Dublin City University

Management of Operations - MOPS

Introduction

Participating online, learners will cultivate professional skills from a sustainable management perspective. They will develop an understanding of the theoretical, practical and legal aspects of modern environmental practices. During their studies learners will examine the key management functions required in business, including strategic management, project management, entrepreneurship and risk assessment.

This programme will enable learners to carry out research on a range of focused topics, involving data collection, critical analysis, and interpretation and to present them in a report format. Management for Sustainable Development's main philosophy is that for business to be sustainable in the long-term, a manager must effectively manage the whole of the business' resources, including environmental, economic and social resources, from a sustainable, global perspective.

This programme will be of particular relevance to those working or aspiring to work as an environmental/sustainable development manager in a business, industry or service, and is particularly suited to those who wish to develop and implement best practice and sustainable strategies.

Programme

Degree Information:
The overarching aim of the programme is to provide a Master's programme for graduates who wish to develop their professional skills from a sustainable management perspective through part time study and at a distance. This programme is a Level 9 programme on the NFQ framework. The programme's main philosophy is that for business to be sustainable in the long-term, a successful manager must effectively manage the whole of the business' resources, including environmental, economic and social resources, from a sustainable, global perspective. This programme aims to: To provide students with an understanding of the theoretical, practical and legal aspects of modern environmental practices. To develop in students an understanding of the key management functions required in business, including strategic management, project management and risk assessment. To enable students carry out research on a range of focused topics, involving data collection, critical analysis, interpretation and to present them in a report format.

Entry requirements

Requirements

General Entry Requirements

There are five entry routes to the programme:

•A Level 8 or higher degree in a relevant discipline (Engineering, Science, Business or Information Technology) from a recognised higher education institution.

•Chartered membership of an institution such as the Institute of Engineers of Ireland or a professional body such as the Institute of Chartered Accountants.

•A Level 7 qualification in a subject in a relevant discipline or non-chartered membership of a professional body, along with at least three years relevant managerial work experience.

•A level 8 qualification in a non-relevant discipline along with at least three years relevant managerial work experience.

•Evidence of substantial relevant managerial work experience. Such applicants will be required to submit a CV and Personal Statement in support of their application and may be required to attend for interview.

In the case of all applicants to Dublin City University evidence must be provided of competence in the English language.

Duration

Online Distance Learning
Duration Continuous

How the programme is delivered:

Open Education's postgraduate programmes are provided through distance learning, which means that a working professional can achieve a deeper understanding in a specialist area and provide a sound basis for their long-term career, without disruption to their career or other commitments. For each module you undertake, you are given access to a specially written module text. While some modules have none, most modules require that you acquire one (and sometimes two) textbooks. You also get access to the vast range of academic journals and other resources provided by DCU Library and increasing use is being made of these resources on the course. Tutorial support on this programme is provided online through the use of discussion forums in a virtual learning environment called Loop. In addition, tutorials will be provided using a web-based tutorial system. Students can partake in web based tutorials at home, work or anywhere with a reasonable internet connection. Additionally, because the tutorial sessions are recorded, for those who are unable to attend the live tutorial session, they can be viewed later, at a more convenient time for you, the student.

Careers or further progression

Careers

The blend of skills developed in this programme ensures graduates are suitable for any role in which Sustainable Development is important, which today is almost every sector of the economy. As a graduate of this programme you will have a thorough understanding of best practice in the rapidly growing area of Sustainable Development and will have the knowledge and skills to develop and implements best practice and sustainable strategies in both the public and private sectors.

Further enquiries

openeducation@dcu.ie
+353 (01) 7005481

Subjects taught

Programme Structure:

Project and Change Management - OSC1

This module consists of three elements with one assignment per element. In Project Management and Risk Assessment you are introduced to how key project management principles are applied to project planning, project scheduling, project generation, project feasibility selection and initiation and project scheduling techniques. In the second element, Managing Change, the different models of change are described and how these assist in understanding and managing resistance to change, building readiness for change and sustaining change. Finally, an elective where you can choose one element from five options, which currently include Enterprise Systems, Supply Chain Management, Business Analysis and Informatics, Social Context of Information and Internet Systems and Transport and Logistics.

