MSc in Management of Operations (MOPS)
NOTE - This programme will not run in September 2024
Introduction
Contemporary Operations Management demands flexibility, creativity and pragmatism. This online programme enables students to grow into senior operations management roles in technology-intensive organisations, in the financial sector, in supply chain management, manufacturing or services organisations, in both the public and private sectors.
Learners will gain a critical awareness of current opportunities and new insights into operations management in varied environments. They will also develop new flexible, transversal skills in business management and be able to apply these to a wide range of business challenges. The programme is designed to provide graduates of different disciplines with a unique opportunity to develop the hybrid, interdisciplinary knowledge and skills considered essential for modern business development and management.
Learners will also develop the range of investigative and analytic skills and techniques required to equip them to assume senior roles within organisations in the public and private sectors.
How the programme is delivered:
This postgraduate programme is provided through online distance learning, which means that a working professional can achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. For each module you undertake, you are given access to a specially written module text. Most modules require that you acquire additional textbooks. You also get access to the vast range of academic journals and other resources provided by DCU Library and increasing use is being made of these resources on the programme.
Tutorial support on this programme is provided online through the use of discussion forums in a virtual learning environment called Loop. In addition, tutorials will be provided using a web-based tutorial system. Students can partake in web-based tutorials at home, work or anywhere with a reasonable internet connection. Additionally, because the tutorial sessions are recorded, for those who are unable to attend the live tutorial session, they can be viewed later, at a more convenient time for you, the student.
How the programme is assessed:
All modules are assessed via continuous assessment. There are no end-of-year examinations. For the taught modules, the continuous assessment normally takes the form of three assignments per module which have to be submitted at predefined points during the academic year. For the dissertation element, you are required to submit a 20,000-word document which is largely self-directed, but with the guidance of a research supervisor.
Programme Structure:
Project and Operational Change Management - MT5228 (15 Credits)
This module consists of three elements with one assignment per element. In Managing Change, the different models of change are described, and how they assist in understanding and managing resistance to change, building readiness for change, and sustaining change. In Sustainable Transport and Logistics students explore how to manage distribution channels sustainably, transparently, efficiently, and effectively. In Project Management and Risk Assessment, you are introduced to how key project management principles are applied to areas such as project planning, project generation, project feasibility selection and initiation , and project scheduling.
Operations Management - MT5229 (15 Credits)
This module is the core module of the MSc in Management of Operations programme. The aims of this module are to provide an in-depth understanding of the role of services in meeting customer needs, providing customer satisfaction, and developing a firm foundation in the concepts and principles of modern operations management. This module consists of three elements, Management of Operations, Service Management, and Supply Chain
Management.
Sustainable Operations - MT5230 (15 Credits)
The module is designed to provide students with a working knowledge of sustainable operations; what it is, how it aligns with overall organizational strategies, policies, and management, and how to recognize, apply and successfully manage sustainable operational activities to achieve further improvements and benefits and mitigate risk. This module consists of three elements Sustainable Finance, Sustainable Accounting, and Sustainable
Procurement.
Research for Operations - MT5217(5 Credits)
This module examines what it means to conduct research for operations, with the overarching objective to support students in critically evaluating research designs, methodologies and methods appropriate to different research questions and approaches in the field of Operations. This includes devising a research question, conducting a literature review, individual research methods (and how they might work together), and academic
writing skills.
Operational Analytics & Strategy - MT5218 (15 Credits)
This module introduces students to Management Science and spreadsheet modelling in the context of operations, including familiarising students with decision-making and problem-solving using appropriate techniques and methods. Operational Analytics focuses on transforming operational data into better decision-making, and dynamic modelling processes using discrete event simulation towards predicting outcomes and choosing the the best course of action in the face of risk. Operations Strategy focuses on evaluating the
principles and practice of operations strategy development and management and determine a set of approaches and frameworks required to formulate and execute an operations strategy.
