Process Management
This course aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of managing business processes. It deals with concepts, techniques, operation and control of business processes and develops students’ ability to define, design, apply and evaluate relevant process management tools. Students will also develop their skills in managing data and information effectively in order to assist problem solving and decision-making.
• Introduction to processes and process management
• The role of process management in contemporary organisations
• Process management and quality management: the way from good processes to good quality
• Process analysis: Understanding of the process landscape of a SME. Understand the importance of key processes. Learn to analyse key processes.
• Process structuring and process description: Understand how the processes can be structured and how a process can be described and documented using e.g the flow chart technique, supply chain.
• Problem analysis: Understanding of possible problems and bottlenecks (seven types of waste) in processes, how they can be identified and how problems can be solved
• Process controlling and continuous improvement: Introduction to KPIs (key performance indexes) to measure process performance, process improvement. Understanding of how a continuous improvement process can be applied in a SME.
On successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- demonstrate a critical awareness and understanding of Process Management at the bachelor's level that provides a basis for developing and/or applying new ideas, often within a research context.
- apply knowledge, critical understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or unfamiliar environments within broader (or multidisciplinary) contexts related to their field of study (Process Management)
- assimilate knowledge and formulate opinions with incomplete or limited information, but that include a reflection on social and ethical responsibilities.
- communicate their assumptions, and knowledge regarding Process Management and the rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences clearly and unambiguously.
- use the acquired skills to allow them to continue to study in a manner that may be largely self-directed and autonomous.
- integrate knowledge from other courses of the master program and practical business and formulate critical judgments with incomplete data.
The course is offered as self-study in e-learning. The learning material is provided in the form of lectures, literature, and lecture notes. Independent learning is required. In the case of paper submissions, further research is expected in compliance with the given scientific standard. LIVE course sessions are offered to support the students with questions regarding the content. Students are supported in their scientific work by corresponding online seminars.
All lectures and learning materials are made available in the online campus GHU Campus. All lectures are recorded and are available for download 24/7. The lecture notes, as well as additional material provided by the lecturer, can also be accessed in the GHU Campus.
Documents for exam preparation consisting of lectures and lecture notes. Additional material provided by the lecturer serves as independent files and can be used to work on the exams. The examination comprises theory questions, reflection, and case study and is intended to confirm all learning objectives.
The assessment consists of a 5000-word Process Management report and assesses all learning outcomes. As a master-level assignment, the report requires a command of a complex and specialized area of knowledge and skills. This implies that, in addition to demonstrating a sound grasp of the ideas and concepts relevant to the topic of thereport, students will show that they can evaluate aspects such as conventions of approaches, their internal consistency, relevance, and applicability, as well as strengths and weaknesses.
To reach an assessment, students will consider competing approaches and draw on critiques put forward in scholarly literature. The position adopted in the assignment and any claims made must be based on a careful, coherent, and logical arguments, need to be appropriately supported with evidence from relevant scholarly sources, and should be presented in a coherent piece of writing. Sources must be referenced appropriately in-text and in a quote/reference list as set out in the GHU Referencing Guidelines.