Master of Operations Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Operations Management is to develop Postgraduate learners as researchers, who can enrich the body of knowledge within the Operations Management sector by providing critical insights into the discipline. The qualification will develop the learner's ability in the application of relevant research theory and methodology and will develop written and oral communication skills as well as analytical thinking skills which will allow learners to reflect and report on the research process and findings on an appropriate level.

Rationale

In order to ensure continued articulation and progression, the institution has developed this qualification, to follow on from the Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management, leading to the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Operations Management. The Department intends to provide a research-intensive qualification that will add value to the services, products and stakeholders in the business sector. The qualification focuses on wider strategic and global issues facing manufacturing and services organisations and examines the use and application of techniques to enable operational effectiveness. This qualification provides the opportunity for learners to investigate and research the operational needs of organisations, in ways that could prove beneficial to the manufacturing and services environments.

Organisations are in competition by bringing developing new products and introducing them to the market and also by improving existing products and processes. These two aspects underpin the rationale for the Master of Operations Management, as its research focus endeavours to enrich the body of knowledge within the sector by providing the critical insights into the discipline. Given that Operations Management is an essential administrative tool that can assist with questions on organisational effectiveness and the establishment of work procedures and methods, the qualification is intended to explore and influence the quality of decision-making undertaken by future management professionals.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be applied in line with the institutions' policies and guidelines. The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value and the Faculty will therefore endeavour to assess prior learning and award credit where relevant. The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment manages RPL according to the institution's RPL policy, which will be applied as follows for purposes of this qualification as set out in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment policy:

• 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 applied by the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.
• 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 NQF-level.

> Takes place where prior learning in terms of applied competencies is relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification.

> Is considered in terms of an assessment procedure that includes a motivated recommendation by an assessment panel to the Dean's Committee of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment.

> Is finally decided upon by the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment Dean's Committee.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Qualification in Management Services or Operations Management or Quality, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits:

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Investigate research problems creatively and innovatively by applying relevant inter-disciplinary knowledge in the chosen field of study.
2. Apply creative solutions to complex operational management problems.
3. Organise and manage him/herself and his/her activities responsibly, effectively and ethically.
4. Plan and conduct applicable levels of investigation, research and/or experiments by applying appropriate operations management theories and methodologies.
5. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with specific research audiences and the community at large.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify and assess research problem correctly.
• Motivate for the choice of research topic chosen effectively.
• Demonstrate the effective application of theoretical underpinnings of the discipline.
• Integrate of relevant inter-disciplinary knowledge within the study, is illustrated.
• Analyse operational challenges within the operations management environment.
• Operational challenges within the operations management environment can be analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Use current innovative research within the discipline.
• Construct feasible solutions to complex operational issues in the industry.
• Integrate technology with solutions proposed.
• Illustrate the impact of solutions on various processes, departments and systems within an organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Be cognisant of time and cost implications of the research study.
• Demonstrate planning skills indicative of future managerial leaders.
• Show evidence of ethical clearance.
• Complete a research dissertation timeously.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Discuss relevant theoretical underpinnings for arguments critically.
• Construct a well-developed literature review to support the research findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Articulate the research problem and findings coherently.
• Communicate with various stakeholders during all phases of the study in so far as they are affected by the research, using appropriate data analysis and interpretation.is evident.
• Reference the final dissertation produced appropriately.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of Higher Degrees is done in accordance with the Institution's Policy on Assessment.

Integrated Assessment has application where a need exists to assure overall applied competence, to prevent disjointed learning experience and/or as a time effective assessment method. It has reference to formative, traditional summative and continuous assessment. General assessment principles and practices apply".

Formative Assessment is conducted by utilising supervisor report and progress reports. The Summative Assessment is based on the completed dissertation submitted.

For the full dissertation, two assessors will be required, one of whom will be an internal assessor (a full-time academic staff of the institution) and the other an external assessor. The assessors are appointed by the Faculty based on their scholarship and expertise. The recommendations of the external assessor are received by Faculty and transmitted to the learner's supervisor for further consideration, comments, corrections or improvements.