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363-0445-00L 3 Credits DR , MSC , NDS D-MATL , 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: 2026-06-01 11:30:57

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 with a broad theoretical basis for understanding, designing, analyzing, and improving manufacturing operations. After completing this course: 1. Students can apply key concepts of POM to detail an operations strategy. 2. Students can do simple forecasting of demand and plan the needed capacity to meet it. 3. Students can conduct process mapping analysis, use it to design and improve processes and layouts, and elaborate on the limitations of the chosen method. 4. Students can choose IT, OT, and automation technology for manufacturing applications. 5. Students can design information flows, manage master data, and use it to plan and control a factory. 6. Students can design material flows in and beyond factories. 7. Students can design performance management systems. 8. Students can select and use problem-solving tools to improve quality and productivity. 9. Additional skills: Students acquire experience in teamwork.

Content

The course covers the most fundamental strategic and tactical concepts in production and operations management (POM). Production and Operations Management (POM) is at the heart of any business. It is concerned with the business processes that transform input into output and deliver products and services to customers. Factory management is an important part of POM, but it is much more than what takes place inside the production facilities of companies like ABB, Boeing, BMW, LEGO, Nestlé, Roche, TESLA, and Toyota. Did you know that the largest portion of assets and employees in most organizations are engaged in the operations function? Although this course focuses on manufacturing, all types of organizations depend on their operational capabilities. With the ongoing globalization and digitization of manufacturing, POM has won a deserved status for providing a competitive advantage. This course covers the following topics: Introduction to POM, Manufacturing strategy, Forecasting and capacity, Process design, Layout, Industry 4.0, Information flow, Material flow, Logistics/SCM Performance management, Performance improvement, Quality management, and Maintenance. This course is administered via Moodle. The course is designed around five elements: 1. Textbook. Baudin and Netland (2022) Introduction to Manufacturing: An Industrial Engineering and Management Perspective, 1st Ed. Routledge. 2. Video lectures. Short video lectures presenting basic POM concepts. 3. Class lectures. Deep-dives with case examples on select topics. 4. FactoryVR group assignment. FactoryVR allows students to visit factories virtually. 5. Quizzes. A few quizzes during the semester help students check their progress and prepare for the written exam.

Resources

Literature

Suggested literature is provided in the syllabus.

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 90 minutes
Aids
None
The final course grade will be a weighted average of the end-of-semester examination (counts 70 %) and course assignments 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
  • Thu 14:15-16:00 (CAB G 11)
2 h weekly

Offered In