Linking research and teaching

1

• Linking research and teaching
• Operations Management in Practice
• Ron Masson
• Napier Business School

2
The operations dilemma ?

• A generic broadly based subject area
• Applicable to all (?) organisations
• Most students do a single module
• Few subsequent specialist modules
• Generic broadly based module
• Covers a lot of subject sub areas

3
Possible results ?

• For students with no work experience.
• Few really understand the nature of operations
• Its impact on organisational performance
• Its fundamental role re other business subjects
• Existing case material is linked to specific
  topics

4
The KTP project

• Knowledge Transfer Project - DTI funded
• 2 year improvement project with a company
• Leading edge of subject area
• Supervise an in company associate
• Develop / and operations improvements
• Subject to commercial pressures

5
Project objectives

• National Marquee hire 6 UK branches
• Up market private and corporate clients
• A hectic and dynamic seasonal environment
• Improve logistics and operations activities
• Explore the use of HUBS
• Explore the use of Radio Frequency Identification
  (RFID)

6
Using the KTP case ?

• Workshops with the associate / academics
• Occasional company managers
• Written text available re some issues
• Tell the story
• What was done show results
• Interactive many student questions

7
Results and insights..

• Role and importance of operations
• What happens in real companies
• Operations practice
• Leading edge methodologies
• Managing practical projects
• Key issues become obvious

8
What can you do ?

• Research or knowledge transfer activities ?
• What can they offer re learning ?
• Insights into the subject / its role in the world
  / best practice / using new methodologies ?