The Production an Operations (PO) Management implies a number of duties and task aiming three main goals: - Produce at the lowest cost possible - Produce according to the quality standards defined - Deliver at the committed time All PO Management decisions are focused in the fulfillment of these three main goals, and therefore this course will be centralized in the analysis of how PO Management deals with all these issues, what techniques and tools are applied and what are the basic concepts that underline the PO function.

1. PO Management introduction 2. PO and Customer needs: Quality and Forecast 3. Strategic Decisions in PO (I): Product and Process 4. Strategic Decisions in PO (II): Location, layout and purchasing 5. Tactical Decisions in PO: Inventory, Planning and Scheduling 6. Human Resources in PO Management

The course will be based on readings, some exercises, and a final written exam. Throughout the course, students will be asked to hand in some exercises and are urged to actively participate during every class with their opinions, doubts and comments. Students will be also encouraged to consult different sources of information (webs, journals, career services, etc.). Notice that a significant part of the course workload will be done within learning teams.