Free Online Applied Operations Management Course

This free online Applied Operations Management course will introduce you to the practical applications of the main theories that underpin operations management. By the end of the course, you will have learned why virtually all operations management decisions are based on a forecast of the future, and how forecasts drive strategic operations decisions such as competitive priorities, changes in processes, and large technology purchases.

What You Will Learn In This Free Course

Introduction to Operations Management

The module begins by introducing forecasting and describes why it is critical to the management of all functional areas within an organization. For example, marketing relies on forecasting to predict demand and future sales, and human resources forecasts future hiring requirements.

Introduction to Forecasting Methods

You will then learn about forecasting methods such as time series forecasting. Time series models assume that information needed to generate a forecast is contained in a time series of data and that the future will follow the same patterns as the past.

Introduction to Aggregate Planning and Linear Programming

The module begins by introducing the concept of aggregate planning and its use in medium term planning in businesses. You will be introduced to aggregate planning methodologies such as the tabular method and linear programming.

Aggregate Planning and the Transportation Model

The course also introduces the linear programming technique and a special type of linear programming known as the Transportation Model, which can be used to obtain aggregate plans that would allow balanced capacity and demand and the minimization of costs.

Diploma in Applied Operations Management – First Assessment

You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.; Module

Introduction to Line Balancing

The module begins by introducing the concept of line balancing and explains terminology associated with it, such as tasks, task precedence, task times and cycle time. You will also learn about heuristics for working out line balancing problems in lean production, and about cycle time, the maximum time allowed at each workstation before the work moves on.

Introduction to Facilities Location

The module introduces the qualitative factors, such as raw materials, transport, and customer demand in determining the location of facilities. You will then learn about quantitative methods, such as the p-median model, which is used to model many real world situations, such as the location of public or industrial facilities, warehouses and other facilities.

Introduction to Inventory Models

The module begins by introducing the basics of inventory management and introduces concepts such as deterministic demand and probabilistic demand, type of costs such as cost of item, order cost, and holding or carrying cost.

Understanding Eoq Model

Several models are available to help determine how much inventory should be brought in to restock the products or parts, and you will be introduced to inventory models such as the single period inventory model, the multi-period inventory model and the economic order quantity (EOQ) model. These models are explained in detail using worked examples.

Diploma in Applied Operations Management – Second Assessment

You must score 80% or more to pass this assessment.; Module

Course assessment