University of Cape Town
Operations Management
Develop the skills to navigate the operational challenges that exist in an evolving economy.
Starting soon
Start date
26 June 2023
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
8–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The number of new positions projected to open up for general and operations managers in the lead-up to 2029.
Business Insider (Apr, 2021).
The yearly amount the automotive industry could save if it integrates end-to-end supply chain planning and synchronisation.
McKinsey (Jul, 2021).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
The Fourth Industrial Revolution – or Industry 4.0 – presents the opportunity for organisations to reconfigure their operations. Along with the rapid evolution of digital technologies and manufacturing processes, changing consumer preferences, and other developments such as a global move towards sustainability are supercharging business transformation. This ever-changing environment demands that companies run their operations as efficiently and effectively as possible. Sound operations management ensures that resources are used intelligently to maximise efficiency, profit, productivity, and success.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Operations Management online short course will help you develop competencies in production, capacity, supply chain, and quality management. Discover the 10 key principles of effective operations management and learn how to improve planning, manage the production scheduling process, and use forecasting techniques to solve demand-related issues. Ultimately, you’ll formulate a sound operations strategy using lean thinking and leave the course with the ability to make informed management decisions to drive your company forward.
Is this course for you?
This course is ideally suited to those currently employed in a business’s production or operations function, and those looking to launch a career in operations management. Professionals already working in this field will improve their ability to effect change in their organisations and boost performance in their current roles. In addition, individuals looking to move into an operations role will acquire transferable skills that could open up new opportunities across various industries.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
The Fourth Industrial Revolution – or Industry 4.0 – presents the opportunity for organisations to reconfigure their operations. Along with the rapid evolution of digital technologies and manufacturing processes, changing consumer preferences, and other developments such as a global move towards sustainability are supercharging business transformation. This ever-changing environment demands that companies run their operations as efficiently and effectively as possible. Sound operations management ensures that resources are used intelligently to maximise efficiency, profit, productivity, and success.
The University of Cape Town (UCT) Operations Management online short course will help you develop competencies in production, capacity, supply chain, and quality management. Discover the 10 key principles of effective operations management and learn how to improve planning, manage the production scheduling process, and use forecasting techniques to solve demand-related issues. Ultimately, you’ll formulate a sound operations strategy using lean thinking and leave the course with the ability to make informed management decisions to drive your company forward.
Is this course for you?
This course is ideally suited to those currently employed in a business’s production or operations function, and those looking to launch a career in operations management. Professionals already working in this field will improve their ability to effect change in their organisations and boost performance in their current roles. In addition, individuals looking to move into an operations role will acquire transferable skills that could open up new opportunities across various industries.
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 2U’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
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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
Learn the principles 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 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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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
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 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
