INDIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT AHMEDABAD

OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT I
PGP/PGP-ABM, Term I, 2016-17
Instructors:
Sections A&B
Prof.
Chetan
Soman,
Wing
4,
Tel:
4839,
chetan@iima.ac.in
Section C
Prof. N. Ravichandran, Wing 2, Tel: 4814, nravi@iima.ac.in
Sections D&E
Prof.Sachin
Jayaswal,
Wing
8,
Tel:
4877,
sachin@iima.ac.in
Course Description & Objectives
Operations Management (OM) deals with the management of resources in the
production of goods and services. Central to OM thinking is the paradigm of
competing through excellence in operations (i.e., manufacturing and service
sectors). In recent years, several strategies have emerged for improving
productivity and quality, reducing costs and delivery times, and enhancing the
flexibility and innovative abilities of the firm. Moreover, competitiveness and
consequently the growth of the manufacturing sector are being recognized as
the key factors in enhancing the status of the Indian economy.
Operations Management is taught in two parts: OM I & OM II. Together, they
complete the picture on competitiveness through manufacturing and service
operations. OM I lays the foundation on the factors of competition, i.e.,
cost/productivity, quality, delivery & flexibility. The course presents a detailed
description and analysis of the different types of production and service
operations. While OM I lays the foundation of Operations based
competitiveness, OM II completes the conceptual understanding and focuses on
the decision perspective of Operations.
The objective of the course is to develop an understanding of the role of
operations management in a firm's success, and to develop abilities to structure
and solve operations related problems analytically. The course will also try to
explore the interaction of Operations Management with other functional areas
of a firm.
Required Readings
(CP) Course Package distributed through the Case Unit
(WJS) William J Stevenson Operations Management, 11th Edition
Grading Components
End Term Examination
Quiz
Assignment

50 %
30 %
20 %

Groups: Each group comprises five to six students. Groups will be formed by
the PGP Office and announced in the first or second week of the term. Each
case has to be read individually and then prepared in groups before coming to
the class.

Code of Conduct
No participant will come to the class unprepared. Group efforts should be based
on the "equal work" principle. Any reason for absenteeism or lack of adequate
preparation will have to be discussed with the instructor. THIS CLASS
BELIEVES IN THE HONESTY OF INDIVIDUAL EFFORT.

SESSION PLAN
Session 1:
Topic:
Introduction
to
the
courseand
Process
Fundamentals
Case:
Kristen's Cookie Company (A)
Readings: 1. Chapter 1: Introduction to Operations Management
(WJS)
2. Process Fundamentals (CP)
Session 2:
Topic:
Case:
Reading:

Process View of Operations

Donner Company
Process Fundamentals (CP)

Topic:
Case:
Reading:

Process View of Operations: Applications in Job Shop

Donner Company
Process Fundamentals (CP)

Topic:

Process View of Operations: Applications in Batch

Process
Executive Shirt Co. Inc.
Process Fundamentals (CP)

Session 3:

Session 4:

Case:
Readings:
Session 5:

Topic:
Case:

Process View of Operations: Applications in Batch

Process
Executive Shirt Co. Inc.

Session 6:
Topic:
Assembly Line
Case:
Reading:
267)

Process View of Operations: Applications in

Dont Bother Me, I Cant Cope
Chapter 6: Process Selection and Facility Layout (pp 259-

Session 7:
Topic:
Continuous Process
Case:
Reading:
Assignment Case:
Session 8:

Session 9:

Topic:
Case:
Readings:

Topic:

Process View of Operations: Applications in

Natural Blends
Chapter 6: Process Selection and Facility Layout
Belle, Inc. (Due date will be announced later)
Process View of Operations: Managing Projects
Reynolds Corporation
1. Chapter 17: Project Management (WJS)
2. Note on Project Management (CP)
Process View of Operations: Managing Projects

Case:
Reading:
Session 10:
Topic:
Case:
Readings:
723,771 WJS)
Session 11:
Topic:
Case:
Reading:
Session 12:
Topic:
Case:
Readings:

Toronto Sun and Caribana

Note on Project Management (CP)
Mass Customization/Theory of Constraints
National Bicycle/Discussion
Four Faces of Mass Customization (CP)/(pp 722-

Quality Control and Management

In-Class Exercise/Lecture
Chapter10: Quality Control (WJS)
Just-in-Time and Lean Operations
Toyota Motor Manufacturing/Lecture
1. Chapter 14: JIT and Lean Operations (WJS)
2. A Profile of Toyotas Production System (CP)

Session 13:
Topic:
Case:
Reading:

Supply Chain Management

New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. /Lecture
Chapter 15: Supply Chain Management (WJS)

Session 14:
Topic:
Case:
Reading:

Supply Chain Management

New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc.
Chapter 15: Supply Chain Management (WJS)

Session 15:
Topic:
Operations Strategy
Case:
American Connector Company
Readings: 1. Chapter 2: Competitiveness, Strategy,
Productivity (WJS)
2. Competing Through Manufacturing (CP)
3. The Focussed Factory (CP)

and