Faculty of Management Sciences

Department of Operations & Quality Management

Learner Guide

3rd LEVEL 2016

Subject: Operations Management Practice 1

Subject Code: OMPR101

Qualification: National Diploma: Operations Management

Qualification Code: NDOPM1

_____________________________________________________________________

2

Name of Lecturer : Mr. R. Naidoo (Trevor)

Office : B1-17

Telephone : 3735158

Fax No : 3735337

E-Mail : rnaidoo@dut.ac.za

Department : Operations & Quality Management

Telephone : 3735158

Fax No : 3735337

Consultation with Lecturer : Monday period 6/7

(Time and Venue) Wed period 6/7

Fri period 3/4/5

Duration : This is an annual course.

Equipment required : Calculator; Stopwatch; Portfolio

Revised Date: January 2016

Revised By: R.Naidoo

3

Letter of welcome and Introduction

The National Diploma Operations Management in its re-curriculation process has

introduced work integrated learning (experiential learning) as a compulsory

component for this qualification.

Final year (full time) learners are expected to serve a total of twelve weeks (May to

July) in order to meet the outcomes of this course. We are integrating classroom

theory with real world experience which would leave you with a well rounded sense

of production/ operations management. Part time learners will also be exposed to the

various operations within your respective organisations.

At this point of your studies, you are quite capable of conducting efficiency studies,

time and motion studies, implementing quality control tools and a host of techniques

designed to improve operating efficiencies.

A detailed “log-book” will be available which cites the experience, skills and

knowledge that you need to be exposed to.

1. Learning Outcomes underpinned by critical cross-field outcomes

Learning

Outcomes

Assessment

Criteria

Assessment Method Calculation of

Final Mark

Demonstrate an

ability to integrate

theory in a work

environment.

Work effectively

as an individual

and team member

to professional

standards of

performance,

ethics and attitude.

Theory is

consciously

applied in a

work

environment.

A portfolio of evidence

that demonstrates the

learner’s best practice

in a work environment

and will serve as an

extended C.V

40 credits

Problems are

solved using a

variety of

techniques

A research project

relating to operations

management shows

work related problems

identified and solutions

evaluated.

25 credits

Ability to work

as part of a

team.

A 25 page team report

comprising of a

business plan is

compiled.

20 credits

Presentations of

findings are

effective and

pursuasive.

Panel assessment 15 credits

4

A learning outcome (LO) is the knowledge, skills and attitudes that you will be

able to demonstrate on completion of this course. These learning outcomes provide

the focus for your learning.

The assessment criteria provides:

Information on the type and quality of performance required to demonstrate

the achievement of LO’s

A guide for self directed learning and reflection

2. Cheating and plagiarism

Please be aware that any forms of cheating in your tests and examinations will

result in disciplinary action against you. Literature used for assignments or

projects that has not been referenced can lead to a charge of plagiarism.

3. Reading list

Chase, Jacobs, Aquilano (2004), Operations Management for Competitive

Advantage. 10th edition. McGraw-Hill. New York.

Gaither, N. (1996). Production and Operations Management. 7th edition. Belmont.

California.

Heizer, J. and Render, B. (2005). Principles of Operations Management. 5th

edition. Prentice-Hall. New Jersey.

4. Evaluation questionnaires

During the course of the year, you will be required to complete a questionnaire

that is designed to evaluate the lecturer. Your honesty and assistance in answering

this questionnaire can help in identifying areas for improvement.

5. Attendance

Lectures are an essential part of this course. Attendance at lectures is compulsory

since they cover the essential contents of each section and give guidance with

regard to further readings. Furthermore, announcements e.g. assessment dates, job

interviews, guest speakers, etc are made in class from time to time.

6. Work Integrated Learning

Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is a compulsory component for this course and

learners will have to spend a total of 12 weeks (May to July) at an accredited site.

Although every effort will be made to place learners, you are urged to contact the

relevant organisations to secure your WIL placements timeously. You will be

given a log book that would need to be completed. This forms part of your

assessment.

5

7. Departmental Policies

It is extremely important for you to attend lectures regularly and to be on

time.

All assignments, projects must be submitted on the due date or earlier.

Students who miss a test or examination because of serious illness must

submit a doctor’s certificate within three working days.

Notices for supplementary examinations will be posted on the Faculty

notice Board. It is your responsibility to timeously check such notices.

8. Professional Associations

You are urged to join professional associations as this can lead to employment

opportunities. Some of the recommended organisations are:

SAPICS - Educational Society for Supply Chain Management

SAIIE - South African Institute of Industrial Engineers

SAIMAS - South African Institute of Management Services

9. Supplementary Examination (Based on Last Subject Rule)

This subject is based on a continuous assessment methodology. Therefore, there will

be no supplementary examination. However if you have missed one (1) of your

assessments, then you are eligible (only if you have passed all your other 12 subjects)

to resubmit the one (1) assessment before the end of January. You will have to apply

via the Faculty office for last subject rule.

