Advanced Diploma in Operations Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to develop learners with competencies pertaining to the acquisition, interpretation, and application of Operations Management principles and processes, such that learners are able to work effectively within the Operations Management field.

Rationale

This qualification aims to target persons in junior/middle management positions, as well as at those who aspire to these positions and who wish to increase promotional prospects by acquiring this qualification. Consequently, this contributes towards the development of business sector in the form of provision of professional consultancy services. Industry based student projects have been included to assist small to medium scale industries to establish sound operational techniques.

This qualification has been designed to enrich the learners' body of knowledge with critical skills and abilities needed in today's industry in the field of quality management with special emphasis on operations management techniques, research methods and operational tools. The qualification enhances the learner's knowledge and develops applied competence in understanding research processes, principles and methods. It further develops the research and professional skills of the learner, which includes analysis and interpretation of the research findings. It prepares learners to meaningfully contribute to an organisation's operational systems as well as acquisition, utilisation and development of operational tools and techniques.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be applied in line with the institution policies and guidelines. Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution. Recognition takes place in terms of requirements and procedures. RPL in the case of a learner not complying with the formal entry requirements is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience; is considered only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF)-level; and takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the programme.

Entry Requirements

• A 360 Credits Diploma in Operations Management, Level 6.

Or

• A 360 Credits Diploma in Management Services, Level 6.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules:120 Credits

• Operations Management A, 16 Credits.
• Operations Management B, 16 Credits.
• Operations Management Techniques A, 16 Credits.
• Operations Management Techniques B, 16 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
• Project Management, 16 Credits.
• Quality Planning and Implementation, 12 Credits.
• Financial Planning and Control, 12 Credits.

1. Define the role and scope of the operations manager's function within the context of the production of goods and services in either profit-oriented or not-for-profit endeavours.
2. Apply the different quantitative and qualitative techniques tools and models applicable in operations management.
3. Differentiate between project and supply chain management principles, quality and productivity improvement.
4. Prepare a managerial report of findings that will ensure resource and process optimisation based on its findings.
5. Evaluate the role of operations management in a service industry and the tools used to make informed decisions.
6. Apply the basic skills regarding information technology, human relations and financial principles, in order to plan and control operational systems.
7. Demonstrate direct and practical industrial experience (or a simulation thereof) that indicates knowledge and application of operations management in various manufacturing and service industries.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Accurately describe the impact of operations trends and changes in world class manufacturing/services.
• Demonstrate the specific strategic factors affecting service/manufacturing planning and controlling systems by means of practical examples.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Solve various multi-dimensional and variable linear programming models as applied in operations using the simplex technique management.
• Clearly explain different quantitative and qualitative techniques in contemporary manufacturing/service organisations can be to optimise operation processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

Effectively apply the following principles in given case scenarios

• Supply Chain Management.
• Resource Planning.
• Just-in Time (JIT).
• Operations Activity Planning.
• Master Operations Scheduling, Demand Management.
• Integrated Planning and Control Systems.
• Inventory Management and Distribution Management in an organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Based on the findings of a managerial report, resource and process optimisation is evident in appropriate action.
• Use a logical and analytical approach to problem solving.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Learners must correctly plan, analyse and revise the process capability maturity business modelling optimisation principles.
• Use applicable capability maturity business modelling optimisation principles to successfully optimise resource throughput.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Explain in full the term 'limiting factor' along with its relevance to decision-making situations.
• Adequately describe the nature of manufacturing accounts and the purpose of the manufacturing account.
• A basic manufacturing account is correctly prepared.
• Define different terms and concepts in respect of relevance, opportunity cost, incremental cost and sunk cost.
• Use concepts to analyse the costs/benefits relating to simple decision scenarios accurately.
• Discuss potential problems of a relevant costing approach.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Illustrate detailed understanding of strategic planning and controlling of quality improvement principles.
• Explain the techniques used in an operations management environment.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

The modules consist of different forms of formative Assessments which includes project reports, case studies, assignments etc., which will be implemented in each module, depending on the nature of the module. For example, feedback on assignments is returned to the students within reasonable time, project presentations are scheduled in order for the instructor to provide comments, etc. These progress assessments are done solely by the module instructor. However, the final examination will require the involvement of a suitable external course examiner, who will be requested to approve the module examination paper and mark grading provided by the course instructor. No experiential learning is involved in the programme.

Summative Assessment

For the modules, each intermediate or progress assessment will be awarded a mark, which will be combined with the final examination mark based on pre-determined weightings for the module. A pass is awarded for a weighted overall mark of no less than 50% and a distinction for a calculated mark of at least 75%.