Operations and Project Management

The course consists of eight lecture blocks. For clarity on the website, the content has been grouped into five broader topic areas. The final lecture block focuses on group work presentations and a synthesis of the key learnings.

A clear understanding of operations helps managers see how everyday work processes support the organisation’s broader goals.

Participants gain a comprehensive overview of the role of operations management in an organisation and how resources are transformed into products and services for customers. The topic covers the operations function, the role of the operations manager, the input–transformation–output logic, process hierarchy, links between core and support functions, performance measurement and operations strategy.

A high-performing organisation needs to understand which choices influence value creation beyond its own internal processes.

This topic focuses on how organisational performance is shaped by suppliers, partners, customers and the wider business ecosystem. It covers the structure and redesign of supply networks, capacity strategies, outsourcing decisions and “make or buy” choices from the perspectives of quality, speed, dependability, flexibility and cost.

Well-designed processes help make work smoother, reduce bottlenecks and create a better customer experience.

Participants learn how process structure, layout, workflow, technology and the role of people influence the way an organisation operates. The focus is on the links between process design and the design of products and services, responding to customer needs and building an integrated operating system.

Continuous improvement helps organisations adapt to change, maintain quality, reduce waste and limit the impact of disruptions.

This topic covers the continuous development of operations, quality management and preparedness for risks and disruptions. It compares gradual improvement, more radical transformation and the balance between improving existing operations and exploring new solutions. Participants also examine frameworks for systematic improvement, such as PDCA and DMAIC, as well as approaches including TQM, Six Sigma, BPR, BPM and Lean. The focus is on value-creating workflows, waste reduction, customer focus and evidence-based problem-solving.

Strong planning and well-managed projects help turn strategic goals into concrete, trackable and executable actions.

Participants gain an overview of how planning and control systems connect demand, suppliers, resources and decision-makers into one management logic. The topic covers scheduling, resource loading, sequencing, activity monitoring and control, as well as the development of planning systems from MRP to ERP and cloud-based solutions.

The project management part focuses on project preparation, execution and documentation. It covers project team roles and responsibilities, project organisation, the AIMS Grid, stakeholder mapping, power structures, status reporting, message-focused presentation and activities after project completion.

The course concludes with group work presentations and a synthesis of the learning, helping participants connect the topics covered with practical management situations.