MAS227 Operational Strategy, Execution and LEAN

Contents and structure

This course covers the planning, design, and implementation of strategies related to operational management in an organization. The focus will be on how businesses can streamline and optimize their operational processes to achieve their overarching business goals.

Learning Outcome

Knowledge:

• Understanding concepts and principles of operations strategy and how they align with overarching business goals.
• Ability to explain and discuss process design, capacity planning, quality management, and their integration into supply chain management.
• Recognize and understand the importance of lean management, Six Sigma, and sustainable practices in operational management.
• Ability to recall and apply principles of risk and change management in operational processes.
• Knowledge of how technology impacts operational management and decision-making.
• Define key concepts related to operational strategy, process optimization, and performance management.
• Explain how operational strategy and execution contribute to organizational efficiency and goal achievement.
• Identify key areas for improvement and innovation in operational strategy and execution.Is familiar with the key components in LEAN

Skills:

• Develop the ability to identify opportunities for improvement in operational processes and strategies.
• Actively participate in the planning and implementation of operational strategies and processes.
• Apply best practices and methods in operational management.
• Repeat and improve processes through continuous learning and the use of operational strategies.
• Quickly recognize challenges and opportunities in operational management and supply chain management.
• Build complementary skills in collaboration, communication, and interdisciplinary problem-solving.
• This includes the ability to work effectively in teams, communicate complex ideas clearly to different audiences, and integrate insights from various disciplines to develop holistic solutions.

General Competence:

• Develop awareness of the importance of strategic operational management for organizational success.
• Recognize and incorporate ethical and sustainable considerations into operational strategy and decisions.
• Engage in and contribute to strategic thinking and decision-making in operations.

Entry requirements

None

Recommended previous knowledge

Knowledge of business economics is an advantage.

Teaching methods

Classroom teaching and assignment seminars combined with group work. Group-based guidance as needed.

Compulsory learning activities

• 2 group-based mandatory assignments (semester projects) must be approved, before the exam can be taken.
• 2 group-based oral presentations of mandatory assignments (semester projects) must be approved, before the exam can be taken.
• Mandatory attendance at assignment seminars

A total of 5 mandatory assignments

Assessment

Group-based home examination (three days) with adjusting oral examination.

The grade will be announced at least 24 hours before the adjusting oral examination starts. The grade may be adjusted up or down by a maximum of one grade after the oral exam. The grade for the adjusting oral exam is identical to the final grade.

The grade after the oral exam can be set individually for each group member.

Oral exam duration 40 minutes

The time for the home exam deadline will be provided at the beginning of the semester.

The date and time for the oral examination will be specified at the start of the semester

Grading scale is A-F where F is fail.

Examination support material

All aids are allowed during the home exam. For more information about Artificial intelligence (AI) please see Submission of home exams and assignments.

No aids are allowed during the oral exam.

More about examination support material

Course reductions

• MAS225 - LEAN - Reduction: 10 studypoints
• MAS137 - Forbetringsleiing - Leanleiing - Reduction: 10 studypoints
• ØAL118 - Operasjonell strategi og utføring - Reduction: 7.5 studypoints
• ØAL116 - Produksjonsleiing og prosessforbedring - Reduction: 7.5 studypoints