Credits: 3

Schedule: 08.01.2019 - 29.03.2019

Contact information for the course (applies in this implementation): 

Responsible teacher: Jouko Karjalainen

firstname (dot) lastname (at) aalto (dot) fi

Teaching Period (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

III-IV spring (2018-2019, 2019-2020)

Learning Outcomes (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

After completing the course, you can i) describe the generic features of the operating environment of technology-based new ventures; ii) describe how new technologies may disrupt established business models and respective system architectures; iii) describe the basic risks related to the market, technology and production system during the enterprise life cycle. Furthermore, you can describe (3 cr version) or explain (5 credit version) how operations management principles and methods support the design and control of high performance operations in technology-based new ventures and the respective demand-supply chain.

Content (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

The contents of this course reflect the entire scope of operations management. However, the course focuses on key operations management issues in technology-based new ventures. These include, for example, identifying and managing critical resources, customization of the offering, coping with increased volume and variety, managing delivery and distribution, controlling outsourced and insourced operations. The content is organized in order to give an introduction to managing scalable operations over the different stages of product, and enterprise life cycles. Contemporary technologies and production concepts are considered from the perspective of their capability to disrupt business models.

Details on the course content (applies in this implementation): 

The lectures and materials focus on selected areas. In 2019, we build on the lean
startup approach and study how principles of operation management support the
progress of the new venture during the premature phases of the enterprise life
cycle. First, we consider learning and experimentation from the operations
management point of view. The other main issue is managing operations during
the periods of scale-up and further growth. The emphasis is on young firms encountering
high uncertainty and technological novelty.

It is important that you also set your individual learning targets within the overall
frame and pursue them during the course.


Assessment Methods and Criteria (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

In both 3- and 5-credit versions: active participation in teaching, performance in the examination, and displaying comprehension in the course essay. In the 5-credit version, the group assignment is evaluated, as well.

Elaboration of the evaluation criteria and methods, and acquainting students with the evaluation (applies in this implementation): 

The motivation letter, examination and course essay are compulsory elements. The examination
and course essay monitor the achievement of learning outcomes. Their weight is 40 % and 20 %, respectively, in grading the 3-credit version.

The motivation letter and other assignments scheduled in period III measure active
participation. These assignments monitor your progress. Their weight is the
remaining 40 %. It is not compulsory to be present in every lecture but you
need follow the course program and work throughout the period.

The grade of the 5-credit version is the weighted average grade of the 3-credit version
and the group assignment required for the additional 2 credits.

You can find the details concerning evaluation and minimum requirements in MyCourses.


Workload (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

In both 3- and 5-credit versions, 20 h of lectures and other contact teaching, plus group work linked to contact teaching and independent work for the examination, as well as a the course essay. In addition, the 5-credit version includes a group assignment.

Details on calculating the workload (applies in this implementation): 

Workload for 3 credits (80 hours):

  • Tasks and activities outside the classroom required by the assignment scheduled period
    III – 20 hours
  • Lectures and other classroom activities during period III – 20 hours
  • Reading for the examination and taking the exam – 34 hours
  • Writing the course essay, i.e. a synthesis reflecting your learning during the course – 6
    hours

It is possible to complete the 3-credit version within period III. In this case, the
average weekly workload is 11-12 hours. You may as well level the workload over
periods III and IV. In this case, you participate actively in teaching during
period III, and write the course essay and prepare yourself for the exam during
period IV.

Workload for the additional 2 credits (53 hours)

  • Group assignment (50 hours) and related classroom activities (3 hours) during period IV


Study Material (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

To be announced later. Selected articles. Partially developed during the course.

Details on the course materials (applies in this implementation): 

The materials required for the examination consists of selected journal articles
and lecture material.

You will find the detailed reading list in the course’s website
(MyCourses) before the course starts.
You get access to the articles through the Aalto library services.

Lecture material will appear in MyCourses.

Course Homepage (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

https://mycourses.aalto.fi/course/search.php?search=TU-E2130

Prerequisites (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

TU-C2020 Operations Management is preferred. For the 5-credit version, the following courses (equivalent knowledge) are also highly recommended: (i) TU-C3010 Introduction to Project Management, and (ii) TU-C1030 Managerial accounting and finance for decision-makers or TU-A1100 Introduction to Industrial Management.

Registration for Courses (valid 01.08.2018-31.07.2020): 

WebOodi. The number of participants is limited to 48. The target groups are (1) the degree students of the Master's programme in Industrial, Engineering and Management (IEM), and (2) students having in their accepted personal study plan the minor in Operations and Service Management or Aalto Ventures Program. The selection of minor students is based on the pre-requisite knowledge and the order of registration.

Details on the schedule (applies in this implementation): 

NOTE!
Lectures start in week 3 (Jan 14) but you should start working in week 2. There
will be assignment deadlines before Jan 14, 2019.

In order to earn 5 credits, the group assignment must be completed during period IV.
However, groups should start preparing their work during period III.

All due dates of assignments will be published in the course’s website (MyCourses).


Description

Registration and further information