Task 1 Read: Chapter 1 of the core learning material and supporting text book chapters which relate to Operations Management.

Choose an organisation with which you are either interested or familiar (you could select to look at an area of your own or you could look at another organisation where information is in the public domain).

Task 2 Investigate: Any 3 the following areas regarding your chosen organisation's operation.  Select the areas based upon those that are most relevant to your particular organisation. What are the main issues facing Operations Managers in this organisation in terms  of?

i. Globalisation and the growth in international markets

ii. Environment Management and issues relating to legal requirements

iii. Social, or Ethical Responsibilities in their Operations

iv. Technology such as Information Technology in the operations decision areas

v. Knowledge Management and its roll in Operations

vi. Quality, Cost efficiency and competitiveness in Operations

vii. Performance measurement to satisfy various stakeholder groups

viii. Increasing productivity and measuring customer service

ix. Increasing the service value concept and understanding what customers value

x. Performance and productivity measures and the need for a performance measurement framework that will include all staff and all activities.

To investigate these issues, if you are not in an operations role, interview the most senior operations staff who would be willing to help. Or you could research using secondary sources such as newspaper reports, company reports etc.

Task 3 Write up: Report

Your written report should refer specifically to the organisation which you are studying) and contain reports and comments on your findings as to specific operations challenges. Your write up should contain evidence of learning and reflection.