Learning Guide Unit 1
Overview
Unit 1: Introduction to Operations Management and Strategy
Topics:
● Operations Management and Operations Strategy
● Operations Strategy Formulation
● External and Internal Analysis
Learning Objectives:
By the end of this Unit, you will be able to:
1. Distinguish the differences between Operations Management and Operations Strategy.
2. Discuss the steps in an effective Operations Strategy.
3. Analyze the external and internal factors of an organization.
4. Select the strategy that best matches market requirements and operations resources.
Tasks:
● Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
● Post an introduction in the Course Forum
● Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
● Complete and submit the Written Assignment
Introduction
During Unit 1, the chapters 1, 2 and 3 of the book Operations Strategy introduce the concepts of Operations Management and Operations Strategy and describe the Operations Strategy formulation process. While, chapters 6, 9, 10 & 14 of the book Strategic Management address the processes and tools to formulate strategies used to match market requirements with operations resources.
Reading Assignment
All course textbooks are accessible through the Syllabus or through the course’s “Textbook” page. If there are any additional readings for this Unit, the access/location information will be provided below.
● James, T. (2011). Operations Strategy. Bookboon.
○ Chapter 1
○ Chapter 2
○ Chapter 3
● Ritson, N. (2013). Strategic Management. Bookboon.
○ Chapter 6
○ Chapter 9
○ Chapter 10
○ Chapter 14
● Edwards, J. (2013). Al Microsoft Employees Should Read Stephen Elop’s ‘Burning Platform’ Memo Right Now. Business Insider. Retrieved from: http://www.businessinsider.com/stephen-elops-burning-platform-memo-2013-9
Written Assignment
Strategic Management Insight is an online platform dedicated to providing comprehensive information about Strategic Management related topics. As part of its resources, a set of SWOT examples for top-performing companies is offered.
Based on the company analysis found here: http://www.strategicmanagementinsight.com/swot-analyses.html, consider the following questions:
● What are the key strengths of the company? (Explain at least 2 strengths that enable the company to survive in a fast-changing environment)
● What do you consider to be the most significant weaknesses of the company? (Explain at least one and refer to the information source used)
● What opportunities do you believe have the potential to evolve soon? (Explain at least one potential opportunity and refer to the information source used)
● What do you consider to be the threats to the company in the provided analysis? (Explain at least one and refer to the information source used)
Compose a 3-page paper. Before you begin writing, see the General Guidelines for Case Studies and review the assessment criteria below.
● Papers will be assessed on the following criteria:
● Description of the Case and Identification/Coverage of Major Issues
● Depth and Scope of Analysis
● Solutions and Strategies
● Writing Clarity and Quality
● APA formatting
