LOG904-195 Operations Strategy, Capacity and Facility Planning (Autumn 2026)
- ECTS Credits:
- 2.5
- Responsible faculty:
- Avdeling for logistikk
- Campus:
- Molde
- Course Leader:
- Arild Hoff
- Teaching language:
- English
- Study level:
- {code=HN, name=Second degree level}
- Duration:
- ½ year
Table of contents
Contents
The course is connected to the following study programs
Recommended knowledge
- Introductory knowledge of Operations Management and/or Supply Chain Management.
- Basic quantitative and analytical skills.
- Familiarity with Microsoft Excel (or equivalent spreadsheet software) for quantitative modelling.
- Ability to participate actively in collaborative group work.
The student's learning outcomes after passing the exam
Knowledge:
After completing the seminar, the student:
- understands how operations strategy is translated into measurable competitive priorities and operational performance objectives.
- understands the principles of process selection, production technology, and process redesign.
- understands methods for facility location and facility layout evaluation.
- understands concepts of effective capacity, bottlenecks, constraints, and alternative capacity strategies.
- understands contemporary issues influencing manufacturing operations and strategic operational decision-making.
Skills:
After completing the seminar, the student can:
- develop an operations mission and key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned with competitive priorities.
- analyse demand patterns and forecast uncertainty to support operations planning.
- evaluate alternative process designs and production technologies using structured decision criteria.
- apply facility location techniques, including factor-rating models and cost-based comparisons.
- design and justify facility layout alternatives based on material flow, capacity, and operational performance.
- identify operational bottlenecks and evaluate capacity expansion alternatives using Excel-based decision models and basic economic analysis.
- communicate operational recommendations through concise management decision memos and professional presentations.
General competence:
After completing the seminar, the student can:
- integrate qualitative and quantitative information to support strategic operations decisions.
- work effectively in multidisciplinary teams under time constraints.
- critically evaluate operational trade-offs involving cost, quality, delivery, and flexibility.
- communicate evidence-based recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- reflect on implementation challenges, operational risks, and managerial implications when making operations decisions.
Forms of teaching and learning
Teaching consists of:
- Interactive lectures introducing key operations strategy concepts.
- Guided Excel-based modelling workshops.
- Team-based analysis of an integrated manufacturing case.
- Daily management briefings supported by decision memos and peer feedback.
- Instructor coaching during group work.
- Final board-style presentation with question-and-answer discussion.
Exam
Examination 1
Form of assessment: Home assessment with presentation (Daily decision memos accumulated throughout the seminar and final Friday presentation)
Proportion: 60%
Duration: Decision memos are submitted daily during the seminar week. Final presentation delivered on Friday.
Grouping: Group
Grading scale: Letter (A–F)
Support material: All course materials, Excel, and other approved digital resources.
Examination 2
Form of assessment: Individual written technical Excel-based check-up quiz
Proportion: 40%
Duration: Friday 12:00 noon
Technical Excel-based quiz: Conducted individually during the seminar week (course coordinator determines the final format).
Grouping: Individual
Grading scale: Letter (A–F)
Support material: Excel and approved course materials as specified by the course coordinator.