The first module provides candidates with a detailed definition of operations management, exploring its functions, objectives and key personnel. Effective techniques for workforce recruitment, retention and succession planning are also examined, along with the value of an effective operations strategy and an introduction to accountancy and finance fundamentals.

A fascinating introduction to business process management follows in module two, in which candidates explore the six essential steps to conducting effective business analysis. Enterprise content management is also discussed, along with the business process life cycle, the benefits of effective process management and the concept of business process reengineering.

The fundamentals of effective supply chain management are explored in module three, in which candidates explore the benefits of strategic supply chain management and its working procedures. The various participants in supply chain operations are also discussed, along with supply chain structure, common supply chain issues and the continuous evolution of supply chains.

Module four provides an in-depth introduction to inventory management, while discussing planning and sourcing operations in logistics. The importance of an effective inventory management plan is also discussed, alongside tools and techniques for accurate demand forecasting, the concept of aggregate planning, product pricing strategies and more.

Candidates then discuss the differences between purchasing and procurement in module five, along with the functions and objectives of procurement from an organisational perspective. Supplier selection and related supplier performance considerations are also discussed, along with the identification of effective manufacturing strategies and the benefits of single/multi-sourcing.

In module six, course content focuses on key manufacturing and delivery operations, including production scheduling, facility management, order management, delivery scheduling and the potential advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing supply chain operations.

Module seven takes a more in-depth look at inventory management, focusing on the development of economic order quantity and the value of an effective inventory management framework. The art of balancing supply with demand is also discussed, along with the various different types of stocks a business can hold, the costs of carrying stocks and the importance of carrying sufficient safety stock.

A crash-course introduction to project management follows in module eight, in which candidates are presented with a detailed breakdown of the project life cycle and examine each individual project stage. The functions and objectives of project management are discussed, along with the importance of setting goals using the SMART methodology and the role of good communication in project management.

Quality management from a wider operations management perspective is examined in module nine, in which candidates learn how to determine the expected quality level for any given project. The cornerstones of an effective quality management plan are also discussed, along with benefit/cost analysis, important benchmarking practices, quality assurance and how to carry out a quality audit.

Concluding the course, module 10 examines the business-wide benefits of an effective risk management strategy. The process of identifying project risks is dissected and discussed, along with the primary components of a robust risk management plan, the various different risk classifications, how to conduct SWOT analysis and the concept of qualitative risk analysis.