Dissertation - MT5219 (25 Credits)
The Dissertation is a major piece of independent work of up to 20,000 words in length and provides the opportunity to bring to bear the techniques and perspectives covered in the taught modules on a specific issue of research interest. An independent and critical appraisal of an issue is essential to successfully complete the dissertation.
Module Syllabi - Subject Outlines:
Project and Operational Change Management - MT5228 (15 Credits)
Operational Change Management
Sustainable Transport and Logistics
Project Management and Risk Assessment
Operations Management (15 credits) MT5229
Management of Operations
Service Operations Management
Supply Chain Management
Sustainable Operations - MT5230 (15 Credits)
Sustainable Finance
Sustainable Accounting
Sustainable Procurement
Operational Analytics & Strategy - MT5218 (15 Credits)
Management Science
Operational Analytics
Operations Strategy
Research for Operations - MT5217 (5 Credits)
Conducting Research in an Operations Context
Dissertation - MT5219 (25 Credits)
Capstone Operations-themed thesis
There are no exams on this programme. Student performance is marked by continual
assessment.
Year One
MT5229 - Operations Management (Semester 1)
MT5228 - Project and Operational Change Management (Semester 2)
Year Two
MT5230 - Sustainable Operations (Semester 1)
MT5217 – Research for Operations (Semester 1)
MT5218 - Operational Analytics & Strategy (Semester 2)
MT5219 - Dissertation (Year-long)
DCU offers postgraduate level programmes targeted at working professionals, who wish to achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and to provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. As a graduate, you will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and flexibility for suitable senior managerial positions in your chosen specialist area.
The Masters of Science programme, awarded by DCU, is at level 9 on the National Framework of Qualifications. All modules are taught on line in a virtual classroom, Loop, where you can interact with your fellow students and tutors through email, chat, skype, at whatever time suits you. Assessment is continuous with no examinations.
IT Equipment and Skills required:
You should have regular access to a computer (with Microsoft Office), a broadband Internet connection, a printer and a basic headset and a webcam. Specifically, you will need access to Microsoft Word, Excel and Access. You can find detailed information on the IT skills and equipment required for this programme under the section 'Technology Requirements'
Accreditation information
This Postgraduate Programme participated successfully in the accreditation process conducted with DCU Business School by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the world's oldest and most prestigious global accrediting body for business schools. AACSB accreditation is widely recognised as the hallmark of excellence in business education, and has been earned by less than five percent of the world's business schools.
Graduates of this programme tell us how they have grown in confidence as a result of coming to understand the theory underpinning professional practice brought about by their studies. This confidence, together with their increased understanding and knowledge, has helped them to become more strategic and meaningful contributors in the workplace, with the ability to engage at a more senior level.
As high level academic qualifications are becoming increasingly important to organisations' recruitment and promotion policies, this degree will add long term value to your career.
Graduates of this programme are currently employed in manufacturing and service organisations across a wide range of sectors including the financial services, supply chain, pharmaceutical and electronics industries. Many Graduates are also self-employed.
Requirements
NOTE - This programme will not run in September 2024
For admission to the M.Sc. Management Operations candidates must hold:
• A 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant discipline eg. Engineering, Science, Business or Information Technology, or equivalent international qualification.
OR
• A 2:1 Honours degree in a non-relevant discipline, along with at least 3 years relevant managerial work experience.
• Applicants who have achieved a 2.2 Honours degree may still obtain a place. This will depend on availability of places and on obtaining high grades in relevant modules on their undergraduate programme.
OR
• A Level 7 qualification in a relevant discipline or non-chartered membership of a professional body, along with at least 3 years relevant managerial work experience.
OR
• Chartered membership of an institution such as the Institute of Engineers of Ireland or a professional body such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants.
OR
• Evidence of substantial relevant managerial work experience. Such applicants will be required to submit a CV and Personal Statement in support of their application and may be required to attend for interview.
• International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.