IB247-12 Improving Process Performance
Introductory description
N/A
Module aims
To provide start-of-art definitions and models to describe the main components of a
process
To provide start-of-art models, concepts and tools to define and measure the
performances of a process
To provide start-of-art models, concepts and tools to prioritize areas of improvements in
a process
To provide start-of-art languages and techniques of process mapping to describe the
flow of activities in a process
To provide start-of-art models, concepts and tools to analyse and diagnose the
shortcomings of a process
To provide start-of-art models, concepts and tools to design process improvement
solutions
To provide start-of-art models, concepts and tools to design process improvement
solutions
To describe and analyse alternative methodologies of (and approaches to) process
improvement, e.g. oriented to radical innovation or to incremental changes
To show and support the application of the models, concepts, tools and languages in
practice, e.g. through games, experiments and case studies
To enable interactive discussions about the use and limitations of the models, concepts,
tools and languages in multiple contexts of application, e.g. through comment sections,
discussion forums
To facilitate collaborative discussions and applications of the models, concepts, tools
and languages among students, e.g. through group work and discussion forums
Outline syllabus
This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.
Week 1: Definition of process, performance and types of improvement (Online Lecture)
Week 1: Development of Key Performance Indicators (Seminar)
Week 2: Prioritization of Performance Factors (Online Lecture and Seminar)
Week 3: Process Mapping (Online Lecture and Seminar)
Week 4: Process Analysis and Process Diagnosis (Online Lecture and Seminar)
Week 5: Review of First Half
Week 6: Total Quality Management (Online Lecture and Seminar)
Week 7: Business Process Re-Engineering (Online Lecture and Seminar)
Week 8: Lean (Online Lecture and Seminar)
Week 9: Six Sigma (Online Lecture and Seminar)
Week 10: Benchmarking (Online Lecture and Seminar)
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Define key concepts of process improvement, such as performance, benchmarking, just- in-time.
- Understand the use and limitations of key models, tools and languages of process improvement, e.g. the importance-performance matrix.
- Apply the models, concepts, tools and languages of process improvement in real-life case scenarios
- Compare and contrast the different models, tools and languages, to understand which are more appropriate in different circumstances.
- Select an appropriate approach of process improvement (or combination of), based on their advantages, limitations and costs.
- Communicate the rationale of choices in a clear and meaningful way to internal and external stakeholders.
- Adapt, adjust, and the models, concepts, tools and languages of process improvement in real-life case scenarios.
- Design meaningful solutions to problems in a timely and clear way.
Indicative reading list
Core text:
- Slack, N., Brandon-Jones, A., Johnson, R. (2016) Operations Management (eight edition), London, UK: Pearson.
Additional reading: - Deming, W.E. (2001). Out of the crisis. MIT Press
Dumas, M., La Rosa, M., Mendling, J., & Reijers, H. A. (2013). Fundamentals of business process management . Heidelberg:
Springer. - Garvin, D.A. (1986). "Competing on the Eight Dimensions of Quality". Harvard Business Review, November 1987 Issue
- Hill, A. & T. Hill (2012) Operations Management (3rd ed.) Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan
- Liker, J. (2004), The Toyota Way: 14 management principles from the world's greatest manufacturer, McGraw-Hill Professional.
Slack, N. (1994). "The Importance-Performance Matrix as a Determinant of Improvement Priority". International Journal of
Operations & Production Management 14(5), 59-75 - Womack, J.P., Jones, D.T. and Roos, D. (2007), The machine that changed the world, Simon and Schuster
Subject specific skills
Understand the use and
limitations of key models,
tools and languages of
process improvement, e.g.
the importance-performance
matrix
Apply the models, concepts,
tools and languages of
process improvement in real-
life case scenarios
Compare and contrast the
different models, tools and
languages, to understand
which are more appropriate
in different circumstances
Select an appropriate
approach of process
improvement (or combination
of), based on their
advantages, limitations and
costs of models, tools and
concepts
Transferable skills
No transferable skills defined for this module.
Study time
| Type | Required |
|---|---|
| Lectures | 10 sessions of 2 hours (61%) |
| Seminars | 9 sessions of 1 hour (27%) |
| Other activity | 4 hours (12%) |
| Total | 33 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Other activity description
2 weekly hours to review and answer student contributions in my.wbs (e.g. quiz, comment,
discussion forum in my.wbs) 2 weekly hours of contact hours for feedback and student
support
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You do not need to pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group B
| Weighting | Study time | Eligible for self-certification | |
|---|---|---|---|
Assessment component |
|||
| Online Examination | 100% | No | |
|
UGRAD 12 CATS 2 hour exam
|
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Reassessment component is the same |
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There is currently no information about the courses for which this module is core or optional.