Introductory description

A manufacturing manager is a person who connects broad engineering, science and managerial knowledge in a way, that allows organisations to successfully make and deliver products of the required complexity and quantity. Developments in both technology and human science allowed us to deliver highly optimised products with better focus on customers.
Successful creation of a product is an execution of the manufacturing strategy through specific operations, that include, but are not limited to design of: facilities and production layouts, factory management and philosophies (like Lean Manufacturing), inventory and Supply Chain Management Systems and understanding of the role of the people in its micro and macro business environment.

Module web page

Module aims

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.

Design of the operation – design of the product & service, supply network, production layouts and work organisation.
Transition to operation – operation readiness and monitoring
Information management systems
Organisational structure with relevant leadership and management styles
Planning & control of the operation - capacity management; change management
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
Agile against Lean systems (with introduction of major lean systems elements and tools
Importance of continuous improvement and transition towards learning organisations.
Appreciation of the manufacturing related risks.
Manufacturing related standards

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Discuss the importance and interdependence of major elements of design of operation management system including, but not limited to planning, organisational structures with assessment of appropriate leadership, management styles and control in order to improve operations and identify a relevant selection of tools and techniques for a variety of engineering businesses; (C6 (D), C13, C18, M6(D), M13, M18)
• Examine the need to accept commercial risk and be aware of techniques to evaluate and manage risk; (C9, M9)
• Address awareness of relevant ethical and regulatory requirements including personnel, health & safety, traceability and international standards, in the context of manufacturing management; (C5(D), C8, C7 (D), M5(D), M8, M7(D))

Indicative reading list

Heizer, J & Render, B (2014) "Operations Management", 11th ed; Pearson Education UK
Krajewski, L.J; Ritzman, L.P. & Malhotra, M.K. (2013) "Operations Management", 10th ed. Pearson Education UK
Slack, N; Brandon-Jones, A & Johnston, R. (2016) "Operations Management", 8th ed; Pearson Education, UK
Hill, A. and Hill, T. (2012) Operations Management [online] New York, New York : Palgrave Macmillan. available from <http://encore.lib.warwick.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3155801__Sterry hill__P0,1__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&suite=cobalt> [6 April 2018]
Malakooti, B. (2013) Operations and Production Systems with Multiple Objectives [online] 1st edn. Wiley. available from https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/warw/detail.action?docID=1574350 [6 April 2018]
Mitchell, J.S. (2015) Operational Excellence : Journey to Creating Sustainable Value [online] Hoboken, New Jersey : Wiley,. available from <http://encore.lib.warwick.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb2841819__Soperational excellence__P0,2__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&suite=cobalt> [4 April 2018]
Rüttimann, Bruno G. (2018) Lean compendium : introduction to modern manufacturing theory , Cham : Springer (online resource). available from: http://encore.lib.warwick.ac.uk/iii/encore/record/C__Rb3178185

Interdisciplinary

This manufacturing management module helps students to take informed decisions often requiring understanding of scientific, engineering, managerial, social science, economic, ethical and environmental principles.

Subject specific skills

Knowledge and understanding of the need for a high level of professional and ethical conduct in engineering and the use of technical literature, other information sources including appropriate codes of practice and industry standards
Ability to develop strategically, economically and ethically viable sound manufacturing management related decisions
Ability to be pragmatic, taking a systematic approach and the logical and practical steps necessary for, often complex, and multidisciplinary knowledge requiring concepts and decision areas

Transferable skills

Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, including time management, which may be as a team member or leader
Awareness of the nature of business and enterprise in the creation of economic and social value
Ability to formulate and operate within appropriate codes of conduct, when faced with an ethical issue
Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering, commerce and communication
Be professional in their outlook, be capable of team working, be effective communicators, and be able to exercise responsibility and sound management approaches
Appreciation of the global dimensions of engineering, commerce and communication