Manufacturing management and strategy
Lecturer to be advised
6 points * One 3-hour session per week * Second semester * Clayton
Synopsis The manufacturing or operations function can play a vital role in creating and sustaining a competitive advantage for an organisation. To be able to do this the manufacturing/operations strategy must become an integral part of the overall business strategy. The needs of the manufacturing/operations function must be taken into account when formulating the overall business strategy. The aim of this subject is to provide an understanding of the `process' of developing the manufacturing/operations strategy and gain an understanding of its `content'. The strategic decision areas which managers must address in the manufacturing/operations function will be examined, and alternative strategies considered for particular circumstances. Topics covered will include basis of competitive, capacity and facility location decisions; product and process technology decisions; total quality management (TQM); just-in-time (JIT); manufacturing and supplier-contractor relations.
Assessment Written (case studies) * Student participation in class discussion