Sustainable operations - Module details

Module Title:   Sustainable Operations

Module Credit:   10

Module Code:   MAN4281M

Academic Year:   2011/2

Teaching Period:   April Intake Programmes

Module Occurrence:   A

Module Level:   M (Masters)

Module Type:   Standard module

Provider:   School of Management

Related Department/Subject Area:   School of Management

Principal Co-ordinator:   Prof. K Barber

Additional Tutor(s):   Dr. R Beach; Mr M Afferson

Prerequisite(s):   MAN4050M

Corequisite(s):   None

Aims:
This module is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to develop and operationalise business models/strategies within the appropriate frameworks to comply with future requirements for sustainability. The three aspects of sustainability (economic, social, environment) will be considered. Students will be able to analyse critically the literature regarding sustainable operations, develop appropriate models based on the evidence available and to demonstrate how the models satisfy the sustainability challenge that will face organisations in the future.

Learning Teaching & Assessment Strategy:
The learning will be directed, supported and reinforced through a combination of lectures, discussion groups, directed and self-directed research. Students will be required to identify and agree areas of relevant interest within each individual group, to research the chosen and agreed topic and to present their findings in discussion and as non-assessed and assessed work. Non-assessed work will receive formative feedback from module tutors and peers. The assessment has two components a multimedia presentation to be presented on DVD and a report summarising their research and justifying decisions made by the group. This will represent a sustainable business strategy.
Supplementary assessment: It is considered too large a task to ask one individual to prepare a multimedia presentation in addition to an individual report. As the multimedia presentation tests non-subject specific knowledge and skills supplementary assessment will be by an individual report.

1. Knowledge & Understanding:

On successful completion of this module you will be able to...

Recognise sustainability issues in operations; research and synthesis data regarding sustainable operations and its effects; demonstrate understanding of the complex relationships of the different activities of a business and to adopt a holistic approach to the sustainability requirements.

2. Subject-Specific Skills:

On successful completion of this module you will be able to...

Develop business models that directly address the operations aspects of the sustainability agenda; assess the business models against defined key performance indicators.

3. Personal Transferable Skills:

On successful completion of this module you will be able to...

Demonstrate effective listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports; the effective use of multi-media technology to communicate complex business ideas.