IB247-15 Process Excellence

Department: Warwick Business School
Level: Undergraduate Level 2
Module leader: Giovanni Radaelli
Credit value: 15
Module duration: 10 weeks
Assessment: Multiple
Study location: University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introductory description

This is an elective module available for WBS and non-WBS students. To find detailed availability and to apply for this module, log in to my.wbs.ac.uk using your normal IT login details and apply via the my.wbs module application system. Once you’ve secured a place on my.wbs you should apply via your home department’s usual process, which usually takes place via eVision. Note that you do not require the module leader’s permission to study a WBS module, so please do not contact them to request it.

Module web page

Module aims

To support future managers and consultants in managing and improving processes in any industry
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 compare alternative approaches to process improvement, with insights on their strengths and weaknesses
To make decisions on what (combinations of) improvement tools and frameworks are appropriate in given circumstances
To enable interactive discussions about the choice and applications of 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.

The module will:

Define the process through descriptive tools
Measure the performance through key performance indicators
Prioritize areas of improvement through importance-performance matrix
Analyse the process through process mapping and diagnostic tools
Improve the process in four steps (quality system, process redesign, waste elimination and benchmarking)
Control the results through process control techniques

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.
Gain an ability to apply and critically evaluate a number of process improvement tools and techniques for analysing and improving operations.

Indicative reading list

Bicheno, J. (2012) The service systems toolbox: integrating lean thinking, systems thinking, and design thinking. Buckingham: PICSIE Books.

Dale, B.G. and Bunney, H. (1999) Total quality management blueprint. Oxford: Blackwell. Dumas, M. (no date) Fundamentals of business process management. Berlin: Springer. Available at: https://0-link-springer-com.pugwash.lib.warwick.ac.uk/10.1007/978-3-642-33143-5.

Kaplan, R.S. and Norton, D.P. (2004) Strategy maps: converting intangible assets into tangible outcomes. Boston: Harvard Business School Press.

Liker, J.K. (2004) The Toyota way: 14 management principles from the world’s greatest manufacturer. New York: McGraw-Hill. Available at: https://www.vlebooks.com/vleweb/product/openreader?id=WarwickUni&isbn=9780071435 635.

Neely, A.D., Adams, C. and Kennerley, M. (2002) The performance prism: the scorecard for measuring and managing business success. London: Financial Times/Prentice Hall.

Slack, N. and Brandon-Jones, A. (2019) Operations management. Ninth edition. Harlow, England: Pearson. Available at: http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/warw/detail.action?docID=5751937.

Slack, N., Brandon-Jones, A. and Burgess, N. (2022) Operations management. Tenth edition. Harlow, England: Pearson.

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

Identify cases requiring business process improvement.

Develop and demonstrate analytic and critical skills through case study analysis.

Conduct independent research using primary and secondary data.

Demonstrate rigor and creativity in recommending improvements to business processes.

Demonstrate written communication skills.

Study time

Type	Required
Lectures	10 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Seminars	9 sessions of 1 hour (6%)
Online learning (scheduled sessions)	10 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Private study	48 hours (32%)
Assessment	73 hours (49%)
Total	150 hours

Private study description

Private Study.

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 D7

	Weighting	Study time	Eligible for self-certification
Participation	10%	8 hours	No
Online Examination	90%	65 hours	No
Exam Online examination: No Answerbook required

Assessment group R1

	Weighting	Study time	Eligible for self-certification
Online Examination	100%		No
Exam ~Platforms - WAS Online examination: No Answerbook required

Feedback on assessment

Feedback via My.WBS

Past exam papers for IB247

Courses

This module is Optional for:

UIBA-MN34 Law and Business Four Year (Qualifying Degree)
- Year 3 of MN34 Law and Business Studies Four Year (Qualifying Degree)
- Year 4 of MN34 Law and Business Studies Four Year (Qualifying Degree)
Year 2 of UECA-3 Undergraduate Economics 3 Year Variants
Year 2 of UECA-LM1D Undergraduate Economics, Politics and International Studies
Year 2 of UIPA-L8N1 Undergraduate Global Sustainable Development and Business
Year 3 of UIBA-MN31 Undergraduate Law and Business Studies
UIBA-MN32 Undergraduate Law and Business Studies
- Year 3 of MN32 Law and Business Studies (Four-Year)
- Year 4 of MN32 Law and Business Studies (Four-Year)
UIBA-MN37 Undergraduate Law and Business Studies (Qualifying Degree) with Intercalated Year
- Year 2 of MN37 Law and Business Studies (Qualifying Degree) with Intercalated Year
- Year 5 of MN37 Law and Business Studies (Qualifying Degree) with Intercalated Year
UIBA-MN35 Undergraduate Law and Business Studies with Intercalated Year (3+1)
- Year 3 of MN35 Law and Business Studies with Intercalated Year (3+1)
- Year 4 of MN35 Law and Business Studies with Intercalated Year (3+1)
UIBA-MN36 Undergraduate Law and Business Studies with Intercalated Year (4+1)
- Year 2 of MN36 Law and Business Studies with Intercalated Year (4+1)
- Year 5 of MN36 Law and Business Studies with Intercalated Year (4+1)

This module is Unusual option for:

UPHA-L1CA Undergraduate Economics, Psychology and Philosophy
- Year 2 of L1CA Economics, Psychology and Philosophy
- Year 3 of L1CA Economics, Psychology and Philosophy
Year 3 of UPHA-V7ML Undergraduate Philosophy, Politics and Economics

This module is Option list G for:

Year 2 of UPHA-V7ML Undergraduate Philosophy, Politics and Economics