Level 6 Operations Management Diploma - Course Outline
Our exclusive Level 6 Operations Management Course takes place over 14 in-depth modules, covering the topics and concepts outlined below:
Module 1 - What is Operations Management?
An introduction to the concept of operations management is provided in the first module, in which candidates study the job profile of OM personnel and related responsibilities. Several major business documents and reports are also examined, along with the scope of OM in a business environment and a brief overview of General Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
Module 2 - Getting Your Product Together
Candidates then consider the importance of strategic product development and placement on the market, along with the product journey from the beginning of the supply chain to reaching the final customer. An introduction to inventory management and quality control is also provided, along with the fundamentals of effective marketing, sales and promotional tactics.
Module 3 - Marketing Your Product
A more detailed exploration of marketing and advertising follows in the third module, which outlines the importance of creating a workable and impactful marketing plan. Additional topics covered include pricing structures, how to identify the needs of a target audience and ensuring marketing objectives are aligned with the wider goals of the business.
Module 4 - Strategic Planning
Strategic planning as a major contributor to successful business operations is explored in depth in Module Four. A detailed breakdown of the strategic planning pyramid is provided, along with tips and techniques for accurate forecasting, the concept of aggregate planning and the benefits of establishing goals in accordance with the SPIRIT methodology.
Module 5 - Building a Strong Customer Care Team
Module Five shifts attention to the value and importance of customer satisfaction, guiding candidates through the process of building and maintaining a strong customer care team. The hallmarks of a quality customer care strategy are detailed and discussed, along with the potential consequences of substandard customer care.
Module 6 - Motivating Employees
The importance of maintaining a motivated and driven workforce is discussed in the sixth module, which introduces the concept of motivational triggers and the different types of incentives. Tips and guidelines for building a motivational workplace culture are provided, along with common causes of demotivation and how to introduce appropriate reward systems.
Module 7 - Performance Management
Learners are then introduced to the concept of performance management and how commitment to the continuous process of improving performance is the primary obligation of the operations manager. The functions, objectives and limitations of various performance management activities are discussed, along with the consequences of inadequate performance management.
Module 8 - Succession Planning
Module Eight outlines the positive effects of proactive succession planning, along with a series of strategies to improve the effectiveness of a succession plan. Candidates learn how to formulate and implement a succession plan to ensure no key role is left open, in the event that an individual is promoted, terminated or leaves the company of their own accord.
Module 9 - Talent Management
How a proactive talent management strategy can benefit both the workforce and the business as a whole is examined in Module Nine. Effective communication as the basis for a talent management plan is discussed, along with how talent management contributes directly to workforce motivation and loyalty.
Module 10 - Change Management
A fascinating introduction to the concept of change management follows in Module 10, in which learners study the tools, techniques and processes used by individuals and organisations to embrace change and achieve desired outcomes. Candidates learn how to leverage the potential positives in all types of change, both in their professional lives and elsewhere.
Module 11 - Time Management
The art of getting more done in less time is explored in Module 11, in which candidates learn how the key to successful time management lies in working smarter, not harder. The importance of thorough planning and effective organisation is discussed, along with tips for more confident prioritisation of tasks and how to put an end to procrastination.
Module 12 - Creative Thinking and Innovation
Learners then consider how unconventional thinking can often hold the key to effective problem solving. Tools and techniques for boosting creativity and innovation in a team are presented and discussed, along with how approaching issues and everyday tasks from different perspectives often leads to more successful outcomes.
Module 13 - Negotiation Techniques
Negotiation skills for management personnel follow in Module 13, which covers the various different types of negotiations and the individual phases of negotiation. Candidates learn how to take the lead in important negotiations, how to effectively read the body language of others and ultimately when to walk away from a stalemate situation.
Module 14 - Communication Skills
Concluding the course, Module 14 examines communication as the cornerstone of effective business operations. Learners consider the difference between passive hearing and active listening, how to use nonverbal cues to send the right message and the importance of focusing on first impressions when meeting people for the first time.
