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363-0445-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC , NDS D-MTEC , D-BAUG , D-MAVT
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Production and Operations Management

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Torbjörn Netland
VVZ CR 4.0

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 15:49:08

Abstract

This core course provides insights into the basic theories, principles, concepts, and techniques used to design, analyze, and improve the operational capabilities of an organization.

Objective

This course provides students a broad theoretical basis for understanding, analyzing, designing, and improving operations. After completing this course: 1. Students can apply key concepts of POM to detail an operations strategy. 2. Students can conduct basic process mapping analysis and elaborate on the limitations of the chosen method. 3. Students can calculate the needed capacity to meet demand. 4. Students can select and use problem-solving tools and methods. 5. Students can select and use the basic tools of lean thinking to improve the productivity of production and service operations. 6. Students can explain how new technologies and servitization affect production and operations management. 7. Additional skills: Students acquire experience in teamwork, report writing, and presentation.

Content

The course covers the most fundamental strategic and tactical concepts in production and operations management (POM). POM is concerned with the business processes that transform input into output and deliver products and services to customers. POM is much more than what takes place inside the production facilities of companies like ABB, Boeing, BMW, LEGO, Nestlé, Roche, TESLA, and Toyota, to mention a few (although factory management is important and a big part of POM). Also, finance firms, professional service firms, media organizations, non-profit organizations, and public service companies are dependent on their operational capabilities. With the ongoing globalization and digitization of operations, POM has won a deserved status for providing a competitive advantage. The following three fundamental areas in POM are covered: (1) Introduction to POM and operations strategy. (2) Operations design and management, including demand and capacity management, production planning and control, the role of inventory, lean management, service operations, and performance measurement. (3) Operations improvement, including problem-solving and the use of new technologies in POM ("Industry 4.0" / digitalization). Students can expect to learn a range of useful concepts, principles, and methods that can be used to design, analyze, and improve value-creating processes. POM is concerned with the productivity of technology, people, and processes. Hence, POM is a generic research field, relevant to all business sectors. Yet, many of the examples and concepts of POM stem from the manufacturing sector, which for many years have been subject to global competition and learned how to develop effective and efficient operations.

Resources

Literature

Suggested literature is provided in the syllabus.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
Open book: All written aids are allowed. NO talking to any other human being through any means
The final course grade will be a weighted average of the end-of-semester examination (counts 70 %) and two case studies as compulsory continuous performance during the semester (counts 30 %). The end-of-semester examination will be in the form of multiple-choice and open-ended questions.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Production and Operations Management
This course can be followed fully online and offers extracurricular opportunities for students who want to engage with the teaching staff in the classroom.
  • Thu 14:15-16:00 (CAB G 11)
2 h weekly

Offered In