Operations Management Diploma

A broad definition of operations management, including its purpose and its key principles
What successful operations management looks like
A brief history of operations management
The key skills, experience and personal attributes that you need to be an Operations Manager

Definitions of logistics and supply chain management
Purchasing within SCM – why it is important
Purchasing within SCM – steps in the process and how to find suppliers
Purchasing within SCM – documents in the process and when things go wrong

How to identify your target market
Conducting primary and secondary market research and different methods that you can use
Key stages of the product development process
The production and scheduling process and different types of production, including job, batch and flow production

Defining product distribution and different distribution channels
Key individuals and parties involved in the distribution process
Things to consider in the packaging and presentation of your product
Deciding on delivery options for customers

The importance of finance and cost management to the field of operations management
Some key financial terminology and documents
The importance of and how to compile budgets, balance sheets and asset registers
What depreciation is and some common ways in which to calculate it

An overview of different employment statuses, such as employed staff, contractors, subcontractors, agency workers and zero hours contracts
Managing employed staff, including contractual clauses and statutory entitlements
Contractors and subcontractors – advantages and disadvantages of using them and how to work with them in the best possible way
Common clauses within contracts for services

What project management is and how it can relate to your role as an Operations Manager
The five key phases of project management
Examples of operations management projects, or common projects types that you may be involved in
What SMART objectives are and how to write them

A definition of Six Sigma and its main principles
Different tools and methodologies that you can use within the Six Sigma process
Some strengths and potential weaknesses of the approach
How to maximise the value of Six Sigma

Ways to ensure quality in the design and productions phases
The important of quality assurance and quality control, including testing
Features of the ISO 9000 standards for quality
Types of quality defects and how to deal with them

An examination of corporate social responsibility and why it is an important initiative
How to create an effective corporate social responsibility strategy
A case study of a successful and wide-reaching CSR programme
The characteristics of a sustainable or green business