6

10. Explanation of the assessment methods

Business Plan (Group Assignment) 20 credits DUE DATE: 31 March 2016

OUTLINE OF A COMPLETE BUSINESS PLAN

The following section need to be included in your business plan:

Summary

Business Concept

Current situation

Key success factors

Financial situation/needs

Vision

Vision statement

Milestones

Market Analysis

The overall market

Changes in the market

Market segments

Target market and customers

Customer characteristics

Customer needs

Customer buying decisions

Competitive Analysis

Industry overview

Nature of competition

Changes in the industry

Primary competitors

Competitive products/services

Opportunities

Threats and risks

Strategy

Key competitive capabilities

Key competitive weaknesses

Strategy

Implementing strategy

Products/Services

Product/service description

Positioning of products/services

Competitive evaluation of products/services

Future products/services

Marketing and sales

Marketing strategy

Sales tactics

Advertising

Promotions/incentives

Publicity

Trade shows

7

Operations

Key personnel

Organizational structure

Human resources plan

Product/service delivery

Customer service/support

Facilities

Creating the financials of the business plan

Assumptions and Comments

Starting Balance Sheet

Profit and Loss Projection

Cash Flow Projection

Balance Sheet Projection

Ratio's and Analysis

Think Point: Do you think it’s worth the time & effort to compile a comprehensive

business plan?

Research project – Individual Assignment (25 credits)

DUE DATE: 31 May 2016

Your research report should adhere to the following format.

Preliminary Section

Title Page

Acknowledgments (if any)

Table of Contents

List of Tables (if any)

List of Figures (if any)

Abstract

Chapter 1 - Main Body

Introduction

Statement of the Problem

Significance of the Problem (and historical background)

Assumptions

Limitations

Definition of Terms

Chapter 2 - Review of Related Literature

8

Chapter 3 - Design of the Study

Description of Research Design and Procedures Used

Sources of Data

Sampling Procedures

Methods and Instruments of Data Gathering

Statistical Treatment

Chapter 4 - Analysis of Data

contains: text with appropriate tables and figures

Chapter 5 - Summary and Conclusions

a. Restatement of the Problem

b. Description of Procedures

c. Conclusions

e. Recommendations for Further Investigation

Reference Section

Bibliography or Literature Cited

Appendix

EXPLANATIONS ON THE SECTIONS OF A RESEARCH REPORT

The following is a guideline for writing your research report (adapted from Hill:

2006)

Title: Be specific. Tell what, when, where, etc. In one main title and a subtitle, give a

clear idea of what the paper investigated.

Acknowledgment: Include only if special help was received from an individual or

group.

Abstract: Summarizes the report including the hypotheses, procedures, and major

findings.

Introduction: Sections may be combined in short reports.

Statement of the Problem: This is a general introduction to the topic.

Significance of the Problem: Comment on why this question merits investigation.

Purpose: What is the goal to be gained from a better understanding of this question?

Assumptions: Explain everything that is assumed in order for the investigation to be

undertaken.

9

Limitations: Explain the limitations that may invalidate the study or make it less than

accurate.

Definition of Terms: Define or clarify any term or concept that is used in the study in

a non-traditional manner or in only one of many interpretations.

Review of Related Literature: Gives the reader the necessary background to

understand the study by citing the investigations and findings of previous researchers

and documents the researcher's knowledge and preparation to investigate the problem.

Design of the Study: Gives the reader the information necessary to exactly replicate

(repeat) the study with new data or if the same raw data were available, the reader

should be able to duplicate the results. This is written in past tense but without

reference to or inclusion of the results determined from the analysis.

Description of the Research Design and Procedures Used: Completely explain step-

by-step what was done.

Sources of Data: Give complete information about who, what, when, where, and how

the data was collected.

Sampling Procedures: Explain how the data was limited to the amount which was

gathered. If all of the available data were not utilized, how was a representative

sample achieved?

Methods and Instruments of Data Gathering: Explain the procedures for obtaining the

data collected. Include the forms or manner by which it was recorded.

Statistical Treatment: Explain the complete mathematical procedures used in

analyzing the data and determining the significance of the results.

Analysis of Data: Describe the patterns observed in the data. Use tables and figures to

help clarify the material when possible.

Summary and Conclusions: This section condenses the previous sections, succinctly

presents the results concerning the hypotheses, and suggests what else can be done.

Restatement of the Problem: This is a short reiteration of the problem.

Description of the Procedures: This is a brief reiteration of important elements of the

design of the study.

Major Findings: The final results from the analysis are presented, the hypothesis

stated, and the decision about the rejection or the failure to reject the hypothesis is

given.

Conclusions: Comments about the implication of the findings are presented.

