The University of Derby is launching a new Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) titled ‘Innovating in Operations Management’ aimed at Directors and Operations Managers.

MOOCs are short, free courses run by major learning providers to share their knowledge of a particular academic topic or to help students develop a specific skill.

Existing or potential Operations Managers will learn how to improve products and operations in a business context, with a particular emphasis on transport engineering supply chains.

The units include:

Understanding the general context and link between innovation and operations management.

The role of Operations Managers in building a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

Getting the right working approach and structure to balance innovation and efficiency.

New product/service design and innovation in the context of operations.

What Operations Managers need to know to design innovative processes.

Going beyond managing - improving existing services and processes.

Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes, Course Instructor and Lecturer in Marketing and Operations at the University of Derby, said: “Effective management and constant improvement of operations is vital for every organisation to remain competitive.

“This course will not only allow business leaders and managers but also shop-floor staff to acquire skills to understand and effectively practice the role of Operations Managers in creating competitiveness through the development or adoption of best practices, and the deployment of a culture based on innovation.”

This self-paced six-week free course will help individuals learn how to improve their skills. Upon completion of the course each member will have an action plan to benefit their business.

Richard Watkins, Head of Commercial Business Engagement, at the University of Derby, said: “This free course has been developed by ENSCITE, in partnership with the University of Derby, to support the development of Transport Equipment Manufacturing businesses.

“We took the decision to make it available online to ensure it is as accessible as possible. We believe it is critical for businesses to understand the processes behind operations management and the role of innovation in delivering business competitiveness. This resource forms part of a wider programme of activity that will be delivered by ENSCITE to support businesses in improving their productivity to facilitate growth and create competitive advantage.”

The Innovating in Operations Management MOOC will commence on February 15, 2016, (although enrolment for the course is open until March 18, 2016). The course has been developed in conjunction with ENSCITE, which is a support organisation for companies in the transport equipment manufacturing supply chain and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in order to improve the competitiveness of businesses by improving the skills of its current or future employees.

For more information go to: www.derby.ac.uk/freeonlinecourses.