Course content

In this course, manufacturing and logistics is viewed from a strategic perspective. The course provides knowledge about manufacturing strategy, and how such strategies can be developed for global enterprises. The following topics will be covered: Globalisation and the implications for manufacturing. Strategic concepts, decisions areas, and development processes. Localisation of factories and processes. Engineering and establishment of manufacturing enterprises. Sourcing and automation strategies. Performance measurement, productivity improvement, and control in global value chains. Strategic network development, technology transfer, and use of best practices. The course includes several industrial cases, which will enhance the students’ analytical and communicative skills within these topics.

Learning outcome

This course will provide an overview of the challenges facing manufacturing enterprises as they compete on the global playing field. The course will provide knowledge and skills to establish, structure, and manage global manufacturing enterprises in such a way that the overall competitiveness is improved.

Learning methods and activities

Lectures, exercises and project work. Evaluation will be based on project work (40%) and written exams (60%). Admission to taking the exam requires 2/3 of the exercises to have been approved. At re-sit exam (make-up examination), a written exam may be changed to an oral exam.

Compulsory assignments

• Exercises

Recommended previous knowledge

TPK4100 Operations Management or similar knowledge.

Course materials

Beckman, Sara L., Rosenfield, Donald B. (2008) Operations Strategy: Competing in the 21st Century. McGraw Hill.