Operations Management Microcredential: Online distance learning
Duration: 10 weeks
Credits: 10 Academic Credits (PG)
Delivery: All course content is delivered on Moodle, our virtual learning platform. You will converse with the tutors and fellow students in online forums.
Timetable: Fully online and flexible, with no scheduled classes to attend.
Fee: £625 per place (See Fees & Funding section below)
College: College of Social Sciences
School: Adam Smith Business School
Course start date: Monday 28th September 2026
Book nowThis course introduces students to elements of operations management, showing how transformation processes sit at the heart of all organizations. It examines tools, techniques and frameworks that are used in operating, analysing and improving processes.
Why this course
The course aims to introduce students to a range of operations theories, frameworks and tools that will equip them to analyse organisational processes.
By the end of this course students will be able to:
1. Analyse the main elements of organisational transformation processes.
2. Critique key concepts in operations management, including lean/JIT, supply chain management, quality management and operations risk management.
3. Apply a range of appropriate tools to solving operations problems.
The Operations Management course is one of the 10-credit components of the PgCert in Executive Management (Online Distance Learning (ODL) 'stackable' programme) launched at Adam Smith Business School in January 2026. See the 'Further Study Options' section for more details.
Adam Smith Business School is triple accredited
Course structure
This course explores the principles and practices of agile leadership and is designed to equip you with the skills needed to lead effectively in fast-paced and complex environments.
- Week 1: Introduction to Operations Management
- Week 2: Operations Strategy
- Week 3: Operations Process Design
- Week 4: Inventory Management
- Week 5: Just-in-Time (JIT) and Lean Operations
- Week 6: Managing Quality in Operations - Part 1
- Week 7: Managing Quality in Operations - Part 2
- Week 8: Supply Chain Management
- Week 9: Managing Risks
- Week 10: Technology and Innovation in Operations Management
Course alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours
to run all courses as advertised. In exceptional circumstances, however, the University may withdraw
or alter a course. For more information, please see: Student contract.
Career prospects
This course is designed to equip learners with skills to progress into the following roles and industries:
Roles:
- Operations Assistant / Co-ordiantor / Manager
- Senior Operations Manager
- Operations Director
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Production Planner
- Quality Assurance Officer
- Logistics Coordinator
- Process Improvement Specialist
Industries:
- Manufacturing
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Retail & E‑commerce
- Hospitality & Tourism
- Health & Social Care Operations
- Public Sector Administration
- Technology & Digital Operations
- Transport & Distribution
- Food & Beverage Production
- Professional Services & Consultancy
Fees & funding
Course fee: £625 per place.
Alumni, volume-based (group) and former UofG SFC Upskilling learner discounts are available (please direct discount enquiries to Keir.Elder@glasgow.ac.uk)
Entry requirements
It is suggested that learners on this course are educated to at least Undergraduate level and have an IELTS equivalent of 6.5. Learners will not be asked to prove their academic or professional history.
Further Study Options
This Microcredential is a standalone course and also contributes 10 credits towards the 60 credits required for completion of the PGCert in Executive Management. The suite of Microcredential courses are all 10-credit Online Distance Learning offerings:
- Project Management
- Introduction to Business Analytics
- Business Financial Management
- Change Management
- Leading Successful Teams
Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Executive Management
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) in Executive Management at the Adam Smith Business School offers a flexible, fully online route to postgraduate study for working professionals.
Rather than following a traditional postgraduate programme, you'll achieve your PGCert by successfully completing six approved 10-credit Microcredentials. Each module is a standalone learning experience, allowing you to build postgraduate-level credit over time and progress at a pace that fits around your professional and personal commitments.
Every Microcredential carries University of Glasgow academic credit and is designed to deliver practical, career-relevant learning that can be applied immediately in the workplace. On successful completion of each module and passing of the relevant assessment, you'll receive a University of Glasgow credential, recognising your achievement while building towards your PGCert. Once all six Microcredentials have been completed, your credits are combined to award the PGCert in Executive Management, with opportunities to progress to further postgraduate study.
The PGCert in Executive Management is delivered by the Adam Smith Business School, one of the world’s leading business schools, recognised for excellence in teaching, research and industry engagement. As one of the top 1% of business schools worldwide to hold triple accreditation, we are part of an elite group of institutions recognised globally for the quality, impact and excellence of our education.
Why choose the PGCert in Executive Management?
Learn at your pace
Study when it suits you. Take one module at a time, fit learning around your professional and personal commitments, and build your qualification step by step. You can pause between stages and return to your studies within the programme timeframe, picking up where you left off.
Earn as you learn
Every successfully completed Microcredential awards University of Glasgow academic credit and a recognised credential, earning you immediate recognition for your achievement while steadily building towards your PGCert.
Flexible investment
Enrol in and pay for individual Microcredentials as you progress, rather than committing to the full financial investment of a postgraduate degree upfront.
Create lasting impact from the beginning
Each module focuses on practical, evidence-based learning that can be applied directly in your organisation, helping you develop the leadership and management capabilities to make an immediate difference in your role while working towards a respected postgraduate qualification.