Course Syllabus

Course Information

MBA 619 Operation Management (3 Credits)

Professor Contact Information

Feona Yeung, MBA
Feel free to e-mail me via the classroom at any time.

Course Pre-requisites, Co-requisites, and/or Other Restrictions

This course is open to only students seeking for Master of Business Administration
degree at Charisma University.

Course Description

The intent of this course is to provide students with a broad framework for evaluating
operations management practices and understanding the major decisions made in
operations and the connections of operations decisions to other functions. Topics covered
include supply chains issue and strategy, quality management, demand and supply
planning, inventory deployment/control, and transportation networks optimization. The
course combines cases, discussions, readings, and projects to provide real world
application of business concepts.

Student Learning Objectives/Outcomes

 Understand concepts and techniques for design, planning and control of

manufacturing and service operations.
 Learn operations management terms, strategic context tools and techniques for
analyzing operations and for making operational decisions.
 Understand concepts of operations analysis, quality management, coordination
and planning, project management and logistics and supply chain management.
 Undertake individually or as part of a team, cases, discussions, readings, and
projects to provide real world application of business concepts.

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Required Textbooks and Materials

Management
Luis R. Gomez-Mejia, Arizona State University
David Balkin
ISBN-10: 0132176408 • ISBN-13: 9780132176408

Course Materials
______________________________________________________________________

This course also provides free online access to the required course materials to complete
this course.

Technical Requirements
The following outlines the required and recommended computer hardware/software each
student will need in order to complete this course.
1. Internet accessibility
2. E-mail address
3. Computer hardware minimal requirement: Windows 98 hardware requirement
(Pentium II or equivalent MAC or Linux system) a. 256MB RAM (or greater) with 20GB
hard drive (or larger)
b. CD-ROM Drive
c. 1024x768 (or greater) monitor and video card
d. Full-Duplex sound card (for Audio) Sound card with speakers
e. USB Digital Web Camera (for video, not required if only viewing)
f. 56.6 kbps modem and Internet service (Recommend DSL or cable modem)
4. Software: a. Windows 98 or more current version
b. Microsoft Office 2000 or more current version with Microsoft Word
c. Microsoft Internet Explorer Version 5.0 or equivalent such as Mozilla
d. A current anti-virus application
e. Download free Acrobat Reader, PowerPoint Reader, and Windows Media Player
5. Recommended: a. Inkjet or laser printer

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________________________________________________________________

Assignments & Academic Calendar

WEEK ASSIGNMENT TOTAL POINTS

Week 1 Introduction
Week 2 Assignment # 1 100
Discussion 20
Week 3 Assignment # 3 100
Discussion 20
Week 4 Assignment # 4 100
Discussion 20
Week 5 Assignment # 5 100
Discussion 20
Week 6 Assignment # 6 100
Discussion 20
Week 7 Assignment # 7 100
Discussion 20
Week 8 Term Paper 100

Evaluation Procedures

WRITING EXPECTATIONS:
It is my hope that this course will expand your knowledge of, ability to apply, and
appreciation for the various theories and concepts reviewed. My goal is to provide all
students with a challenging course that enriches their learning experience and enhances
their skills and abilities to succeed in our competitive industry. The ability to write
concisely, clearly and cogently is highly prized in healthcare – both in industry and
academia. Decision-makers and academic peers value good writing and inept writers lose
credibility. I hope the following ideas help you understand my approach to assigning
grades.

General
Students must demonstrate that they have analyzed the theory or situation and have used
the knowledge gained from this course to explain and predict in response to the call of the
assignment. There will likely be several different approaches to take; however,
consideration of certain pieces of evidence, or certain theoretical approaches, may be
essential. Failure to consider the evidence or approaches may constitute a major flaw.
The best response applies the theories, concepts and tools learned in class to carefully
analyze the problem or issue. It provides a detailed and logically coherent argument that
fully addresses the question. Further, it combines concepts in creative and unanticipated
ways.

