vcc.ca
OPMT 4120: Operational Excellence, Lean Systems, and Advanced Process Innovation
Effective date
January 2027
Department
Global Supply Chain Management
School
Hospitality, Food Studies and Applied Business
Description
This course provides a strategic and analytical examination of Lean systems, Total Quality Management (TQM), and Six Sigma as integrated frameworks for enterprise-wide operational excellence. Students critically evaluate the theoretical foundations, quantitative methods, and organizational implications of continuous improvement across manufacturing and service environments. Emphasis is placed on data-driven decision-making, statistical process control, variation reduction, value stream design, and advanced process innovation. The course also explores the leadership, cultural, and governance mechanisms required to sustain performance transformation. Through applied case analysis and project-based work, students design and justify improvement and innovation initiatives that align operational capability, customer value, financial performance, and long-term competitive strategy.
Credits
3.0
Year of study
4th Year Post-secondary
Prerequisites
OPMT 1110, OPMT 3210.
Corequisites
None
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Evaluate the theoretical foundations and evolution of Lean, TQM, and Six Sigma as integrated enterprise performance systems.
- Design and integrate operational excellence methodologies to enhance efficiency, flexibility, and strategic alignment.
- Diagnose systemic sources of waste and performance variability across complex value streams and develop corrective interventions.
- Model and optimize end-to-end processes using advanced analytical, statistical, and constraint-based frameworks.
- Lead structured problem-solving initiatives using advanced quality and statistical tools to achieve sustainable operational improvement.
- Assess the role of leadership, governance, and organizational culture in enabling enterprise-wide transformation.
- Design performance measurement systems and KPIs that align operational capability with financial and strategic objectives.
- Evaluate and redesign operational systems to drive innovation, resilience, and long-term competitive advantage.
- Analyze and evaluate lean manufacturing processes and continuous improvement strategies
Prior Learning Assessment & Recognition (PLAR)
None
Hours
Lecture, Online, Seminar, Tutorial: 45
Total Hours: 45
Total Hours: 45
Instructional Strategies
Lectures, case studies, group discussions, problem-solving scenarios, group projects..
Grading System
Letter Grade (A-F)
Passing grade
D
Evaluation Plan
|
Type |
Percentage |
Assessment activity |
|
Participation |
10 |
|
|
Quizzes/Tests |
10 |
Two or more quizzes |
|
Assignments |
10-20 |
Two or more case analysis group assignments |
|
Project |
20 |
Group project |
|
Midterm Exam |
15-25 |
|
|
Final Exam |
15-25 |
|
Course topics
- History and evolution of quality management Introduction to Lean Management and Waste Reduction Process improvement strategies: breakthrough and incremental improvements Six Sigma and DMAIC methodology Lean philosophy and principles Lean tools and techniques: standardization, stability, JIT, 5S, Kanban, and Jidoka Statistical tools for Six Sigma projects Value Stream Mapping (VSM) and process charting Total Quality Management (TQM) Principles Data collection and analysis Classic and modern quality tools Process control and capability analysis Kaizen events Lean Six Sigma deployment and implementation
Notes:
- Course contents and descriptions, offerings and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Students are required to follow all College policies including ones that govern their educational experience at VCC. Policies are available on the VCC website at:
https://www.vcc.ca/about/governance--policies/policies/. - To find out if there are existing transfer agreements for this course, visit the BC Transfer Guide at https://www.bctransferguide.ca.