Systems and Operations Management

Assignment Title Utilizing Information Systems and Operations Management Practices to Enhance Competitive Advantage and Value Chain Performance 1. Key Assignment Information Module: Systems and Operations Management Degree: Global MBA Assignment Type: Written Assignment Word Count: 3,500 – 4,000 words (excluding references, title page, table of contents, appendices) Weighting: 100% Issue Date: 17/04/2026 Submission Date: 18/06/2026 Feedback Date: 02/07/2026 2. Academic Integrity & Compliance Plagiarism Policy All work must be original and written in your own words. Plagiarism will be detected using Turnitin. You must not submit the same work for multiple modules. Sources must be correctly cited using Harvard Referencing Style. Wikipedia, UKEssays, and similar websites are not allowed sources. AI & Proofreading Declaration You must confirm: Whether you used a proofreading tool (e.g., Grammarly, Studiosity) That all sources are correctly cited That AI tools were used only within permitted guidelines Compliance with UCA Harvard Referencing Standard 3. Learning Outcomes This assignment assesses your ability to: LO1 Critically evaluate how operations management and information systems contribute to organisational competitiveness and strategic direction. LO2 Critically assess key factors that drive competitive advantage and strong value chain performance. LO3 Synthesize IT-related challenges and propose innovative solutions using academic research. LO4 Evaluate information requirements for operational decisions and assess change management impacts on value chain performance. 4. Assignment Structure Requirements Your essay must include: A. Introduction Context of operations management and information systems Importance of value chains in global business Overview of chosen organisation (if applicable) B. Main Body (Tasks 1–3) Task 1 (LO1) – 25% Focus: Strategic Contribution of Systems & Operations You must: Critically analyse operations management functions Evaluate information systems contribution to strategy Examine from: Systems perspective Information perspective Business process perspective Key Themes Digital capabilities and competitiveness Operational efficiency Strategic alignment of IT and business goals Performance improvement through systems integration Task 2 (LO2) – 25% Focus: Competitive Advantage & Value Chain You must: Evaluate factors driving sustainable competitive advantage Assess value chain performance improvements Analyse operational integration in global environments Key Themes Organisational factors (structure, culture, leadership) Technological factors (automation, AI, ERP, analytics) Operational factors (lean systems, supply chain efficiency) Value chain optimisation and responsiveness Task 3 (LO3 & LO4) – 25% Focus: IT Challenges, Innovation & Change Management You must: 1. IT Challenges & Innovation Identify complex organisational IT issues Propose innovative solutions supported by research Use academic literature and real examples 2. Decision-Making & Change Management Evaluate required information for operational decisions Assess data quality, availability, and relevance Analyse change management impacts on: Employees Processes Value chain performance Key Themes Digital transformation AI in operations Risk and system integration challenges Resistance to change Implementation strategies C. Conclusion Summarise key findings Link operations + information systems to competitiveness Reinforce value chain improvements Final strategic insight D. References Harvard style referencing required Minimum academic sources expected (books, journals, reports) No Wikipedia or non-academic websites 5. Recommended Reading Essential Text Slack, N., Chambers, S., & Johnston, R. – Operations Management Recommended Books Ohno, T. – The Toyota Way Gupta, S. & Starr, M. – Production and Operations Management Systems Rowbotham, F. et al. – Operations Management in Context Case Study Nissan Motor Company Ltd.: Building Operational Resiliency (MIT Sloan) Industry Articles Forbes: AI in Operations Management Forbes: Future of Asset-Intensive Supply Chains 6. Word Count Guidance Introduction: ~300–500 words Task 1: ~900–1,000 words Task 2: ~900–1,000 words Task 3: ~1,000–1,200 words Conclusion: ~300–400 words 7. Grading Focus (Level 7 MBA Expectations) To achieve high marks, your work must demonstrate: Critical Thinking Not descriptive—must analyse and evaluate Research Depth Strong academic sources Current industry evidence Innovation Original insights and solutions Application Real-world organisational examples Communication Clear academic structure and formal writing