Provide an understanding of the components of a contemporary lean operations strategy and the benefits and challenges of applying lean principles within business operations;

Introduce students to the philosophies/principles of lean thinking and provide a working knowledge of the supporting tools and techniques used;

Provide a practical opportunity to work as a team addressing lean principles and implementing and evaluating lean tools and techniques through the use of a physical simulation of a multi-product operations environment;

Provide students with opportunities to view current industrial practice via an industrial visit.

(LO1) Demonstrate an understanding of the philosophy and principles of lean thinking;

(LO2) Demonstrate a working knowledge of the main tools and techniques used in the application of lean initiatives;

(LO3) Understand the application of lean tools and techniques within their appropriate operational contexts;

(LO4) Relate theory to industrial practice and recent developments.

(S1) Communication Skills: Students will have opportunities to develop written communication skills through group discussions and assignments;

(S2) Problem Solving and Decision Making: Students will be challenged to think critically about organisational issues and dilemmas. They will do this by gathering and synthesising information, analysing alternative perspectives and options and presenting a considered opinion or programme of action in their course assessment;

(S3) Numeracy Skills: Students will learn quantitative techniques. Students will have the opportunity to analyse and use financial and statistical data to support business decisions;

(S4) Information and Communication Technology Skills: Students will have opportunities to improve their ICT skills. Students will demonstrate skills in the use of software applications including word processing, visual presentations, data bases, spreadsheets and using the internet for information searches in the course;

(S5) Group Working Skills: Some work will require students to work in groups and manage the interaction and relationships with other group members. In doing so, they will gain experience in negotiation, persuasion, influencing and managing conflict;

(S6) Group Working Skills: Some work will require students to work in groups and manage the interaction and relationships with other group members. In doing so, they will gain experience in negotiation, persuasion, influencing and managing conflict.

Teaching Method 1 - Virtual classroom hours (for online modules)
Notes: Number of hours per week, per student expected in the virtual classroom in discussion, dedicated to group work and individual assessment is 7

Teaching Method 2 - Non-classroom hours (for online modules)
Notes: Number of hours per week, per student expected for reading, research and other individual work to support engagement in the classroom is 13

Positioning Lean Thinking:-

Analyze challenges associated with implementation of Lean Thinking;

Analyze the relationship between Lean Thinking and management philosophy;

Analyze personal experiences with the challenges of implementing Lean Thinking;

Analyze personal experiences that illustrate the relationship between Lean Thinking and management philosophy.

Waste:-

Analyze sources and effects of waste in organizations;

Analyze measurement of waste by organizations;

Analyze solutions for eliminating waste in organizations;

Analyze personal experiences with waste in organization.

Change:-

Analyze ways for managing elements of change to support Lean Thinking objectives;

Analyze ways of managing change to overcome negative effects of implementing Lean Thinking;

Analyze personal and professional experience with managing elements of change to overcome resistance to change.

Value Streams:-

Create a v alue stream map;

Analyze ways for improving process efficiency;

Compare value streams;

Analyze risks of implementing Value Stream Mapping;

Analyze ways to reduce negative impact of implementing Value Stream Mapping on staff morale.

The Workplace:-

Analyse the applicability of the five S’s method for improving organizational environment;

Evaluate organisational workplace environment using the five S’s method;

Quality:-

Recommend poka-yokes;

Analyze the process of recommending poka-yoke;

Evaluate recommendations for poke-yokes.

Lean Supply Chain Integration:-

Analyze the shift in focus of competitive advantage to supply chains;

Analyze contributions of Lean supply chains to competitive advantage.

The Future of Lean:-

Evaluate the applicability of Lean Thinking principles to e-commerce;

Evaluate the future applicability of Lean Thinking;

Evaluate the relevance of insig hts to the future of Lean Thinking;

Analyze applicability of knowledge to career;

Analyze areas for improvement.