Course syllabus for Operations improvement project

Course syllabus adopted 2026-02-23 by Head of Programme (or corresponding).

Overview

  • Swedish nameProjekt i verksamhetsutveckling
  • CodeTEK165
  • Credits15 Credits
  • OwnerMPQOM
  • Education cycleSecond-cycle
  • Main field of studyIndustrial Engineering and Management
  • DepartmentTECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT AND ECONOMICS
  • GradingTH - Pass with distinction (5), Pass with credit (4), Pass (3), Fail

Course round 1

  • Teaching language English
  • Application code 36115
  • Maximum participants50
  • Minimum participants10
  • Open for exchange studentsNo
  • Only students with the course round in the programme overview.

Credit distribution

0107 Project 7.5 c
Grading: UG		 7.5 c
0207 Project 7.5 c
Grading: TH		 7.5 c

In programmes

Examiner

Eligibility

General entry requirements for Master's level (second cycle)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Specific entry requirements

English 6 (or by other approved means with the equivalent proficiency level)
Applicants enrolled in a programme at Chalmers where the course is included in the study programme are exempted from fulfilling the requirements

Course specific prerequisites

Prospective students need to be registered on the Master s Programme in Quality and Operations Management.

Aim

The main aim of this course is to allow the participants to apply the knowledge gained of Operations Management to a practical project. Students will work with an actual problem inside a company. The project will allow for the integration of several subject areas: - Students will be able to apply the knowledge gained in other parts of the program - Aspects of project management will be practiced. - The project will force students to learn to work in a team. - Change management will be an integral part of the project, accomplishing real changes in a company.

Learning outcomes (after completion of the course the student should be able to)

- Understand what is required to work with practical improvement and business development within the field of Quality and Operations Management.
- Apply knowledge to identify, formulate, and solve complex problems.
- Apply knowledge and tools to improve organisational processes by choosing appropriate scientific and analytical approaches.
- Understand the challenges related to organisational change when carrying out an improvement project in a company.
- Understand the importance of, and be able to consider, various ethical aspects in the implementation of improvement projects.
- Develop the ability to plan, lead, and conduct an improvement project within a company.
- Develop the ability to communicate your results and conclusions.

Content

The main part of the course is to work on a company-initiated development project. This may be related to product development, service development, or manufacturing/production and may, for example, focus on further development of an existing process or organisation. The project should result in an action/change plan for the participating company.

In addition to the project, the course includes lectures/guest lectures and three literature seminars aimed at presenting and discussing issues that are central to the implementation of the project. Topics covered include, for example, project management, group dynamics, leadership and change management.

Organisation

The project is carried out in groups of 4–6 students. Each group has the opportunity for regular supervision by a supervisor at Chalmers during the course. The course also includes a number of activities that support the project process, such as joint group meetings, a planning report, project meetings, and a final presentation of the project. In addition, the course lectures and literature seminars support the project process.

Literature

Svenningsson, S. and Sörgärde, N. (2023) Managing change in organizations, Sage.

Pinto, J.K. (2020), Project Management: Achieving Competitive Advantage, Pearson. E-book available in Chalmers Library E-book Collection.

Course literature from the courses TEK146, TEK150 and TEK161.

Additional literature applicable for your project work.

Examination including compulsory elements

The course is examined on four elements: the project (including a written report, project diary and project presentation), an individual reflection, active participation on literature seminars, and attendance on lectures/guest lectures. 

The project report and the individual reflection will be graded; the other elements will be assessed as pass/fail.

The course examiner may assess individual students in other ways than what is stated above if there are special reasons for doing so, for example if a student has a decision from Chalmers about disability study support.