Operations and Supply Chain Management -OPBU 3438

(a.k.a. Modern Operations Management -MOM)

Syllabus – Spring 2025

INSTRUCTOR

Instructor: Professor Dorothy Klotz

Email: [email protected]
Please put “MOM QUESTION” in the subject line of all email correspondence.

In-person Office Hours: by appointment on Thursdays (451 Faber Hall)

Virtual Office Hours: by appointment on Mondays and Fridays (https://fordham.zoom.us/my/klotzville)
Cell phone: 609-577-6187

COURSE WEBSITE – WWW.KLOTZVILLE.COM

All online course materials will be available on www.klotzville.com (referred to as Klotzville).

This course will not use Blackboard.

Klotzville Login Credentials:

Username: Your Fordham email address
Password: Temp2025

COURSE DELIVERY

This course follows a hybrid delivery model, combining in-person and asynchronous online instruction.
In-person Sessions:
• Face-to-face sessions will take place on Thursdays.
• In-person attendance is mandatory.
Asynchronous Online Content:
• The remaining course content is delivered online and can be accessed at any time and from any
location.
• While the asynchronous format provides flexibility, all assignments must be completed and
submitted by their respective due dates to receive credit.
• Online assignments are due every Monday by 11:59 PM and every Thursday by 8:00 AM.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides an introduction to the principles and practices of operations and supply chain
management. Students will explore key concepts, methodologies, and tools used to design, analyze, and
improve the operations and supply chains of various organizations. Topics include process analysis,
capacity planning, inventory management, quality control, logistics, and the integration of supply chain
activities.

COURSE LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate knowledge of core operations and supply chain management theories and concepts.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of basic analytical skills used by operations and supply chain managers.
3. Apply those skills to a range of operations and supply chain management decisions.
4. Communicate knowledge of operations and supply chain management effectively to others.

Professor Klotz – Syllabus Spring 2025 Page 1 of 8

COURSE MATERIALS

1. Textbook
The required textbook for this course is The GOAL: A Process of Ongoing Improvement by Goldratt
and Cox, published by North River Press. Any edition of the book is acceptable.

Acquisition Options:
• A pdf version of The GOAL is posed on klotzville.
• You can purchase The GOAL on Amazon for approximately $25. (The university bookstore does
not stock this book.)
• The GOAL is also available as an audiobook.

2. Online Supply Chain Simulation:

• You will participate in an online supply chain simulation during our classroom session on April
24.
• To access the simulation, you will need to pay a $25 online fee.
• Please bring a credit or debit card to class on April 24 to complete the payment.

SAFE EXAM BROWSER (SEB)

Safe Exam Browser (SEB) is a free, open-source lockdown browser that ensures academic integrity by
restricting access to external websites, system functions, and other applications during key
assessments. SEB must be installed on your computer to take these assessments. Visit
http://safeexambrowser.org/download_en.html to access the correct version of SEB for your operating
system (Windows, macOS, or iOS). SEB is not compatible with Chromebooks.

COURSE ASSIGNMENTS & GRADING

Course Assignments Due Dates:

• Assignments in this course are organized into weekly modules.
• Each module has a Checklist which lists the assignments due Monday at 11:59 PM and
assignments due Thursday at 8:00 AM on the module’s designated week.
• Meeting assignment deadlines is essential, as late submissions will result in a score of zero.

Number of Lowest Scores Dropped:

• The 10 lowest scores from video lessons and problem sets are dropped.
• The 3 lowest scores from end-of-module quizzes are also dropped.

This policy is intended to buffer you from unforeseen events and emergencies which prevent you from
successfully completing assignments on time. It is not intended as a safeguard against poor
preparation or misunderstanding of course content.

Extension Policy:
• Requests for extensions will only be considered if the number of missed assignments (scores of "0")
exceeds the designated number of drops.
• Extensions will be granted solely for circumstances beyond your control and unforeseen.
Graded Course Components:
• Graded assignments include video lessons, problem sets, end-of-module quizzes, GOAL Quizzes, a
midterm exam, and a final exam.
• Each assignment type has unique grading criteria and access policies. Refer to the following
summary table for key details.

