Ability to understand and judge the role and functioning of quantitative models for decision making in the management of operations. Ability to use such models and derive managerial decisions. Ability to simulate real life situations and solve cases in the area of research. Ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical (simulated) operational situations. Application of heuristic methods for solving operational problems.

The course focusses on the application of techniques in the area of Operations Management. Covered topics include forecasting, scheduling and aggregated planning, supply chain planning, capacity planning and inventory management. Addressing these topics, several quantitative techniques that have shown to be successful in these areas will be applied on examples and exercises. The course combines cases, exercises and discussions, facilitated by your tutor and the students themselves. Facilitations cover exercises, cases and the reading of research papers.

Recommended reading:
* "Management of Operations and Product Development", prepared by Grigoriev and Foubert (Maastricht University). McGraw-Hill Custom Publishing (not obligatory).
* Various reading materials (e.g., research papers) and cases from the field of Operations Management.

Advanced knowledge of the role and scope of Operations Management within Business.
Advanced mathematical skills; ability to understand quantitative models and concepts, and apply these.
Moderate level of understanding of simulation.
An advanced level of English.
An advanced level of expertise in PBL(Project Based Learning).

From the above, it can be assumed that students taking this course have at the very minimum obtained the necessary knowledge in order to pass the course Management of Operations and Product Development (MOPD).