83809 - LOGISTICS AND OPERATIONS

Conoscenze e abilità da conseguire

At the end of the course the student will be able to understand the basic models and principles of logistics and operations management. At the same time the student will be able to master the most important tools of management of the logistics and operations function. As a consequence, at the end of the course the student will be able to understand the management of the technical functions in a company, as well as its links with the other functions.

Contenuti

The unit endorses the contingency approach by which an effort is required to determine which managerial practices and techniques are appropriate in specific situations. This approach to management also acknowledges that there is no one single best way to manage people or work in every situation. On the contrary, in real-life management, the success of any given technique is dictated by the situation. Given the nature of this management approach, caution should therefore be exercised in implementing the so-called best practices which should be contingent upon the circumstances and projected outcomes of each unique organization.

Manufacturing processes require a knowledge of many disciplines, including design, process planning, costing, marketing, sales, customer relations, purchasing, bookkeeping, inventory control, material handling, shipping and many others. More than 110 different methods have been proposed to improve the manufacturing cycle. Each of the proposed methods improves a given aspect or several ones of the manufacturing cycle. Some methods are of a technological nature, while others are organizational and architectural, and yet others focus on information technology. Some are aimed at lead-time reduction, while others aim at inventory reduction, and yet others focus on customer satisfaction or organizational and architectural features. In some methods environmental issues are becoming dominating, while others focus on respect for the workers; many of these proposed methods are based on team work. Such a variety of methods and objectives makes it difficult for a manager to decide which method best suits his/her business. The aim of this unit is to present an overview of the main production management methods, their objectives, the means to achieve the objectives, and to assist the students who are the “managers-to-be” to be knowledgeable about the alternatives available in order to make an informed decision.

Testi/Bibliografia

Students attending the course

Students will be directed in class towards the relevant readings.

Students not attending the course

Stevenson, W.J (2015). Operations Management,12th edition, McGraw-Hill + supplemental readings that will be made available through AMS Campus.

General Supplemental Readings

There are many additional readings students may benefit from – some may be identified in class, others can be identified by the students themselves independently or in consultation with the module lecturer.

Metodi didattici

This course involves a variety of teaching and learning methods including traditional lecture style presentation, case analysis and discussion and teamwork. Given the class diversity and the tremendous context knowledge embodied in that diversity, an important element of the learning process in this topic will stem from peer learning.

You are expected to come to class with the assigned readings completed and any class preparation ready.

Students are expected to synthesize and integrate knowledge acquired in other courses and put it into practice. They will be also challenged to extensively engage in independent research and critical thinking.

Modalità di verifica e valutazione dell'apprendimento

For those students not attending the course there is a final written individual exam, worth 100% of the final mark.

For those students attending the course there is a final written individual exam (40%) plus assessment of the teamwork (group assessment, 60%).

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Alessandra Vecchi