Operations Management

Instructor Information

• Instructor: Dr. Simone Ferris (Assistant Professor of Management)
• Email: sferris@university.alkimi.ai
• Office: Tidewell Hall 324
• Office Hours:
  • Tuesday & Wednesday: 9:30–11:00 a.m. (In person, Tidewell Hall 324)
  • Friday: 2:00–3:00 p.m. (Virtual via Zoom; link posted in Canvas)
  • Also available by appointment.

Course Description

Process design, capacity planning, forecasting, inventory management, quality management and Six Sigma, lean operations, and supply chain coordination, using quantitative decision models. MGT 410 examines the strategic design, planning, and control of operating systems that convert inputs into value-added goods and services. Combining qualitative management strategy with quantitative optimization models, students analyze process design, capacity constraints, demand forecasting, inventory theory, Statistical Process Control (SPC), and lean production philosophies. The course emphasizes end-to-end supply chain integration, examining logistics network configuration, risk pooling, coordination across multi-echelon systems, and modern digital supply chain technologies.

Prerequisites

MGT 301 and STAT 205.

Measurable Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of MGT 410, students will be able to:

1. Analyze and Map Operational Processes: Map business processes, identify operational bottlenecks, and apply Little's Law and capacity utilization metrics to increase throughput and reduce cycle times.
2. Apply Quantitative Demand Forecasting: Develop, evaluate, and track quantitative time-series and causal forecasting models using error metrics (MAD, MSE, MAPE) and tracking signals.
3. Implement Statistical Quality Control and Six Sigma: Construct and interpret statistical process control charts (X-bar, R, and p charts) and calculate process capability indices (Cp and Cpk).
4. Model Inventory and Supply Chain Systems: Optimize inventory levels using Economic Order Quantity (EOQ), continuous/periodic review policies, safety stock determination, and newsvendor models.
5. Design Lean and Resilient Supply Chains: Evaluate lean production principles (JIT, 5S, value stream mapping), mitigate the bullwhip effect, and optimize multi-echelon logistics networks.

Required Course Materials & Approximate Costs

1. Lee J. Krajewski, Manoj K. Malhotra, and Larry P. Ritzman. Operations Management: Processes and Supply Chains. 13th ed., Pearson, 2022. Approx. $65 digital rental, $140 print purchase.
2. Operations Case Studies and Excel Decision Templates (Canvas OER). Free digital access provided via Canvas.
3. Total estimated cost: $65 to $140.

Generative AI Policy (AI Level 2: AI Permitted with Disclosure for Specified Tasks)

In accordance with Alkimi University Academic Policies (Student Handbook §5.8), MGT 410 operates under AI Level 2.

• What is permitted: You may use generative AI tools to review quantitative operations formulas, troubleshoot Excel spreadsheet optimization models, and explore theoretical explanations of lean concepts.
• What is prohibited: You may not use AI tools during examinations, nor may you submit AI-generated numerical calculations, simulation outputs, or supply chain strategy memos as your original work.
• Disclosure: Any project deliverable or problem set completed with AI assistance must include a specific disclosure note outlining the prompt used, the tool name, and how the results were validated.

Grading Components and Weights

• Midterm Examination 1: 20% (In class, Thursday, September 24)
• Midterm Examination 2: 20% (In class, Thursday, October 29)
• Operations & Supply Chain Optimization Project: 20% (Due Friday, November 20 at 11:59 p.m.)
• Quantitative Operations Problem Sets: 15% (Five Excel-based quantitative problem sets submitted via Canvas on Fridays at 11:59 p.m.; lowest score dropped)
• Process Simulations and Reading Quizzes: 5% (Online reading checks and factory simulation debrief quizzes completed in Canvas)
• Comprehensive Final Examination: 20% (Monday, December 14, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m.)

Grading Scale (Alkimi University Standard)

• A: 93–100% | A-: 90–92%
• B+: 87–89% | B: 83–86% | B-: 80–82%
• C+: 77–79% | C: 73–76% | C-: 70–72%
• D+: 67–69% | D: 60–66% | F: Below 60%
• Extra credit: No extra credit assignments are offered in MGT 410. Grades are based entirely on exams, problem sets, process simulations, and the optimization project.

Course Schedule (Fall 2026)

Course Policies

Attendance Policy

Classroom engagement in Tidewell Hall 210 is essential for understanding quantitative modeling methodologies, software demonstrations, and group case discussions. In the event of illness or university-approved absences, notify Dr. Ferris beforehand and arrange to review notes with a fellow student. Students who miss the first two class meetings without notifying the instructor may be dropped. Students may miss class for religious observance without penalty if they notify the instructor in writing within the first two weeks of the semester (by Wednesday, September 9, 2026). Absences for university-sponsored activities (athletics, performances, conferences) are excused with a letter from the sponsoring office at least one week in advance.

Late Work Policy

Quantitative problem sets and the Operations & Supply Chain Optimization Project are penalized 10% per calendar day late and will not be accepted after three days past the deadline. Simulation quizzes close strictly at their posted deadlines.

Final Exam Policy

The final examination (Monday, December 14, 2026, 1:00–3:00 p.m.) is scheduled by the University Registrar and can't be moved without the Dean's written approval (Faculty Handbook §5.5). A student with three or more final exams on the same calendar day may reschedule one of them. Requests go to the instructor of the middle exam by the last day of classes. For this term, send the request by Wednesday, December 9, 2026 (Student Handbook §6.4).