1. On completion of this module you will understand operational management approaches as well as approaches to continuous improvement and managing change
(KSB ODMA Apprenticeship Standard: Operations Management)
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Enquiry
Analysis
Application
2. On completion of this module you will understand project management principles in relation to governance, implementation, management and evaluation

(KSB ODMA Apprenticeship Standard: Project Management) Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Enquiry
Problem solving
Application

3. On completion of this module you will understand how organisational finances are managed and forecasted
(KSB ODMA Apprenticeship Standard: Finance Management)
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Application
Reflection

4. On completion of this module you will Understand the importance of reporting, using accurate and reliable data and using this data to make recommendations
(KSB ODMA Apprenticeship Standard: Operations Management, Project Management and Finance Management)
Knowledge and Understanding
Learning
Enquiry
Communication
Analysis
Problem solving

This module is designed to introduce learners to the mechanics of managing organisational processes with an operational, project or finance element (or all three). It is also designed to cover the following sections of the Apprenticeship Standard for Operational/Departmental Managers:

Operational Management:
• Operational approaches and models
• Continuous improvement models and methods
• Initiating and managing change
• Management reporting
• How technology is used in organisations
• Data storage and security

Project Management:
• Project governance
• Project initiation
• Monitoring a project and communicating with stakeholders
• Evaluating the success of a project

Finance Management:
• The purpose of financial management, including governance and compliance
• Budget setting and contingencies
• Securing the support of stakeholders
• Managing a budget and reporting
• Accurate financial forecasting

This module is intended to prepare you for understanding operations management in your organisation, giving you the skills required to initiate and manage projects, set and maintain organisational budgets and use your knowledge of continuous improvement techniques to improve the performance of your organisation.

Scheduled learning and teaching activities: 36 hours in total
To consist of:
• 2 x 2 Days of block teaching, face-to-face which will include groupwork, formal teaching, case study analysis, guest speakers and students will be encouraged to share their workplace experiences with others
• 12 x 1 hour live webinars to take the form of tutorials involving opportunities for group discussion and presentation, flipped-classroom opportunities, further groupwork and case study analysis

Guided independent study: 164 hours in total
To consist of:
• Accessing additional online content such as videos and presentations
• Independent reading to consolidate knowledge gained in the formal teaching
• Undertaking formative tasks set by the ttor to consolidate learning
• Assessment preparation and writing and gathering evidence
• Portfolio building

Elliot, B, Elliot, J (2013), Financial Accounting and Reporting (16th Edition), Pearson Education (eBook)
Kerzner, H (2013), Project Management: A systems approach to planning, scheduling and controlling (11th Edition), Wiley & Sons (eBook)
Slack, N (2009), Operations and process management: principles and practices for strategic impact (2nd Edition), Financial Times Prentice Hall (eBook)
Slack, N (2016), Operations Management (8th Edition), Pearson Education (eBook)
Wysocki R (2009), Effective Project Management: Traditional, agile, extreme (5th Edition), Wiley Publishing (eBook)

Computer facilities to access online materials
Access to specialist online database
Access to appropriate core texts and journals via the library

The module is only open to those enrolled on the Operational/Departmental Manager Higher Apprenticeship programme or the University Diploma in Leadership & Management

Operational Plan and associated evidence : (All LOs)
You will be required to submit an Operational Plan which is aligned to your own responsibilities in the workplace. This plan is expected to be 30-50 pages in length.
You may use your own organisational structure for this plan or develop your own from the guidance given.
You must include evidence that is required for completion of the professional portfolio. The following will be evidenced in some way:
• Being able to create and deliver operational plans
• Being able to support, manage and communicate change
• Being able to demonstrate commercial awareness
• Being able to produce management reports based on the collation, analysis and interpretation of data
• Being able to plan a project
• Being able to manage a project
• Being able to evaluate the effectiveness of a project
• Being able to set a budget
• Being able to manage a budget
• Being able to evaluate budget management

Evidence may include the following:
• Products from the learner’s work.
• Records of Team Minutes/agendas.
• Direct observation of the learner’s performance by their assessor.
• Outcomes from oral or written questioning.
• Personal statements and/or reflective accounts.
• Professional discussion.
• Authentic statements/witness testimony.
• Records of External Customer communications.

Presentation (All LOs)
You will develop a short presentation (10 mins) to present your Operational Plan to a live audience. This presentation should briefly examine any challenges you faced and how you overcame them and should focus on the impact which your approach to planning has had on the organisation.