This course introduces students to the design, analysis, optimization, effective running and control of operations, i.e., production and service provisioning systems, in both industrial and service companies. It highlights the need for effective management of the constrained resources of these systems. Through the course, the student will understand the organizational structure and the various components, sub-systems and functions of a production or service provisioning system. They will gain knowledge about the problems arising during their design and operation, and how these can be addressed through strategic choices, specific methods and analytical techniques.

The topics of the course cover all complex and interrelated business processes inherent in the system's operation, e.g., Operations Strategy – Lean Management, Product/Service/Process Design, Productivity, Facility Location, Capacity Planning, Forecasting, Quality Management, Supply Chain and Inventory Management. The course aims at providing a comprehensive perspective of most aspects of Operations Management and presenting an overview of the main managerial techniques that are used by today’s enterprises in managing their operations. Emphasis is placed on the strategic importance and impact of decisions that relate to the operations of organizations.