Concentration in Operations Management
MBA graduates with a concentration in Operations Management can have a number of career opportunities available to them. They are well prepared to work in industry as project managers, supply chain analysts, logistics planners, or as managers of manufacturing or service operations. Consulting firms also value the analytical skills that are developed, particularly in the area of supply chain management. An operations specialization can be particularly valuable when combined with skills in marketing or finance.
The MBA concentration in Operations Management at the McCombs School is focused on providing students with decision-making skills that will enable them to be leaders in today's information and technology intensive global market environment. This flexible concentration takes a strategic and application-oriented view of operations. In addition to the core course, electives are offered in project management, supply chain management, operations strategy, service management, quality management, and e-business innovation. A practicum course is also offered that affords students an opportunity to interact with the industrial partners of the University of Texas Supply Chain Consortium to solve real business problems.
Tracks
Supply Chain Manager: Needs to be able to evaluate issues related to inventories, logistics, outsourcing, and channels of distribution. Analytical skills are extremely important for doing this. The courses that we strongly recommend provide a solid set of analytical tools and strategic frameworks for analyzing decisions in a supply chain setting.
Manufacturing Manager: Needs to be able to design and operate processes that support the value proposition of the firm. This requires many of the same skills as a supply chain manager, but with a slightly more tactical orientation.
Marketing Manager: Needs to be able to assess the operational implications of marketing initiatives, new product introductions, etc. The courses that we strongly recommend emphasize the interactions between operations and marketing.
Financial Analyst: Will frequently need to evaluate capital investment opportunities. The courses that we strongly recommend provide analytical skills that are useful in estimating the value of such investments.
General Manager: Needs to understand how the role that operations plays within the overall strategy of the firm. The courses that we strongly recommend provide a high level perspective on processes related to creating and delivering physical and service products.
Consultant: Needs to be well acquainted with a broad set of analytical tools and frameworks for identifying and assessing the trade-offs in major business decisions. The courses that we strongly recommend are useful for almost any type of consulting. Depending upon the particular type of consulting, other operations courses may also be recommended.
Curriculum - Refer to chart located onlineContact the MBA Operations Management concentration director, Professor Steve Gilbert, steve.gilbert@mccombs.utexas.edu for further details.
Career Opportunities
A sample of possible opportunities
Applied Materials
AT Kearney
Boston Consulting Group
Compaq
Dell Computer
Delta Air Lines
Ernst & Young
FritoLay
i2 Technologies
Intel
Motorola
National Instruments
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Schlumberger
Siemens Management Consulting
