University of Cape Town
Operations Management
- Curriculum: Build deep expertise in managing processes and capacity, financials, production, inventory, and more.
- Fully Online: Includes interactive videos, module notes, assignments, quizzes, and more.
- Faculty: Learn from industry experts. Get 1:1 support. Receive a dedicated Success Advisor and access to discussion forums.
Start date
22 June 2026
99%
Cohort-based learning
Group learning, expert guidance
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
English
Access resources from start date
8–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The number of openings that BLS projects each year for all management occupations over the 2024–2034 decade, driven by both growth and the need to replace retiring workers.
U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics (Accessed May 2026).
The annual savings that automotive companies that are successfully implementing E2E synchronisation are achieving. With a 7% to 15% reduction in total supply chain costs.
BCG (Accessed May 2026).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, is creating opportunities for organisations to transform their operations. As digital technologies and manufacturing processes evolve, along with changing consumer preferences and a global push towards sustainability, businesses are supercharging their transformation efforts. Companies must run their operations as efficiently and effectively as possible to remain competitive. This necessitates sound operations management, where resources are utilised intelligently to maximise efficiency, profit, productivity, and success.
If you want to develop competencies in production, capacity, supply chain, and quality management, consider enrolling in the University of Cape Town's (UCT) Operations Management online short course. On it, you'll learn about the 10 key principles of effective operations management and techniques to improve planning, manage the production scheduling process, and use forecasting to address demand-related issues. By applying lean thinking, you can formulate a sound operations strategy and make informed management decisions to drive your company forward. Ultimately, completing the course will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in operations management.
Is this course for you?
If you're currently employed in a business's production or operations function or interested in pursuing a career in operations management, then this course is ideally suited for you. By enrolling in this course, professionals working in this field will improve their ability to effect change within their organisations, enhance their skills and knowledge, and improve their performance in their current roles. The course will provide transferable skills that could open up new opportunities across various industries, making it an excellent investment for those seeking to expand their career prospects. Whether you're looking to progress in your current role or explore new career opportunities, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the field of operations management.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
The Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, is creating opportunities for organisations to transform their operations. As digital technologies and manufacturing processes evolve, along with changing consumer preferences and a global push towards sustainability, businesses are supercharging their transformation efforts. Companies must run their operations as efficiently and effectively as possible to remain competitive. This necessitates sound operations management, where resources are utilised intelligently to maximise efficiency, profit, productivity, and success.
If you want to develop competencies in production, capacity, supply chain, and quality management, consider enrolling in the University of Cape Town's (UCT) Operations Management online short course. On it, you'll learn about the 10 key principles of effective operations management and techniques to improve planning, manage the production scheduling process, and use forecasting to address demand-related issues. By applying lean thinking, you can formulate a sound operations strategy and make informed management decisions to drive your company forward. Ultimately, completing the course will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in operations management.
Is this course for you?
If you're currently employed in a business's production or operations function or interested in pursuing a career in operations management, then this course is ideally suited for you. By enrolling in this course, professionals working in this field will improve their ability to effect change within their organisations, enhance their skills and knowledge, and improve their performance in their current roles. The course will provide transferable skills that could open up new opportunities across various industries, making it an excellent investment for those seeking to expand their career prospects. Whether you're looking to progress in your current role or explore new career opportunities, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the field of operations management.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
The ability to apply lean thinking to strategic operational planning and processes.
The knowledge to improve overall efficiency, quality, and waste management.
An understanding of business operation risk and how to avoid it.
The confidence to pursue or grow your career, with a certificate of completion from UCT in hand.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Introduction to operations management
Module 2
Managing and measuring processes
Module 3
Managing capacity and people
Module 4
Financial analysis and forecast strategy
Module 5
Production planning and scheduling
Module 6
Inventory and waste management
Module 7
Quality management
Module 8
Operational risk management strategy
Course Convenor
Jacques Rousseau
Chair, Commerce Faculty Ethics in Research Committee and Lecturer, Section for Applied Management, School of Management Studies, UCT
About the certificate
Acquire proficiency in the fundamentals of operations management and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an enrollment specialist, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your enrollment specialist who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our enrollment specialists before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
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