Operations Manager Degree Apprenticeship

This module explores the ongoing debate regarding the extent of responsibility businesses should assume in relation to their impact on and engagement with wider society, addressing the fundamental question of what is the “purpose” of business. Apprentices will engage with ideas of ethics, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, stakeholder theory and the triple bottom line to consider responsibility in business decision-making. This module aligns with the mission of the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) initiative to inspire and champion responsible management education. enhances understanding of how global ethical issues impact business practices across the world, reinforcing the importance of integrity and responsibility in operations management and leadership. 

This module aims to provide apprentices with a comprehensive understanding of how human, financial, and physical resources are effectively managed within the operations of an organisation. It builds on prior learning in previous modules to deliver a strong foundation in resource management, addressing both operational efficiency and the broader responsibilities businesses hold toward stakeholders, communities, and the environment. Apprentices will analyse methods of resource planning within an operational and organisational context, emphasising sustainable allocation and social responsibility. It encourages the application of various financial techniques and utilisation of appropriate IT and software solutions to inform business decision-making. 

This module provides an opportunity for apprentices to draw on their knowledge from previous modules and consider the holistic nature of operations management within their own organisation and the global environment. In doing so the module also considers the dynamic nature of the environments that organisations operate in and therefore considers approaches to managing change and how people can be supported through change processes through clear communication and leadership behaviours. The apprentice will learn how organisations design, run, and improve their core processes, and how they can successfully adapt when circumstances shift, developing an understanding of how planning (operational and strategic), process design, execution, and continuous improvement work together to meet business goals, manage risk, and deliver value for customers and employees.  

This module is focused on the apprentice’s personal, professional and career development needs. It supports the apprentice in identifying their initial level of managerial competence, through the use of a range of diagnostic tools, and the level of competence they should aim to achieve by completion of the module and their apprenticeship. The module aims to provide the apprentice with an appreciation of the organisational or professional requirements in their organisation and includes planning for ongoing personal development, the implementation of relevant management techniques and how they can demonstrate their skills effectively within the workplace. 

This module examines the circumstances required for the effective and efficient management of people within a legal and ethical framework. Apprentices will develop the ability to apply learnt theory and skills to people and people management situations (globally) in order to improve business performance. Human resource management and performance management theories and frameworks will build on the foundational knowledge of people management gained in earlier modules. Apprentices will explore techniques and strategies for effectively managing talent and enhancing both individual, employee and organisational performance and consider how leadership decisions are influenced by employee needs, performance, and engagement, identifying how these factors are essential for effective management and leadership, and organisational success. 

Operations managers must make key decisions on a day-to-day basis, and this module examines the process of risk management and the underlying psychology that impacts on our approach to risk. The module will differentiate between risks and hazards and evaluate the potential sources of risk together with the various tools and techniques used, including a consideration of software and business intelligence, to identify and analyse project risk exposure. We build on the foundational knowledge gained in the first year to deepen apprentice understanding of key concepts including an exploration of costs, understanding costs, cost behaviour, planning and control decisions and understanding the role that budgets and performance reports play in planning and control within organisations. The module identifies the role of management accounting in organisational operations and considers the processes involved in purchasing and supply chain management, highlighting the importance of information technology and systems in the functioning of modern organisations. 

Advances in information technology and digital systems have reshaped how our world functions and how organisations operate. These developments have transformed the ways in which people work, learn, communicate, and interact with technology. This module explores the opportunities and challenges created by global technological innovation, along with the ethical, moral, and social responsibilities that leaders and operational managers must consider when designing, implementing, and using computer-based systems. The module provides an opportunity to develop skills of analysis and problem solving, enabling apprentices to develop a critical awareness of responsible IT use of Business Intelligence (BI) and Large Language Models (LLM). This enables them to deal with the problems, choices and constraints involved in the development of effective and sustainable strategies. 

Apprentices will consider the holistic view of the organisations operations and consider how operational activities assist in the achievement of strategic goals and help achieve organisational performance. Through the module, apprentices will develop a deeper understanding of how their area of influence helps to support strategy and review ways in which high performance at an operational level can assist in the achievement of performance targets at a strategic level. This synoptic module reviews key learning from the foundation stage and explores how operational activities contribute to strategic goals asking apprentices to evaluate organisational processes, identify ways to improve performance, and consider how operational excellence supports wider business objectives.  

This module prepares apprentices for Gateway by enabling them to undertake an independent research project focused on an operational issue within their organisation. The module aims to guide apprentices through the process of conducting a research project, including the analysis, interpretation, and evaluation of secondary data. Apprentices will develop the ability to communicate their research findings effectively in writing ensuring that the work meets academic standards and conventions. Apprentices will investigate a real-world operations challenge, applying key principles to inform management decisions. The module develops research and analytical skills, alongside the ability to interpret and present findings in line with academic and professional standards. 

This module supports apprentices in completing the End-Point Assessment (EPA) for the Operations Manager Apprenticeship Standard. Apprentices consolidate their learning through three key components: a portfolio of evidence, a work-based project report, and a professional presentation with discussion. The module ensures readiness for Gateway by guiding apprentices in demonstrating the application of knowledge, skills, and behaviours in real-world contexts, meeting all requirements for successful completion of the apprenticeship.