Depth of Scholarship

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Assignments should represent the learner’s careful, thoughtful efforts to cover the key
elements of the topic thoroughly. Content should go beyond mere description or
paraphrasing. The work should be thematic and based on an analytical framework of the
learner’s choosing. At the graduate level, you must be specific in purpose; clarity and
relevance are critical. Avoid generalizations and do not cover too many topics. For
example, a paper that fully explores two or three concepts provides better depth than one
that briefly highlights several concepts.

Originality of Ideas and Research

All assignments must demonstrate a unique, creative approach to the problem being
studied and represent the original work of the student.

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

Assignments should display the student’s understanding of the theories and concepts
relevant to the topic. Students should form their arguments by taking competing concepts
and theories into account.

Use of Literature
Assignments must be grounded in appropriate, adequate, and timely academic literature.
- Your selection of references should represent the best available references on the
topic. Avoid relying on just one or two sources of information.
Newspapers, and magazines are not appropriate references for scholarly work. Use
materials from respected and reputable journals – preferably those that are peer-reviewed.
Substantive Value
Assignments should contribute substantive value to the understanding of the subject.

Clarity and Logic of Presentation

Assignments should present ideas in a clear manner and with a strong organizational
structure. Coverage of facts, arguments, and conclusions should be logically related and
consistent.
- Papers are expected to have an introduction and conclusion.
- The Introduction should state your thesis/purpose clearly and concisely. What is
the chief reason you are writing the paper? State also how you plan to approach
your topic. It explains briefly the major points you plan to cover in your paper and
why readers should be interested in your topic.
- The Conclusion should briefly restate your thesis/purpose and then summarize
your arguments. Explain why you have come to this particular conclusion.
- Paragraph structure is closely reviewed. Remember, each paragraph should have
only one main idea. Transition from paragraph to paragraph should be smooth and
logical. Sentence transitions are present and maintain the flow of thought. Major
points are stated clearly; are supported by specific details, examples, or analysis;
and are organized logically.
- Sentences should flow smoothly. They should be complete, clear, and concise.
Sentences are well-constructed, with consistently strong, varied sentences. Avoid
a series of short sentences (referred to as “choppy”).

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Grammar and Adherence to APA Format
The rules governing the grammar and usage of standard American English must be
followed, and language should be clear, precise, and appropriate for the intended
scholarly audience. When formatting and composing assignments, learners must follow
the guidelines described in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association and the style guide of the School of Advanced Studies. In addition the
overall layout of assignments, including citations and reference pages, should adhere to
APA style. Prepare these assignments in Microsoft® Word.

Basic Tips
- Carefully proof-read your paper. I might ignore one or two minor errors. At the
graduate level when you have more than two problems with grammar, spelling,
verb tense or punctuation (especially hyphenation and standard use of
apostrophes) suggests carelessness.
- Be sure to follow APA format – there are specific guidelines for the title page,
reference page, tables, appendices, and citations. While this may seem trite or
tedious, attention to such details are critical at the graduate level.

All written submissions must be readable and neat. Students should adhere to a consistent
format, which is described below.
 Typewritten in double-spaced format with a readable style and font and submitted
inside the electronic classroom
 Times New Roman 12-point font is preferred
 Page margins Top, Bottom, Left Side and Right Side = 1 inch, with reasonable
accommodation being made for special situations and online submission
variances.

Here are some additional grading parameters:

A Grade Papers = ABOVE COURSE STANDARDS (ACS)

The principle characteristic of the ACS paper is rich content; teaching the reader sentence
after sentence, paragraph after paragraph. In composition, it is marked by stylistic
finesse: the title and opening paragraph are engaging; the transitions are artful; the
phrasing is tight, fresh, and highly specific; the sentence structure is varied; the tone
enhances the purposes of the paper. Finally, the ACS paper, because of its careful
organization, development, and logic imparts a sense of completeness and unusual
clarity. An ACS paper is highly instructive for other (and future) members of the course;
as a result, it is publishable.

