The objective of the course is to provide a clear understanding of both the limitations and potential benefits of formal analysis and information gathering. Economic and socio-technical characteristics of the major types of production systems. Managerial aspects of workplace and facility design. Simple models for controlling operations in purposeful organizations. Quantitative and computer-based methods of planning and controlling operations in manufacturing industries and service organizations.
Areas covered in depth include scheduling, aggregate planning, and inventory control.
This course is intended for students interested in quantitative applications in business as well as management majors concentrating in production and operations management. The topics include benchmarking, continuous improvement, employee participation, statistical control charts and quality tools. A detailed discussion of the Deming, Juran and Crosby principles is undertaken. Also, Malcolm Baldridge Award and ISO 9000 certification are examined. To further enhance understanding about the TQM philosophy, the principles are applied in the classroom.