MSc in Lean Operations - Programme Aims

A key aim of the programme is to equip operations managers with the strategic and operational skills necessary to manage the “Lean Enterprise”. The programme aims to provide an in depth grounding in both the theory and the practice of lean operations.

Understand how lean principles can be used to guide lean implementations.
Recognise different categories of waste in operational processes
Appreciate the key concepts of customer value and value stream management and their role in developing lean strategies
Appreciate how the underlying principles behind lean can apply to service organisations, noting differences between manufacturing and service contexts
Develop a lean strategic framework that focuses on key business processes

Programme Features

The MSc programme has been designed with the needs of practising managers in mind. It is a two-year part-time course, beginning in the autumn of each year. During the first fifteen months, students undertake eight one-week full-time module. The last nine months is spent undertaking a research project (the dissertation), usually based on the student’s own organisation.

Each stream will have up to 15 participants each. Module sessions may be joint or split into two groups, depending on the topic and student numbers.

The teaching approach is varied and places emphasis on the practical application of knowledge in the workplace and will generally comprise lectures, case studies, games, simulations, and practical exercises. Most modules are held at students’ workplaces and a typical content comprises a theory section, followed by an exercise on-site and a feedback presentation to senior managers.

Each module requires a student to write a 4,000 word assignment on a relevant topic relating to the module just studied and is assessed through a class test (usually 1 hour long at the start of each module relating to the the previous module).

A 20,000 word dissertation is the final requirement of the degree. Dissertation topics concentrate on areas of relevance to the student’s organisation and are supervised by LERC staff.