The purpose of this module is to explore how operations, procurement and supply systems are designed, managed and controlled, as well as how they might have to adapt for different locations in the world.  The module will therefore cover top-level management issues such as developing a focused operations and procurement strategy that is congruent with the company’s business and marketing strategies.  To this, will be added understanding and practice of key operational techniques to enable delivery of the strategy. Although the focus of the course is exclusively the operations and procurement functions, it will touch on many issues of wider interest including: international operations and global value chains; products and production management in international operations; global sourcing and procurement management; network collaborations and network design; service operations and product/service design; and, operations management techniques and leading practice.

By the end of the module students should be able to:

• examine and critically evaluate why and how organizations engage in international manufacturing and service provision;
• critically analyse the issues and problems faced when starting up and managing oversees operations;
• demonstrate an advanced understanding and critically analyse various approaches to designing and managing operations and procurement systems in different regions and countries.