B Grade Papers = MET COURSE STANDARDS (MCS)

This paper is more than competent. In addition to being almost free of mechanical error,
the MCS paper gives the reader substantial information of quantity, interest, and
scholarly value. Its specific points are logically ordered, well developed, and unified
around an organizing principle that is clear. The opening paragraph draws the reader in;
the closing paragraph is both conclusive and thematically related to the opening. The

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transitions between paragraphs are for the most part smooth and the sentence structures
pleasingly varied. The diction of the MCS paper is typically much more concise and
precise than found in the BCS paper. Occasionally, it even shows distinctiveness and
finesse. Overall, an MCS paper makes the reading experience pleasurable, one that offers
substantial information with few distractions.

C Papers = BELOW COURSE STANDARDS (BCS)

The paper is generally competent. It meets the assignment, has few mechanical errors,
and is reasonably well organized and developed. The actual information-content is either
thin and commonplace or made to seem so. The ideas are vague generalities; they prompt
the reader in some confusion to ask margin questions “In every case or why or how or
how many…? How do we know this?” Stylistically, the BCS paper has shortcomings as
well: the opening paragraph does little to draw in the reader; the final paragraph offers
only a perfunctory wrap-up; the transitions between paragraphs are often bumpy; the
sentences, while choppy, follow a predictable (and monotonous) subject-verb-object
pattern; and the diction is occasionally marred by unconscious repetitions, redundancy,
and imprecision. The BCS paper gets the job done but lacks imagination and intellectual
rigor; rereading would be a chore.

D Papers = UNACCEPTABLE EFFORT (UE). Not Graduate Level Work.

The paper’s treatment and development of the subject, though promising, are yet only
rudimentary. The organization, though present, is neither clear nor effective. Sentences
are frequently awkward, ambiguous, and marred by serious mechanical error. Evidence
of careful proofreading is scanty, if non-existent. The whole piece, in fact, often gives the
impression of having been conceived and written in haste.

Netiquette
Online universities promote the advance of knowledge through positive and constructive
debate--both inside and outside the classroom. Discussions on the Internet, however, can
occasionally degenerate into needless insults and “flaming.” Such activity and the loss of
good manners are not acceptable in a university setting--basic academic rules of good
behavior and proper “Netiquette” must persist. Remember that you are in a place for the
fun and excitement of learning that does not include descent to personal attacks, or
student attempts to stifle the discussion of others.

Weekly Assignment
Each week, you will write a short essay related to the readings for the week. You will
upload the essay as a Word document into the Assignment section. The paper must be at
least 3-pages in length with a minimum of 3 credible references in proper APA format.
Note that cover sheets, reiterating the assignment, and reference pages are not included in
the page count. Be sure to read the section of the syllabus called "Writing Expectations."

Grading Policy

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The grading system of Charisma University follows a 4.0 grade point scale. Grades are
assigned as follows:
Grade Quality Minimum Interpretation

A 4.00 93% Excellent Achievement

A- 3.67 90%
B+ 3.33 87% Good Achievement
B 3.00 83%
B- 2.67 80%
C+ 2.33 75% Credit
C 2.00 73%
C- 1.67 69% Below Standard
D+ 1.33 65%
D 1.00 60% Inferior but passing
D- 0.67 55%
F 0.00 less than 55% Failure
P 0.00 73% Credit given but does not count toward GPA
NP 0.00 less than 73% No Pass, No Credit
TR(U) 0.00 73% Undergraduate Transfer
TR(G) 0.00 83% Graduate Transfer
R 0.00 Repeat

Course & Instructor Policies

Assignments are due by the last day of each week which is on Saturday prior to 11:59
p.m. local time. Assignments should be submitted on the date due; extensions will only
be extended in critical cases, not due to workload or organizational issues. There is an
academic writing center that will provide students with guidelines on how to achieve the
writing level expected of their course level. Each week, students participate in a
discussion board activity. Each discussion board activity consists of one or more
threads/topics. The questions are designed to allow students to apply the concepts they
have learned in the chapter to real-world business scenarios or hypothetical, but realistic,
situations. Student is required to provide answer (s) to the questions in each thread prior
to 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday and comment on two classmates’ posts by Saturday, the end
of the week. Professor support the students throughout this 8 week course, complete
grading and commenting on students’ assignments, and discussion board participation
within 5 days after the due dates. Students are encouraged to check their grades with their
professor’s comments at that time. Grades with professors’ comments can only be
accessed in the online classroom.

