All 2U/edX courses Overview Trailer What you'll learn Modules FAQs

Available through

Overview

Price

R 15,500

Language

English

Duration

8 weeks excluding orientation

Effort

8–10 hours per week

The eight-week Operations Management online short course offered by the University of Cape Town (UCT) is designed to equip both existing and junior professionals in operations management with the essential skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today's complex business landscape. This comprehensive course delves into the multifaceted operations management function, focusing on the manufacturing and service sectors.

Students will explore cutting-edge concepts, techniques, and insights with a particular emphasis on systems and lean thinking approaches. The course covers key aspects such as anticipating and solving operational issues in a dynamic economy, utilising key performance indicators to analyse and enhance processes, and managing quality, capacity, inventory, waste, and risk.

The UCT Operations Management online course curriculum is structured around unpacking the ten principles that operations managers should follow when making decisions impacting goods production, customer service, and market share. From financial interpretation to operations budgeting and demand forecasting, students will gain a holistic understanding of operations management. Lean-thinking strategies, including inventory and waste management and quality improvement, are also covered.

This course is relevant for experienced professionals working in operations management careers who want to stay updated on industry advancements, including digitalisation, sustainability, automation, and e-commerce operations. Junior operations management professionals looking to enhance their understanding of the field will also find value in the course. Individuals in the manufacturing and service sectors will benefit from the course as it provides insights into financial forecasting, staff capacity management, waste management, quality management, and strategy and risk.

By registering for this operations management course from UCT, students can expect to develop a lean-thinking approach, unlock new career opportunities in operations, and adapt to the evolving marketplace. Whether aiming to optimise production, pursue a career change, or stay ahead of operational challenges, this course offers a valuable and practical foundation for success.

Trailer

What you'll learn

Acquire valuable and relevant operations management skills, and walk away with:

  • The skills to apply lean thinking strategically to enhance operational planning and processes
  • The knowledge to improve overall efficiency, quality, and effective waste management in business operations
  • An understanding of business operation risks and learning how to proactively avoid them
  • A certificate of completion from UCT
  • Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network for exclusive resources and events for ongoing professional development

 

Modules

ORIENTATION MODULE Welcome to your Online Campus.
Meet and engage with your learning and peer networks as you navigate the Online Campus.

MODULE 1 Introduction to Operations Management
Explore the fundamentals of operations management.

MODULE 2 Managing and Measuring Processes
Delve into the relationship between key performance indicators (KPIs) and how to define effective operations processes.

MODULE 3 Managing Capacity and People
Consider ways to strategically manage resources to achieve organisational goals.

MODULE 4 Financial Analysis and Forecast Strategy
Learn how to use financial information and demand forecasting in operations.

MODULE 5 Production Planning and Scheduling
Discover how to use demand patterns and production planning strategies to complete a Master Production Schedule.

MODULE 6 Inventory and Waste Management
Examine the importance of managing inventory and waste.

MODULE 7 Quality Management
Encounter lean options for managing quality.

MODULE 8 Operational Risk Management Strategy
Explore risk from the perspective of an operations manager.

FAQs: Operations management jobs

Operations management is a field of business management that focuses on designing, overseeing, and controlling the processes and systems used to produce goods and services.

It involves efficiently utilising resources, effective planning, and coordinating various activities within an organisation to ensure smooth and cost-effective operations. Key components of operations management include production planning, inventory management, quality control, supply chain management, and process optimisation.

Operations management is the backbone of an organisation, ensuring that the day-to-day activities are executed effectively and contribute to achieving strategic goals. It is pivotal in enhancing competitiveness, profitability, and sustainability in the business landscape.

Closed

An operations management course provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, concepts, and practices related to managing and optimising business operations. 

The content and structure of operations management courses may vary, but they generally cover key aspects of managing processes, resources, and systems to achieve organisational efficiency and effectiveness.

Closed

Studying operations management is crucial for individuals pursuing a career path in business and management.

  • Individuals who study operations management are equipped with the knowledge to identify inefficiencies, streamline workflows, and improve overall operational efficiency. Enhanced efficiency leads to increased productivity, reduced costs, and improved competitiveness in the business environment
  • They gain insights into quality control methods, process improvement techniques, and best practices. This knowledge is essential for delivering high-quality goods and services and increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty
  • Studying this field helps individuals understand how to optimise resource allocation, minimise waste, and achieve cost-effective production. Effective resource utilisation is essential for maximising profitability and sustainability in organisations
  • Individuals learn how to align operational activities with strategic objectives. This strategic alignment is crucial for making informed decisions that contribute to the long-term success of an organisation. Operations management provides tools and frameworks for decision-making related to capacity planning, supply chain management, and process optimisation
Closed

An operations manager oversees an organisation’s day-to-day activities and processes to ensure smooth and efficient operations to achieve optimal results. The role can vary across industries and organisations, but operations managers generally coordinate various functions to meet business goals. Their key responsibilities and tasks include:

  • Process management
  • Resource allocation
  • Quality control
  • Supply chain management
  • Inventory management
  • Budgeting and cost control
  • Strategic planning
  • Team leadership
  • Communication
  • Risk management
  • Technology integration
  • Customer satisfaction
  • Continuous improvement
  • Regulatory compliance
  • Performance measurement
Closed