University of Cape Town
Advanced Operations Management
Optimise your organisation’s processes to boost productivity and profitability.
Start date
10 May 2021
Enroll by 04 May 2021
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
10–12 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The proportion of CEOs who report that creating operational efficiencies is a key focus to drive revenue growth.
PwC (2019).
“Well-managed operations are more important than any product you sell.” – Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s
Search Engine Journal (2014)
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
In a highly competitive and dynamic business environment, it’s critical for organisations to constantly evolve and adjust their processes for improved efficiency and productivity. Skilled operations managers lead the charge in this regard, and play a key role in maximising output and boosting a company’s chance of success.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Advanced Operations Management online short course explores the more complex issues facing operations managers today, and aims to equip you with the high-level skills needed to effectively embrace change and address operational challenges. The eight-week curriculum, which is specifically designed for working professionals, covers a range of key subject areas, including scheduling, forecasting, and risk management, and seeks to help you position yourself as a strategic leader in process optimisation.
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at existing operations managers and individuals in the operations sector who want to expand their knowledge and acquire more advanced skills to further their careers. It’s especially ideal for professionals looking to boost their performance and stay ahead of current trends. As this course builds on the UCT Operations Management online short course, it would be advantageous to register for this option first.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
In a highly competitive and dynamic business environment, it’s critical for organisations to constantly evolve and adjust their processes for improved efficiency and productivity. Skilled operations managers lead the charge in this regard, and play a key role in maximising output and boosting a company’s chance of success.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Advanced Operations Management online short course explores the more complex issues facing operations managers today, and aims to equip you with the high-level skills needed to effectively embrace change and address operational challenges. The eight-week curriculum, which is specifically designed for working professionals, covers a range of key subject areas, including scheduling, forecasting, and risk management, and seeks to help you position yourself as a strategic leader in process optimisation.
Is this course for you?
This course is aimed at existing operations managers and individuals in the operations sector who want to expand their knowledge and acquire more advanced skills to further their careers. It’s especially ideal for professionals looking to boost their performance and stay ahead of current trends. As this course builds on the UCT Operations Management online short course, it would be advantageous to register for this option first.
What will set you apart
The advanced operations management skills you need to become a key strategic partner in your organisation.
The tools to optimise and simplify processes so as to minimise costs and maximise rewards.
A grasp of quantitative and qualitative forecasting techniques.
The ability to design an effective aggregate and scheduling plan. 
Transferable competencies that you can apply to both manufacturing and service-related environments in any industry.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Aligning an organisation's operational and functional strategies
Module 2
Operational processes
Module 3
Location, capacity, and layout strategy
Module 4
Forecasting strategy
Module 5
People management
Module 6
Materials management and strategy
Module 7
Managing aggregate and scheduling planning
Module 8
Operational risk management
Get course prospectus
Course Convenor
Dr David Maralack
Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Commerce, UCT
About the certificate
Develop advanced operations management skills 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 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.
Get a course brochure
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. brand, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing high-quality online short courses from the world’s leading universities. We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required for the workplace of the future. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need.
Students are supported at every stage of the learning journey, enabling them to thrive professionally through increased relevance, competence, and confidence. 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 FAQ, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, 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 Success Adviser 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 Success Advisers 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 see the list of university partner login pages 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
