University of Pennsylvania
Introduction to Operations Management
University of Pennsylvania

Introduction to Operations Management

This course is part of Business Foundations Specialization

Taught in English

Some content may not be translated

Christian Terwiesch

Instructor: Christian Terwiesch

136,754 already enrolled

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Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.4

(2,626 reviews)

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90%

Beginner level
No prior experience required
14 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • You will learn to analyze processes, optimize flow, and manage variability, driving improvements and achieving excellence in operations management.

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Assessments

14 quizzes

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

4.4

(2,626 reviews)

|

90%

Beginner level
No prior experience required
14 hours (approximately)
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

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This course is part of the Business Foundations Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 4 modules in this course

At its core, operations management is about finding and then reducing inefficiencies. We will start by examining key concepts such as cost-quality trade-off, the efficiency frontier, and three system inhibitors. We will also explore process analysis, enabling you to identify and analyze the steps involved in a process and make changes to improve its outcomes. By the end of this module, you will have opportunities to practice these concepts by creating process flow diagrams and calculating the resource with the lowest capacity. Additionally, you'll be able to practice calculating capacity, flow rate, and utilization. You will be able to transfer these skills to initiate process analysis within your organization.

What's included

6 videos4 readings3 quizzes

In operations management, flow focuses on the movement of materials, products, and information through the various stages of a production or service process. Lean operations focus on identifying sources of waste both in terms of resources and processes. Optimizing flow can improve productivity, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction. By learning to carefully observe how work is done, we can become better at identifying waste. The goal is to create efficient and effective processes that maximize output while minimizing waste.

What's included

10 videos4 readings6 quizzes

Little's Law, a foundational concept in operations management, helps quantify and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of a system by providing key performance indicators. By understanding the relationship between inventory, arrival rate, and cycle time, managers can make informed decisions regarding capacity planning. Little’s Law also serves as a diagnostic tool for process improvement initiatives and is particularly valuable in supply chain management, where it enables companies to optimize inventory levels, reduce lead times, and enhance coordination among various stages of the supply chain. It helps strike a balance between supply and demand, improving overall responsiveness and customer service.

What's included

4 videos2 readings3 quizzes

Variability can introduce defects and hinder the pursuit of excellence. By recognizing and managing variability, organizations can lay the foundation for consistent and exceptional quality standards. This module introduces frameworks that provide systematic ways to analyze variability. We’ll look at how statistical analysis and problem-solving methodologies can enhance quality. We’ll also explore the power of real-time information and how it fosters continuous improvement. We’ll examine strategies for finding the root cause of an issue and explore how we might develop targeted solutions as we unravel complex problems.

What's included

7 videos2 readings2 quizzes

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.4 (282 ratings)
Christian Terwiesch
University of Pennsylvania
8 Courses157,698 learners

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