chains is also discussed, alongside the primary participants in supply chain activities.
Module 4 - Planning & Sourcing Operations
The importance of effective and accurate planning is then examined, alongside techniques and strategies for more accurate demand forecasting and planning. Several primary forecasting methods are presented and discussed, alongside aggregate planning, product price structure planning and an introduction to inventory management.
Module 5 - Talent Management
Candidates then consider the potential benefits of an effective talent management plan, along with how to create and implement a viable talent and performance management strategy. The role of communication in talent management is also discussed, along with the potential consequences of failing to embrace and leverage talent from within.
Module 6 - Procurement Operations
A detailed introduction to purchasing and procurement follows in Module Six, in which learners assess the functions, objectives, aims and importance of procurement. Each component stage of the procurement cycle is detailed and discussed, along with strategies for monitoring supplier performance and organisation of recruitment requirements.
Module 7 - Manufacturing & Delivery Operations
An overview of manufacturing and delivery operations from a modern business perspective follows in the seventh module, which covers key topics such as production scheduling, facility management, order management, delivery scheduling and more.
Module 8 - Succession Planning
How and why all businesses should prioritise effective succession planning is then discussed, along with an overview of the potential benefits and value of succession planning. Candidates are guided through the process of developing and implementing a succession plan, considering each of the most important elements of a succession plan along the way.
Module 9 - Project Management
Project management from an operations management perspective is then examined, alongside a detailed breakdown of the project life cycle. Module Nine also covers the project overview document, how to define project selection criteria, the components of a project plan and how to develop an organisational plan.
Module 10 - Quality Management
Quality control as a primary performance driver is analysed in Module 10, in which candidates consider the quality management responsibilities of OM personnel. Tips for successful quality management strategy implementation are also provided, along with how to prepare a quality management plan and make use of cost/benefit analysis.
Module 11 - Creative Thinking and Innovation
The importance of creativity and innovation in a corporate setting is then discussed, along with how creativity and innovation in business drive success and prosperity. Candidates learn how to encourage and motivate creativity in a team, while considering individual and group techniques for enhanced creativity.
Module 12 - Communication Skills
The value of quality communication in a business environment is then discussed, along with the importance of developing active listening skills. Candidates learn how to utilise and interpret a wide variety of nonverbal messages, while considering appropriate responses to feelings, the use of demonstration queues and tips for making a good first impression.
Module 13 - Negotiation Techniques
Helpful tips and guidelines for more confident and effective negotiating are presented in Module 13, which also examines the phases of negotiation and different types of negotiations. The importance of accurately identifying customer expectations is also discussed, alongside further tips and techniques for closing more sales.
Module 14 - Change Management
The inevitability of change in all business environments is then examined, along with the criticality of approaching change in a positive and proactive way. Candidates consider key factors in successful change, along with how time management plays a direct role in all aspects of change management.
Module 15 - Administrative Skills
An exploration of the modern office environment follows in Module 15, in which candidates are also introduced to the core admin skills needed to succeed in operations management. The concept of social responsibility in business is also discussed, along with business ethics and an overview of several different types of business environments.
Module 16 - Conflict Management
Handling conflict in a professional and proactive manner is then brought into discussion, along with the advantages of preventing problems from occurring in the first place. Learners are familiarised with a variety of conflict resolution techniques, along with some of the most common causes of conflict and the stages of conflict.
Module 17 - Stress Management
The importance of taking control of stress is discussed in Module 17, along with how building a detailed understanding of stress holds the key to more effective stress management. Time management tips for improved stress management are provided, along with helpful techniques to bring stress under control on an everyday basis.
Module 18 - Business Ethics for the Office
A more detailed exploration of business ethics follows in Module 18, which explores the benefits of running an ethical organisation. Philosophical approaches to ethics are also discussed, along with how to develop codes of ethics for the modern business and assess the appropriateness of existing codes of ethics.
Module 19 - Business Etiquette
The basics of business etiquette are then discussed, in which candidates learn how to conduct themselves in a wide variety of business/corporate scenarios. The importance of good manners and making a memorable first impressions are also discussed, along with business dining and more.
Module 20 - Risk Management
Concluding the programme, Module 20 provides a crash-course introduction to risk management. Key topics covered include the objectives of risk management, creating a risk management plan, assessing the effectiveness of existing risk management policies, identifying risks, categorising risks and mitigating risks where necessary.