Student Resources

Charisma University provides free library and writing services to its students. These
services are available in the University portal 24hrs, 7 days a week.

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Technical Support

Charisma University students, staff and faculty members may e-mail

[email protected] should they experience technical problems with the
University's website or online classroom. Technical support services are available 24hrs a
day, 7 days a week.

Student Conduct & Discipline

Section I: Scope
This policy applies to all students at Charisma University.
Section II: Guiding Principles
The University, in all of its programs, is committed in:
(1) Providing a learning experience that meets the needs of the students by
provision of some technical assistance as well as library and information
services online.
(2) Recognizing the importance of critical thinking, exchange of ideas and open
inquiry; thus different venues for online students’ interaction are provided.
(3) Continuous pursuit of high academic standards and quality education.
Section III: Academic and Ethical Conduct
All students enrolled in the program are expected to observe and conform to the
University’s requirements concerning academic matters and ethics and behavior in
dealing with online instructors as well as personal conducts with other students in chat
room discussions. Given these considerations, a student:
(1) Should observe respect and proper behavior towards his/her online instructor
during lectures and fellow students during chat room and online board
discussions;
(2) Use all resources and materials which will be provided by the University for
academic purposes only. Any use of these resources and materials for any
other purposes without the permission of the University shall be punishable by
disqualification from a program.
(3) Observe scholastic honesty in all academic submissions. Plagiarism is strictly
prohibited and could merit disqualification from the program of a student.
Section IV: Implementation
The above policies shall be implemented and distributed/sent to all students of
Charisma University.

Academic Integrity

At Charisma University, quality graduates are meant to be produced. The University

upholds academic integrity, and enforces to its students the need to recognize and respect
one’s intellectual property. Any form of academic dishonesty from any student
constitutes a serious offense and warrants penalty. Academic dishonesty is classified as

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follows: Plagiarism, Cheating, Falsification of academic records, and Fabrication. First
instance of academic dishonesty must be discussed with the course instructor and the
student. The course instructor has right to one of the following options: withdrawing such
student from that course, assigning a failing grade to such student in that course, or
referring the case to the academic review board. Academic dishonesty cases referred to
the academic review board calls for a formal hearing, which the concerned student needs
to attend. Formal hearings are conducted via telephone conference call. The academic
review board is composed of five faculty members appointed by the school dean and
headed by the Chair of Academic Review Board. Recommendations made by the
academic review board are forwarded to the school dean.
If the student disagrees with the Academic Review Board’s decision, the student must
send a written letter of appeal, along with this form, to the Provost’s Office within 7 days
of being notified of that decision. The Provost’s Office will forward the appeal request
and all documentation to the Provost. The Provost will review the material presented and
make a final ruling. The Provost’s Office will send official notice of the Provost’s ruling
to the student, faculty member, Dean, Committee, and Academic Advisor within 5
business days of receipt of the written appeal. The Provost’s ruling is final.
Second instance of academic dishonesty warrants immediate expulsion from the
university. Second instance of academic dishonesty from any student is recorded in such
student’s academic permanent record. Student’s expelled from the university as a result
of academic dishonesty remains inadmissible to the university.

