GB 301 Course Syllabus –Spring 2011

Integrated Business Functions

Operations Management Module
Section 010 –Wednesday, 3:35 to 4:50, SMI 101
Section EB1 – Wednesday, 6:30 to 7:40, SMI 101
Section EB2 – Wednesday, 7:50 to 9:00, SMI 103
Jack Thomas - AAC 326 - 781-891-2112
jrthomas@bentley.edu

Note: All email must be written using correct grammar, spelling, capital letters, etc. Prior to sending an email
message, please check the syllabus and course website for possible answers to your question(s).

Office hours: By Appointment

Module Description
The purpose of this module is to provide students with a basic understanding of operations management (OM)
definitions, concepts, theories, and tools as they specifically relate to: (1) development and introduction of a new
product or service; (2) introduction of an existing product to new markets; and/or (3) developing other opportunities
for company growth.

This course introduces students to business OM, which is a major component of all companies. The result of OM is
the firm's products (goods and services). Without OM firms would not have products to sell, and consequently no
sales revenue. More efficient OM, compared to competitors, makes products at a lower cost. More effective OM,
compared to its competitors, makes products that satisfy customers’ needs. Therefore, a firm's ability to provide
products efficiently and effectively influences its profitability and viability. This course is designed to teach
students how important efficient and effective OM is to the success of any organization.

Goals
Knowledge – Understand basic operations management (OM) definitions, concepts, theories, and tools related to
strategy, project management, quality management, product development, process selection, process measurement,
process analysis, supply chain strategy, technology, aggregate planning, inventory control, and services.

Skills:
1. Ability to recognize, analyze, and improve operational situations within an organization
2. Ability to apply OM concepts in an actual business environment
3. Ability to integrate OM concepts into a comprehensive business plan.
Attitudes:
1. Efficiency – Maximize resources—eliminate waste
2. Effectiveness – Focus on the customer
3. Integrity – Protect stakeholders (suppliers, employees, investors, customers, and society)

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Learning Objectives

Students must understand basic operations management concepts for service organizations and manufactures.
1. How service organizations differ from manufacturers
2. Various operations strategies and their trade-offs
3. Various project management tools
4. The importance and role of quality in the design and delivery of goods and services
5. How new goods and services are developed
6. Various processes that are required to provide goods and services
7. How processes are measured
8. Various supply chain strategies
9. How technology is used in operations
10. The role of aggregate planning in operations
11. The role of inventory control
12. How operations works with marketing and finance to produce goods and services

Rules of the Road

1. Unconditional mutual respect

2. High standard of excellence
3. Effective communication
• 3 c’s – clear, concise, complete
• open, honest, direct
• all questions are ok
4. Total confidentiality
5. Promptness
6. Fun

Academic Integrity
Bentley College Honor Code: The Bentley College Honor Code formally recognizes the responsibility of students to
act in an ethical manner. It expects all students to maintain academic honesty in their own work, recognizing that
most students will maintain academic honesty because of their own high standards. The Honor Code expects
students to promote ethical behavior throughout the Bentley community and to take responsible action when there is
a reason to suspect dishonesty.

Recording Devises: Recording of any kind, without permission, is strictly prohibited. This includes the use of a
computer, cell phone, tape recorder, or any other electronic device. Permission must be granted for recording during
class, office visits, or any other conversation with the faculty member.

Disability Services
Any students eligible for and needing academic adjustments or accommodations because of a disability is required
to meet with the Coordinator of Disability Services, in LaCava 166, within the first three weeks of the semester.

English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Center

The ESOL Center provides tutorial support to help students achieve success in their courses across the curriculum.
The ESOL Center is located in the Library and may be contacted at 781-891-2021.

Course Material
Text: GB-301 Integrated Business Functions: Operations Management Readings

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Evaluation and Grading

Participation 20%
Quiz 1 25%
Quiz 2 25%
Final Exam 30%
Total 100%

Passing GB 301 – Students must earn greater than 60% in all four GB 301 modules to pass the course. Students
who fail one module will receive an incomplete grade for the course. To remove the incomplete grade, the student
must retake and pass the module (during the next semester) or pass the module’s competency exam (the competency
exam doesn’t apply to the project module). If the student fails the module a second time or fails the competency
exam, they must retake the course. Students who fail two modules will receive a failing grade for the course and the
student must retake GB 301.

Participation
Passive Participation – During class time it is expected that students will pay attention, listen, and stay off-line.
These actions are only a minor portion of the participation grade. In order to receive full credit, you need to be an
“active participant” during every class session.

Active Participation - In order to maximize learning from the classroom experience, your active participation
(constructive, value-added contribution) is necessary. Much of the class time will be devoted to the discussion of
OM concepts. Please be prepared to actively participate (discuss the readings, ask questions, share experiences, etc.)
during every class session. I will evaluate your participation after each class and assign credit based on the quality
of comments provided. In-class and take home assignments may also be included in this grade.

Disruptive Behavior – During class time it is expected students will not be disruptive. Some examples of disruptive
behavior are: ringing cell phones, surfing the Internet, sleeping, unrelated talking, etc. Students involved in
disruptive behavior may receive a negative participation grade.

Lap Top Computers - Students, who use their computer to take notes, must receive written approval and sit in the
front row. If you would like to use your lap top, you must send an email message to me for approval.

Quizzes
The dates are identified on the course schedule. They may not be cumulative and may consist of both qualitative
and quantitative questions to include a mix of the following types of questions: short answer, multiple choice, short
essay, case summary, and/or work problems. Make-up quizzes receive 75%.

Final Exam
The final exam date is identified on the Master Schedule. It may be cumulative and consist of both qualitative and
quantitative questions to include a mix of the following types of questions: short answer, multiple choice, short
essay, case summary, and/or work problems. Grades will be emailed by student ID#. Make-up exams receive 75%.

Extra Credit
Students may earn extra credit to increase one quiz grade into the “C” range—73% to 76%; however, no student
may earn more than 5 percentage points during the semester. If any student would like extra credit work, please see
the course website under Course Documents  Operations Management.

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