Program Overview
Operations and Project Management Program
The Operations and Project Management program is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to manage innovative solutions and achieve strategic goals in competitive business environments. The program focuses on developing competence in project management frameworks, lifecycles, processes, tools, and data analytics techniques
General Department Information
With increasingly competitive business environments, corporations are relying on operations and project managers to achieve strategic goals through effective management of innovative solutions. To achieve this target, many organizations are adopting business-based project management approaches and methodologies to manage and deliver these solutions through projects. This has triggered a high demand for experienced operations and project managers with knowledge in project management frameworks, lifecycles, processes, tools, and data analytics techniques. A business degree with an operations and project management major will develop the competence of graduates and equip them with the required business analytics skills to plan, control, execute, and manage all project management attributes for the successful delivery of the scope, in a timely manner and within budget. With such skills, graduates are qualified to work in virtually all industries, both in the public and private sectors.
Recognizing the growing importance of business analytics and the need for these skills, the department faculty developed a minor designed to introduce students to the fundamental tools of business analytics and visualization. Business analytics impacts how we gather data, process information, and how business decisions are made. This rapid growth of available information is transforming every function of business and turning business analytics into a fundamental skill for decision-makers at every level of a firm. Learning the fundamental tools of business analytics (e.g., SPSS, Tableau, Power BI, Power Query) gives students the skills to present data in a clear and understandable way and opens doors to a rewarding career.
Classes
The following classes are part of the Operations and Project Management program:
OPM 101: Introduction to Computing
This course introduces the concepts of computer applications and their roles in managing business operations. It introduces students to the understanding of computer hardware, software, essential computer and Internet-based systems, and the latest MS Office applications. A substantial portion of the course will be dedicated to hands-on and Excel-based exercises.
OPM 211: Business Statistics
This introductory course provides students with an advanced overview of descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The course's topics include descriptive statistics, probability, probability distributions, sampling and sampling distributions, interval estimation, hypothesis testing, simple linear regression and correlation, and multiple regression analysis. In addition to relevant statistical theories, the course focuses on exercises and applications.
OPM 230: Management Information Systems
This course covers the use of ICT in managing activities and how MIS can be best integrated into the day-to-day operations of organizations. It will provide knowledge of primary methodologies and approaches that can be used to deal with business and operational needs in alignment with corporate business objectives. Some key topics covered in this course are the roles of MIS in organizations, management and the networked enterprise, and advanced Excel features.
OPM 310: Introduction to Project Management and Tools
The course introduces the concepts and methodology of project management and their usage by project managers to successfully complete projects. A key aspect of the course is to manage project stakeholders and the environment within the business context with due consideration to balancing scope, cost, and time and quality constraints. The course explores and applies various tools and techniques, such as Microsoft Project 2016, to effectively manage projects.
OPM 315: E-Commerce (BE)
The course provides an overview of the basic elements of the technology infrastructure used to conduct Electronic Commerce. It examines the processes for business strategies that incorporate various forms of Electronic Commerce, including business-to-business, business-to-consumer, and the business processes that support selling/purchasing activities. It reviews the designing and managing of online storefronts, Payment Systems, Security, and Privacy.
OPM 330: Quantitative Methods for Business
This course covers deterministic models and techniques to optimally solve complex managerial problems. Topics include linear programming, networks, integer programming, decision trees, and sensitivity analysis. It also shows how to practically apply these techniques in different areas of an organization, such as marketing, production scheduling, financial planning, and make-or-buy decisions.
OPM 340: Operations Management
The course studies the fundamental process for the production of goods and services in organizations with emphasis on understanding its relationship to other business areas. The course uses quantitative tools in production/operations for effective decision-making. It covers concepts such as operations strategy, process design, forecasting, capacity planning, scheduling, inventory management, and resource management. Field trips are used to enhance the learning experience.
OPM 360: Principles of Logistics and Supply Chain Management
This course covers principles of supply chain management and provides techniques used to analyze various aspects of logistics systems. Key concepts such as procurement, sourcing, supply chain management, communication, warehousing, packaging, materials handling, demand management, distribution, and facility location are examined as an integral part of modern business. Field trips and business simulations are used to enhance the learning experience.
OPM 370: Quality Management
The course introduces analytical concepts and tools to accomplish business performance excellence. It exposes students to quality knowledge and quality improvement methods. It addresses the key issues of quality standards, principles, and practices. It also covers techniques of total quality, including benchmarking, statistical process control, and continuous improvement.
OPM 380: Advanced Project Management
The course builds on OPM 310 with a focus on understanding and managing business changes through the adoption and implementation of effective project management approaches to successfully achieve targeted business and project objectives. Additional contemporary project management concepts, such as project management office and agile project management, are taught. The course provides an advanced foundation on studying and maintaining the alignment between business strategic objectives and various operational and project management knowledge areas.
OPM 390: Special Topics in Operations Management
A survey course of selected topics in operations management to supplement available offerings. In this course, important concepts and state-of-the-art analytical techniques essential for managing the operations of any organization are covered. Topics such as MRP and ERP, scheduling, management of waiting lines, location planning, and analysis.
OPM 425: Special Topics in Operations Management
A survey course of selected topics in operations management to supplement available offerings. In this course, important concepts and state-of-the-art analytical techniques essential for managing the operations of any organization are covered. In particular, topics such as MRP and ERP, scheduling, management of waiting lines, location planning, and analysis.
OPM 450: Management of Innovation
The course empowers students to deliver breakthrough innovations successfully into the world of business. Students explore techniques that seek major growth through innovations in products, services, and business models and develop the skills and gain the knowledge required to bring these innovations successfully to market. Business cases and projects are used to enhance the learning experience.
OPM 485: Project Risk Management
This course introduces essential analytical techniques to manage business management issues with a focus on project risk management. The concepts and theories of risk management are discussed together with management models and their adoption. The course will present the full life cycle of risk management, including risk planning, identification, analysis (qualitative and quantitative), response strategies, monitoring and control, and overall risk governance approach. Business cases and tailored exercises are used for hands-on exercises to enhance students' learning and experience.
OPM 498: Operations and Project Management Internship
This course requires students to complete a four-month placement as an intern in either a private or government organization. This is an important part of the BBA degree requirements, which bridges the gap between theory and practice. Students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience in Operations and Project Management-related areas, including planning, tracking, reporting, managing projects, and operations; overseeing supply chain management and logistics functions; assessing process quality and risk.