Program design and contents
Operations Strategy
From integrated supply chain planning to better coordination and collaboration in your supply chain in 6 weeks.
In this module, you will delve into operations and the supply chain as a strategic lever. You will explore how value propositions translate into choices regarding footprint, process configuration, capacity strategy, vertical integration, and supply chain design. You will work with leading frameworks from Hill, Hayes & Wheelwright, Fisher, and Olhager, among others, to analyze existing strategies and design new options.
The learning journey begins with positioning operations within the broader business strategy: what do you promise customers, which order qualifiers and order winners are associated with this, and what does that mean for your operation? Next, you will delve into supply chain and planning structures, focusing on segmentation, value density, inventory strategy, and the customer order decoupling point. The module concludes with a forward-looking look at digitalization, sustainability, and continuous improvement as part of operations strategy.
Over six weeks, you will complete an online kickoff, three intensive on-campus days, and a deepening phase. You will conclude with a graded assignment based on your practical experience. By combining theory and strategic frameworks with case studies and reflection on your own organization, you will develop a sharp, applicable strategic framework for operations and supply chain.
Online kick-off
During the online kickoff, you will meet instructors and fellow participants and receive an explanation of the program's structure and the final assignment. You'll explore your learning goals, organizational context, and strategic issues, so you can work on your own case study in a focused way during the on-campus days.
Day 1 – Positioning and designing operations strategy
The first day lays the foundation for operations strategy as an integral part of business strategy. You will explore how operations contribute to competitive advantage and customer value, and how to translate this into design decisions in production, service delivery, and supply chains.
Day 3 – Sustainability, digitalization and continuous improvement
The third day focuses on the future-proofing of operations strategy. You will explore how digitalization, data-driven work, sustainability, and circularity impact supply chain design, governance, and performance. What do new technologies, stricter ESG requirements, and transparency in the supply chain mean for your strategic choices?
Deepening after the lecture days
Between and after the lectures, you will continue working independently with literature, analyses, and your own case study. You will apply the frameworks to your organization, refine your diagnosis of the current operations strategy, and further develop scenarios and strategic options. This lays the foundation for the final assignment.
Assessment of your own practice
You will complete the master module with a graded assignment that directly aligns with your work environment and learning objectives. In this assignment, you will demonstrate your ability to analyze and redesign an operations strategy: you will map alignment and misalignment, substantiate strategic design choices, and formulate a concrete agenda for development and implementation in your organization or case study.