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 Video Lessons/ End-of-Module GOAL Midterm Final
Problem Sets Quizzes Quizzes* Exam** Exam***
Grade
0.05 0.25 0.10 .25 0.35
Weight ****
Max points on Score ≥ 50% → 1 pt
10 pts 10 pts 100 pts 100 pts
each Score < 50% → 0 pt
# in course 4-15 per module***** 13 2 1 1
# dropped 10/10 3 0 0 0
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Timed No (open until submit)
(usually 30 min) (< 15 min) (1 hour) (2 hours)
# tries on 3 tries (loss 1/3 q-value 3 tries (loss 1/3 q-
1 try 1 try 1 try
question (q) for incorrect try) value for incorrect try)
Answer Yes (after each
Yes (after due date) No No No
Provided question)
Available for
Yes Yes (after due date) No No No
review
Re-attempt Video Lessons (No)
Yes (after due date) No No No
for practice Problem Sets (Yes)
SEB Req No No Yes Yes Yes
* The GOAL Quizzes will be administered in class on January 30 and February 13. If you are
absent on either date, you will receive a score of zero unless your absence is excused. Refer to the
guiding questions at the end of this syllabus to assist with your reading and preparation.
** The Midterm Exam will take place on March 13. If you miss the exam and your absence is
excused, the grading weight of the Midterm Exam will be shifted to the Final Exam. If your absence
is not excused, you will receive a score of zero. Midterm questions are similar in format and content
to those in the video lessons, problem sets, and end-of-module quizzes.
*** The Final Exam covers all course material and evaluates comprehensive understanding.
Questions are similar in format and content to those in the video lessons, problem sets, and end-of-
module quizzes.
**** Your final grade will be calculated by multiplying the weight of each assignment type by the
proportion of points you earn out of the total possible points (after accounting for the dropping of
your lowest scores).
***** While the number of video lessons and problem sets may vary between modules, the
expected time required to complete each module is designed to be relatively consistent.
Finally, if you identify and report an error in the grading of any question in a course assignment, you
will be awarded a perfect score on the corresponding module’s end-of-module quiz.

MIDTERM AND FINAL EXAM LOGISTICS

Both the Midterm and Final Exams will be conducted online and proctored remotely via a Zoom
session. Please review the following guidelines carefully:
Location Requirements:
• You may take the exams from any location of your choice, provided it is a private space where no
one else is present or enters during the exam.
• Ensure the room has a reliable WiFi connection to avoid disruptions.
Joining the Proctoring Session:
• Use your smartphone to join the Zoom proctoring session
(https://fordham.zoom.us/my/klotzville).
• Make sure your audio is muted and your camera is turned on for the duration of the session.

Professor Klotz – Syllabus Spring 2025 Page 3 of 8

 Camera Positioning:
• Position your camera to clearly capture yourself, your physical desktop, and your computer screen.

Accessing the Exam:

• The exam password will be provided at the beginning of the session.
• Use the password to access the Midterm or Final Exam on your computer through Safe Exam
Browser (SEB).
Proctoring Details:
• The entire proctoring session will be visually monitored and recorded to maintain the integrity of
the exam process.

IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT

Attendance Requirement:
• You are expected to attend all scheduled in-person class sessions during your section’s designated
time slot.
• Attendance will be recorded at the beginning of each session through an online attendance quiz.
• If you miss a class or do not take an attendance quiz while in class, you are required to complete
an online assignment covering the content from the missed class before gaining access to
the week’s other assignments.

Attendance Quiz Requirements:

• To complete the quiz, you must be in class and use the Fordham Secure WiFi.
• Failure to use Fordham Secure WiFi will result in an unexcused absence.
Excused Absences:
Absences from in-person sessions will only be excused for the following reasons:
• Personal illness
• Serious illness or death in the family
• Observance of a religious holiday
• A required university-sponsored event
• A job interview
To request an excused absence:
• Submit a completed MOM Excused Absence Request Form within one week of the absence.
• The form is available on Klotzville and on the last page of this syllabus.
Impact of Unexcused Absences:
• Each unexcused absence will result in a half-letter grade deduction from your final course grade.
• Completing the online assignment covering the content from the missed class does not negate the
grade consequences of an unexcused absence.

SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT DATES

Note: The last day of class is May 1 which is a “reading day”, except for students enrolled in a class
which meets once a week on Thursdays.

Date Assignment Access

Username: Fordham Email
Sun, Jan 12 at noon www.Klotzville.com goes live
Password: Temp2025
Thurs, Jan 16 First class session
Sun, Jan 19 at 11:59pm Pass Syllabus Quiz Located in Module 1
Mon, Jan 20 at 11:59pm 1st Set of Mon Assignments Due Located in Module 1
Thurs, Jan 23 at 8am 2nd Set of Thurs Assignments Due Located in Module 1

Professor Klotz – Syllabus Spring 2025 Page 4 of 8

 Every Mon at 11:59pm Assignments due See checklist in week’s module
Every Thurs at 8am Assignments due See checklist in week’s module
Thurs, Jan 30 class 1st GOAL Quiz (Chapters 1-18)
Thurs, Feb 13 class 2nd GOAL Quiz (Chapters 1-31)
Thurs, March 13 Midterm Exam Online
Thurs, April 24 class Bring payment for online simulation.
Thurs, May 1 Last class session
Mon, May 5 at 1:30 Final Exam (11:30 Section) Online
Thurs, May 5 at 9:30 Final Exam (10:00 Section) Online
Mon, May 12 at 9:30 Final Exam (8:30 Section) Online

COURSE HONOR CODE & RULES

All participants are expected to adhere to the following guidelines:

Original Work: All submitted answers for video lesson questions, problem sets, end-of-module
quizzes, and exams must be your own work.

Restricted Access: You may not access or use materials related to video lessons, problem sets, or
end-of-module quizzes/exams that are posted online (outside of Klotzville) or shared electronically by
past or current students.

No Sharing: You are prohibited from sharing any course materials with current or future students.
This includes questions and solutions for video lessons, problem sets, end-of-module quizzes, or
exams. Sharing materials by any means, including posting on external websites (e.g., Quizlet,
CourseHero), is not allowed.

Discussion Limitations: You may not discuss the contents of The GOAL Quizzes, end-of-module
quizzes, or exams, including questions and solutions, before their close date.

Account Security: Do not access Klotzville using another student’s login credentials.

Attendance Quizzes: You must be physically present in the designated classroom during your
section’s scheduled time to take an attendance quiz.

Safe Exam Browser: Do not attempt to bypass the restrictions of Safe Exam Browser to access
unauthorized resources during assessments. This includes, but is not limited to, using virtual machines
or deliberately disrupting your computer’s power supply or internet connection.

Academic Integrity: Engaging in any activity that dishonestly improves your results, or negatively
impacts the results of others, is strictly prohibited.

Failure to comply with these rules will result in a failing grade for the course.

ACCOMODATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Please have the Office of Disability Services (ODS) email me a list of your approved
accommodations.
Extended Time for Timed Assignments:
Once I receive notification from ODS confirming your eligibility for extended testing time, the time
allotted for all timed course assignments will be adjusted accordingly.
Penalty-free Extensions:
Requests for penalty-free extensions will only be considered if you have already missed the due dates
for at least 10 video lessons and problem sets or 3 end-of-module quizzes.