Sustainable Business - OSC2

This module consists of three elements with one assignment per element. In Research Methods 1 you are introduced to Qualitative and Quantitative research methods, while in Business and the Environment you are provided with an understanding of the essential elements of environmental management, including environmental management systems within an organisation and its link to business management. The final element of this module Strategic Management, provides an overview of the development of strategy and strategy making processes and sets it in context.

Management for Sustainable Development - OSC14

This module is the core module of the MSc in Management for Sustainable Development programme. The overall aim of this module is to provide the learner with an understanding of the challenges involved in current best practices for the delivery of sustainable management practices across a range of operational issues specifically, waste, environmental management, energy and water management and procurement management.

Evidence based Evaluation and Entrepreneurship - OSC3

This module consists of three elements with one assignment per element. Research Methods II develops the concepts covered in Research Methods 1 by describing the specific research methods in more detail. This element is followed with a programme specific case study which requires assessment of all aspects of a particular situation relevant to the core programme. The final element offers an elective between Legal Frameworks and Entrepreneurship. In Legal Frameworks, you are introduced to Irish Law, court procedure and litigation, remedies and enforcement and will be equipped to understand European Environmental legislation and how this relates to Irish law. In Entrepreneurship you will explore the skill set required to set up your own business or exploit new opportunities in an existing business environment.

Dissertation - OSC20

The Dissertation is a major piece of independent work of 15,000 words in length and gives you the opportunity to bring to bear the techniques and perspectives covered in the taught modules on a specific issue of interest. An independent and critical appraisal of an issue is essential in order to successfully complete the dissertation.

Module Syllabi - Subject Outlines:

Project and Change Management (15 credits) OSC1
Project Management and Risk Assessment
Managing Change

Electives: Enterprise Systems/Supply Chain Management/Business Analysis and Informatics/Social Context of Information and Internet Systems/Transport and Logistics

Sustainable Business (15 credits) OSC2
Research Methods 1
Business and the Environment
Strategic Management
Management for Sustainable Development (15 Credits) OSC14
Sustainable Environmental Waste Management
Sustainable Energy and Water Management
Sustainable Procurement
Evidence Based Evaluation and Entrepreneurship (15 credits) OSC3
Research Methods II
Case Study

Electives: Legal Frameworks/Entrepreneurship

DISSERTATION (30 credits) OSC20

The table below shows the pathway a student should take depending on their month of entry.For example, if you are a September intake student, you should follow the first table below and register for OSC1 and OSC2 in your first year, followed by OSC14, OSC3 and 0SC20 in your second year (OSC20 is optional, this can be taken in the third year if required).If you are a January intake student, you should follow the second table below and register for OSC2 only in your first year, followed by OSC14 and OSC3 in your second year. Finally, you should register for OSC1 and OSC20 in your third year.Students studying under Springboard have different timeframes for completion of a Certificate or Diploma. For more details of this please see theSpringboard+ website.

September Intake

Year One
OSC1(Modules commence in September)
OSC2(Module commences in January)

Year Two

OSC14 &OSC20(Modules commence in September)
OSC3 (Module commences in January)

Year Three
OSC20*

January Intake

Year One
OSC2(Module commences in January)

Year Two
OSC14 (Module commences in September)
OSC3 (Module commences in January)

Year Three
OSC1 & OSC20 (Modules commence in September)

Should you successfully complete OSC1 and OSC2 modules it is possible to request to exit the programme with a Graduate Certificate.

Should you successfully complete OSC1, OSC2, OSC14 and OSC3 it is possible to request to exit the programme with a Graduate Diploma.

Assessment method

How the programme is assessed:

All modules are assessed via continuous assessment. There are no end of year examinations. For the taught modules, the continuous assessment normally takes the form of three assignments per module which have to be submitted at predefined points during the academic year. For the dissertation element, you are required to submit a 15,000 word document which is largely self directed, but with the guidance of a research supervisor.