10

Recommendations for Further Investigation: From the knowledge and experienced

gained in undertaking this particular study, how might the study have been improved

or what other possible hypotheses might be investigated?

Bibliography or Literature Cited: These are the bibliographic reference for each of the

works cited in the End Notes.

Appendix: Any tables, figures, forms, or other materials that are not totally central to

the analysis but that need to be included are placed in the Appendix.

Portfolio of evidence 40 credits DUE DATE: 26 August 2016

The core, fundamental and elective components together with specific

outcomes and suggested time frames are listed in your Work Integrated

Learning Logbook (pages 7 & 8).

You would need to record on a daily/weekly basis the functions you have

performed during your “in service” training (pages 13 to 15). Do remember

that for each of these functions, you would be assessed by the company

mentor (assessment scale can be found on page 13 of your logbook).

A final assessment (pages 16-17) of your skills, knowledge and attitudes will

be completed with your company mentor in your presence.

Presentation 15 credits DUE DATE: 27/28 October 2016

Group Presentations Format

You will be required to participate in a group presentation. There are several

reasons for the use of this format:

It allows you to gain expertise in a narrowly defined area of the material

It provides an opportunity for students to share that expertise with your peers.

It encourages cooperative – rather than competitive – interaction with peers.

It helps develop competencies in the following areas:

a. Thinking – Critical assessment of material is required in preparing

presentation, deciding what must be included, what can be omitted

b. Valuing - Group presentations help bring to light the values implicit in

the material and subject being studied and thus open them for

consideration in discussion and reflection

c. Acting – Research, preparation and rehearsal are necessary outside of

class to insure a good presentation and learning by fellow learners.

11

d. Communicating – Students develop skills in written communication in

preparing presentations, verbal as well as non-verbal skills in the

presentations themselves and interpersonal communication skills in

preparing the presentations

A good presentation will include all of the following elements:

Teamwork within the group in its planning and execution of the presentations.

Part of what you are learning in group presentations is how to work with other

learners, a very useful skill in any occupation.

Respect demonstrated for fellow group members and learners in the audience.

Carefully researched material, asking for assistance from fellow group

members and the lecturer when needed. Do not simply regurgitate the text.

Anyone can do that.

Ideas should be interestingly presented, not merely read. Ask yourself, would

you be bored?

Give careful attention to pronunciations of previously unknown words and

names prior to taking the podium.

Procuring and using audio and visual aids whenever possible (Remember, "A picture is worth a thousand words" – Confucius).

The use of handouts whenever possible. Remember, YOU are the expert on

this subject; do not expect your classmates to know what you are talking about

– explain thoroughly. Handouts provide spellings of names and places, dates

and other data to fellow classmates.

Standing – rather than slouching or dancing – at the podium and speaking

with a clear, unhurried and audible voice. Alternatively, when seated at the

table or within the classroom as a group, speak audibly and sit still. ALWAYS

FACE YOUR AUDIENCE!

Honest but fair assessment of self and group members after the presentation.

PLEASE NOTE:

The Department of Operations & Quality Management reserves the right to amend,

modify or change the outlined rules, work scheme and / or assessment methods at any

time during the period of the instructional offering. The Department reserves the

right to substitute any assessment method with other comparable assessments. The

Department is indemnified against all claims arising howsoever from the amendment

of the Learner Guide including negligence or omission by the Department.

12

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL STUDENTS

REGARDING PLAGIARISM

Please take note that the DUT has a zero tolerance approach to any form of plagiarism

and therefore anyone found transgressing the university’s plagiarism rule will be

required to appear the student disciplinary tribunal.

You are therefore urged to acquaint yourself fully with the rule in the rule for student

which was handed to you upon registration. Plagiarism arises when a student submits

any work of assessments that contains the thoughts, writings, creativity, invention,

etc. of another person which the student fails to acknowledge and therefore passes off

as their own work. For example, copying directly from any text, including the

internet, without using quotation marks and proper referencing, or presenting

someone else’s ideas using own words but without proper referencing. If you are in

any doubt about the meaning of plagiarism please ask for clarity from one of your

lectures.

The academic integrity of the DUT relies on the worthiness and honesty of its staff,

students and graduates and consequently of the qualifications it awards. You are

therefore urged to embody this approach to the work you submit for assessment.

ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR (academic)

7 august 2007

13

Assignment Cover Page

Surname Name Reg Number Signature

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Subject:

Level:

Assignment Topic/Title

Comments (Lecturer Use Only)

TOTAL

DECLARATION

1. I know and understand that plagiarism is using another person’s work and

pretending it is one’s own, which is wrong.

2. This essay/report/project is my own work.

3. I have appropriately referenced the work of other people I have used.

4. I have no allowed, and will not allow, anyone to copy my work with the

intention of passing if off as his or her own work.

Signature Date

Name (in capital letters) Student Number

Faculty of Management

Sciences

Department: Operations &

Quality Management