Professor Klotz – Syllabus Spring 2025 Page 5 of 8

 Exam Testing Accommodations:
If you qualify for extended testing time and/or a distraction-reduced testing environment, you may
choose to take the midterm and final exams either under my supervision or through ODS.
Option 1: Taking an Exam Under My Supervision
You will follow the procedures outlined in this syllabus, and I will accommodate your extended
testing time as follows:
Midterm Exam:
• If you are in the 8:30 or 10:00 section, you will take the midterm with either the 11:30
section or at 1:00 PM instead of during your regular class session.
• The exam logistics will be as outlined in this syllabus.
• I will continue proctoring until your extended time is complete.
Final Exam:
• You will take the exam with your section at the scheduled time.
• The exam logistics will be as outlined in this syllabus.
• I will continue proctoring until your extended time is complete.
Option 2: Taking Exams with ODS
• You must schedule your exam for the same day as the rest of the class.
• The exam will be administered in the ODS testing center.
• You will not log in to the Zoom proctoring session; instead, ODS staff will proctor your exam
in person.
• You will access the exam using Safe Exam Browser (SEB).

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QUESTIONS TO HELP PREPARE FOR THE GOAL QUIZZES AND RELATED EXAM QUESTIONS

Chapters 1-13
• What was THE GOAL of Alex’s plant?
• What are operational measures?
• What were the key operational measures Alex used to assess whether a change would move his
plant closer to its goal? Define each of these measures.
• In what direction should each of the operational measures move as result of a change that moves
an organization closer to its goal?
• Did installing the ROBOTs move Alex’s plant closer to its GOAL?
• Explain how the operational measures were impacted as a result of installing the robots.
• Why is a plant in which everyone is working all the time a very poorly run plant?
____________________________________________________________________________________
Chapters 13-18
• If you were one of the scouts playing the matchstick game, which position in the process would you
want to take if you wanted to avoid doing dishes? (i.e., Would you want to be the first scout to
process match sticks, the second scout, the third, the fourth or the last scout?)
• How is inventory moving through the system in the matchstick game?
• What steps did Alex take to make sure that all the scouts arrived at Devil’s Gulch according to
schedule?
• What is the definition of a bottleneck resource?
• Which resources were identified as the bottleneck resources?
• How did Alex determine that each of the resources was a bottleneck resource?
• Why was it important for Alex to balance the flow of product through the bottleneck and not its
capacity?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapters 19-27
• Explain the steps/actions Alex took to make the flow through the bottleneck resources equal to the
market demand.
• Describe the tagging system used to prioritize units which needed to be processed by bottleneck.
• What was the impact the tagging system had on system performance?
• How did Alex prevent an accumulation of work-in-process inventory?
• What is the difference between activating a resource and utilizing a resource?
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapters 28-31
• How and why did Alex cut batch sizes?
• What are the four elements of the total time a unit spends in a plant?
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chapters 32–40
• What are the steps in a process of ongoing improvement?

Professor Klotz – Syllabus Spring 2025 Page 7 of 8

 MOM Excused Absence Request Form

Name: _______________________________________ Email: ____________________________

Date of Absence: ___/___/____
Before completing this form, please make note of the following:
Untruthfully reporting the reason for an absence or falsifying supporting documentation will result in a final course
letter grade of “F”.
Requests for an excused absence must be submitted within 2 weeks of the absence.

Select reason for absence and provide requested information and documentation.

☐ 1. Personal Illness
Nature of Illness:_________________________________________________________________

☐ My illness resulted in physical symptoms which would have significantly hindered my ability to
participate in classroom activities.

☐ My illness would have put at risk the health of other students in the classroom.

Please attach any supporting documentation (e.g., proof of positive covid test, proof of appointment with
healthcare provider).

☐ 2. Serious Illness or Death in the Immediate Family

Name of Family Member: _______________________ Relationship: __________________________
Please attach supporting documentation (e.g., copy of death certificate, obituary, memory card)

☐ 3. Religious Holiday
Name of Holiday: ______________________________
Note: You must identify with a religion associated with the above-listed holiday to request an excused absence.

☐ 4. Participation in University-Sanctioned Event

Event: ___________________________________________________________
Required Documentation: Letter or email from authorized administrator.
Note: Club and professional events are NOT considered university sanctioned events.

☐ 5. Job Interview
Company:_______________________________ Position: _____________________________
Date of interview: _______________ Time of interview: _________________
Required Documentation: Copy of email from corporate email account confirming position, date and time.

Professor Klotz – Syllabus Spring 2025 Page 8 of 8