Operations Management (OM) is the design and management of the processes that transform inputs and resources into finished goods and services. Because this transformation is the primary mechanism of value-creation in a firm, world-class performance in operations is fundamental for a company’s competitive success and long-term survival. The ever-intensifying competition to do it “cheaper, better and faster” leads to a continuous search for new ideas and tools to improve operations. Recent years have seen the emergence of ideas like Total Quality Management, Six Sigma, Just-in-time, Lean Logistics, Global Sourcing, and Supply Chain Management.
At the UW Foster School of Business, OM courses emphasize the global nature of organizations and the need to work collaboratively in seamless supply/demand networks. Coursework demonstrates how many of the last decade’s changes—technological developments, globalization, and increased consumer sophistication—have accelerated the vital importance of operations management in business today.
Undergraduate
The OM undergraduate curriculum examines (through the use of case studies, quantitative models, and interactive "games") the implications of changes from the corporate strategic level to the shop floor. Major topics include supply-chain management, logistics, project management, and quality management.
Students with operations management expertise obtain positions within consulting organizations and staff or line positions with manufacturing organizations. Others opt for positions with service organizations, including hospitals, educational institutions, and government.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS / TIME SCHEDULE
MBA
In core and elective graduate courses, students learn concepts and tools of project management, inventory and distribution, work-process design, service management, revenue management, operations planning, and purchasing. Because decisions are tightly linked with other areas of business management, these courses pay particular attention to the management of interfaces between and other business functions. In addition, students gain project and process management skills, valuable to different types of business careers.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS / TIME SCHEDULE
PhD
The doctoral program is designed for persons seeking academic and research careers. All students are required to demonstrate a firm understanding of areas that form the foundation of most research: micro-economics, probability and statistics (including stochastic processes/models), and optimization theory (courses in these areas typically constitute the first year’s curriculum).
Research areas that are currently emphasized include inventory and supply chain management, project management (including new product development projects), and service systems (including call center management). In addition, research interfacing with other areas such as finance, marketing, and information systems is encouraged.
PhD PROGRAM WEBSITE / TIME SCHEDULE