Class Operations and flow management

The course Operations and Flow Management examines how organizations design, analyse and optimise the movement of materials, information and work across production and logistics systems. Its scope covers the mapping and improvement of value streams, the integration of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to support coordinated operations, and the application of work¿study methods to standardise and enhance performance. It also addresses SMED for setup¿time reduction, the design and balancing of production and assembly lines, and the management of internal and external flows to ensure operational efficiency. As a whole, the course equips students with the analytical and practical capabilities needed to streamline processes, eliminate waste and support high¿performance operational systems across industrial and service environments.

Not applicable

Value Stream Management Enterprise Resource Planning Work study methods SMED Production flow and logistics flows Operational efficiency Balancing of production/assembly lines

The online delivery of Operations and Flow Management is supported by innovative, practice¿oriented digital methodologies that immerse students in real operational analysis and improvement. Synchronous sessions use collaborative whiteboards, live value¿stream mapping and interactive SMED or line¿balancing simulations to replicate industrial decision¿making. Asynchronous modules integrate short video demonstrations, ERP¿based exercises, flow¿analysis tasks and guided work¿study activities that reinforce autonomous learning. Virtual group projects and diagnostic tools for flow optimisation further promote applied problem¿solving and peer collaboration. Together, these methodologies create an engaging, hands¿on online environment fully aligned with the course's operational and analytical objectives.

Rother, M., & Shook, J. (2003). Learning to see: Value-stream mapping to add value and eliminate muda (2nd ed.). Lean Enterprise Institute. Niebel, B. W., & Freivalds, A. (2009). Niebel's methods, standards, and work design (12th ed.). McGraw¿Hill.