Copyright Notice
Charisma University has a strict policy regarding copyrights and patents. Any student
who makes a research project which involves significant use of facilities, equipment,
funds, or materials of the University, or one that is subject to terms and conditions of a
sponsored project or other contract between the University and another party shall assign
this project as well as all its patents and applications to the University, unless the project
has been released to the researcher in accordance with the patent policy provisions.
When a student completes a research project that does not involve significant use of
facilities, equipment, funds, or materials of this University, and one that is not under the
terms of a sponsored research project or other contract between the University and
another party, the University will waive its rights and the research project will be the
exclusive property of the student, provided that his or her rights in the project are not
changed by the terms of financial aid received, such as scholarships, external
sponsorship, traineeships, fellowships, or any other financial aid, whether or not the
project is administered by the University.
The Dean of Students Affairs and Counseling Affairs or his or her designee is the one
responsible for administering intellectual property matters that are related to patents,
inventions, trademarks, publications, and copyrights. The Dean of Students Affairs and
Counseling Affairs shall represent the University in any matter regarding intellectual
property that may substantially affect the institution’s relationships with the public,
government, and industry. It is the responsibility of the Patent Committee to advise and
make recommendations to the Dean of Students Affairs and Counseling Affairs relating
to intellectual property matters that arise from the activities of the students, conducting

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research, the determination of rights between the researchers and the University, as well
as the disposition of patent rights that the institution does not wish to exercise.

Withdrawal from Class

A withdrawal designation [W] indicates that the student chose to withdraw from the
course prior to the end grading period, or final examination. The [W] designation will not
affect the GPA. Each student is responsible to officially withdraw from course(s) he/she
wishes not to attend. In the event a student abandons/leaves his/her course(s) without
official withdrawal, grade “F” will be recorded on each of those courses such student
abandoned. Student under this category will be dismissed from the University regardless
of his/her GPA.

Student Grievance Procedures

Grievances appeal at Charisma University must be addressed according to their gravity.
Students send out their concerns through a link and page that are created specifically for
them. A messaging system is available for them to voice out their grievances. In order to
gauge the level of seriousness and urgency of the complaints or grievances, the
messaging system should be sorted out according to the kind of concern the students
have. Potential concerns could be regarding their course modules, the system of their
programs, their professors and grades. According to these problems, the Dean of students
will schedule an online chat with the students in order to better address and hear the
concerns they may have. If concerns are too serious for it to be done online, it will be the
only time personal meetings will be scheduled. Otherwise, those that could be solved
through the messaging system would be done so. Evaluations of the professors’
performances will be monitored through the activity that goes on online, as the Dean of
students will have access to message-exchanges and any kind of activity between
professors and students.

Incomplete Grade Policy

An [I] or incomplete may be given to a student who is making steady progress toward
course completion but needs more time to complete the course because of unavoidable
circumstances. Incompletes not removed within the following grading period will be
recorded as an [F] if there is no attempt to finish the coursework. However, if the student
requires more time because of a physical or mental disability, an [X] will be indicated as
in progress. Students who cannot complete the [X] within the time specified by the
instructor will receive a withdrawal. A withdrawal designation [W] indicates that the
student chose to withdraw from the course prior to the end grading period, or final
examination. The [W] designation will not affect the GPA.

Disability Services

Charisma University is committed to providing an education that does not discriminate

and promotes ethical use of the computer technology. We strictly implement the
requirements of the American Disabilities Act of 1990, which has a direct impact on the

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usage of media, technologies, and materials for online learning courses, especially with
respect to our hard-of-hearing and deaf students. All online course media and materials
with an audio component are either transcribed or captioned before we assign them
(usually before the classes start) to provide practical accommodation for hard-of-hearing
and deaf students. Since instructors may not know whether they have a hard-of-hearing or
deaf students enrolled in their class until the end of the Drop/Add period, they are
required to choose and develop accessible materials when they design their courses.
Reasonable accommodations for students with hearing disabilities currently do not exist
when instructors use synchronous audio communication technologies within a course.
For example, we do not use online learning telephone conferencing systems when
students with hearing disabilities are registered in a course, even when the participation
of the student is not needed.

Library Services

Charisma University Library, housing nearly 100,000 Journals in different subjects,

provides access to tens of millions of peer reviewed journal articles. Charisma University
Students, Faculty, and Staff can access this library 7 days a week, 24 hours a day in the
University Portal.

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