Operations Management and Information Systems
Operations Management and Information Systems are closely related fields of study, both vital to business across the public and private sectors. The two disciplines are natural partners.
Operations Management applies sophisticated methods to solving business problems related to designing, planning, controlling and improving operations, logistics and supply chain management processes. New information technologies to support them are continually evolving. Meanwhile, Information Systems focuses on bridging the divide between computer science and business management, incorporating a range of approaches for designing and applying information technology solutions to organisations.
Our teaching covers a wide range of key topics in Operations Management and Information Systems. We provide a range of taught modules at undergraduate and Master's level, offer an Executive MSc in Global Supply Chain Management and modules on the School's MBA programmes. Academic staff within the division supervise a cohort of PhD students.
Our approaches to Operations Management research are wide ranging and include behavioural and human factors methods, modeling and simulation, and analytical techniques of Operations Research. Colleagues within the IS section also adopt an interdisciplinary research approach, aiming to better understand the relationships between information systems (including technology), work and organisation (both virtual and physical) and to develop new tools and methodologies for enhancing system design.
Operations Management staff have research interests in operations strategy, systems design, collaborative design and new product development, logistics and supply chain management, mass customization, planning and control, outsourcing logistics and supply chains, quality management, modeling and simulation, technology and knowledge management. We also have strong links with the University's Engineering Faculty, with whom we run joint courses and research programmers.