Hey there, fantastic learners! Keep in mind, learning is not all just an exam; it plays a role in who you are developing into. Accept every achievement in the direction of your dreams because we are very excited for you to achieve them. Welcome aboard the CollegeExceed study guide, where we’re diving deep into how to tackle the Operations Management WGU C215 OA module like a pro!
Get ready to embark on this adventure with us, armed with knowledge, guidance, and a whole lot of determination! Let’s make this journey towards success one to remember!
...
About Operations Management WGU C215 OA 📖
Throughout our course, we’ll explore how to design and oversee the production of goods and services, ensuring businesses efficiently utilize resources to meet customer demands. From supply-chain management to various planning, control, and decision-making tools, we’ll uncover the essential elements of operations management. This course is all about mastering the art of managing entire production systems, converting inputs into valuable outputs. As we journey through, we’ll delve into concepts like quality management, setting and measuring organizational standards for success etc. Operations management is the foundation of the backbone of any business; it coordinates the planning, organization, coordination, and control of resources to bring a company’s offerings to life.
...
Course content 👇🏻
The content is broken down into six competencies, and each one will take you deep into the key concepts of operations management. For each competency, you’re covered with quizlets and FAQs on the content you have learned! Your go-to study resources will be the ETextBook provided by WGU and engaging lecture sessions accessible in the video library on each chapter of the ETextBook. So let me give you a glimpse of the competencies you will be working with.
- Competency 1:Quality Management Methods
- Competency 2: Capacity Planning, Location Analysis
- Competency 3: Work System Design and Scheduling
- Competency 4: Operating Efficiency
- Competency 5: Supply Chain
- Competency 6: Management and Planning
...
About the Pre-A and OA📑
The Pre-A and OA consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), specifically focused on each competency covered in the course.Both assessments comprises around 70 questions, following the same order as the six competencies. You are required to get more than 68% of the allocated marks to pass these assessments. The difference between the Pre-A and the OA is that the OA of WGU C215 leans more towards application-based questions. It’s crucial to note that the OA is a closed-book exam and will be proctored live. The objective of the OA is to test your ability to apply concepts rather than just showcasing what you know. So, get ready to demonstrate your understanding and problem-solving skills!
Study plan for the Operations Management WGU C215 OA 👩🏻🏫
As mentioned earlier, the primary resource for the module is the e-textbook provided by WGU. Based on feedback from former students of this module, the e-textbook contains an excessive amount of material to study and memorize in a short time. So, how can we prepare ourselves for the OA and focus on the content covered in the assessment? It’s simple—follow our step-by-step plan below to navigate through the course content effortlessly.
Step 1 – Go through the ETextBook
The first step of your study plan is to go through the e-textbook provided, at least once, from beginning to end. Although this process may be time-consuming, it’s crucial because the book covers every detail you need to learn about the module. PowerPoint slides, videos, and any other resources provided are only supplementary.
It’s important to note that the content covered for the OA in each chapter of the book is highlighted on the course topic outlines provided in the tips section of the course search. Our recommendation is for you to read the course topic outlines first to understand the concepts you need to focus on, and then go through each chapter. If you read the e-textbook blindly, you may concentrate on unnecessary topics that will not be covered in the OA.
Here are some other tips to keep in mind while reading each chapter.
- Read the course topic outlines and study guides provided in the course tips – course search section before going through a chapter
- Watch the video lectures provided for each topic to understand any complicated topics
- Note down and highlight important information. Such as terms and definitions and any key concepts
- Make your own quiz cards to use once you have completed studying the textbooks.
This step will take you at least two weeks to complete.
Step 2 – Revise the content
Now that you have completed the e-textbook, you have acquired the knowledge you need to pass the Pre-A and the OA. To revise the content and verify your knowledge, we recommend going through the short notes you jotted down during step 1 at least twice. Additionally, if you have created quiz cards for each chapter as per our recommendation, go through them and try to answer each question correctly. This will give you a better idea of which topics you need to revisit before attempting the Pre-A.
Another important piece of advice is not to memorize all the content because there’s a lot of theory covered in the book. Instead, understand the concepts and their practical functions. This will help you eliminate answer choices and choose the correct answer(s) in the Assessments.
Step 3 – Attempt the Pre-A
Next, we will attempt the Pre-A of the Operations Management WGU C215 module.Pre-A will comprise 70 multiple-choice questions which you are supposed to complete in 2 hours. The set passing score by the Praxis on the Pre-A is 68% meaning you have to prove that you are competent in each competency in the module.
Before taking the Pre-A, carefully read the guidelines and treat it as a real test. Ensure you are in a quiet and calm environment to minimize distractions during the assessment. Finally, attempt the Pre-A and do your best to achieve the highest score possible. Good luck!
Step 4 – Review the Pre-A Coaching report
Once you complete the Pre-A, you will receive your test score, and a coaching report will be generated for you to review your attempted exam questions. If you successfully pass the Pre-A, congratulations! You are ready to attempt the OA. But first, make sure to go through the coaching report and identify where you lost marks. Revise those topics and concepts to ensure thorough understanding before proceeding to the OA.
If you have failed the Pre-A, don’t worry. The coaching report will guide you through each question you face and show you the correct answers. Use this as a guide to study the topics you scored lowest on in the Pre-A. You can also contact the lecturers anytime to receive assistance with any hurdles you might face during your studies. Additionally, you can utilize the external study materials listed below to help you understand key topics of the module. After restudying the topics, attempt the Pre-A again and give it your best effort. With persistence and dedication, you can improve your understanding and pass the Pre-A successfully.
Step 5 – Take the OA
Once you successfully pass the OA, you are ready to sit for the OA of the Operations Management WGU C215 module. Make sure you are competent in your knowledge on the module and prepare for the OA as mentioned below.
- Schedule the OA at a convenient time and date for you
- Ensure a stable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone.
- Follow the guidelines carefully
- Use the same strategies and skills that you used for the Pre-A
- Relax and do your best!
...
Key concepts and topics you should know 🔑
In this section we will discuss some important topics that you should familiarize yourself with while studying this module. Make sure to focus on these topics while you study for your OA.
Demand-Based and Aggregate-Based
- Demand-Based Operations Management – Imagine you’re running a bakery. Demand-Based Operations Management is like having a keen ear for what your customers want. If there’s a sudden craving for bread on weekends, you’ll roll up your sleeves on Fridays to bake extra loaves, ensuring everyone gets their fill. It’s all about being responsive, making more when the demand is high and scaling back when it’s not
- Aggregate-Based Operations Management – Aggregate-Based Operations Management takes a broader view. It’s like looking at a crystal ball to predict future cravings. Instead of focusing on each individual customer’s desires, you’re analyzing big trends to plan ahead. Picture a car company analyzing past sales and market trends to figure out how many cars to produce next year. This way, they strike the perfect balance, ensuring they have just enough resources and workers to meet demand without overdoing it.
Project Life Cycle
- Conception: This is the initial step of the project life cycle. In this step we recognize a problem that needs solving or an opportunity to improve something. Then we brainstorm and collect information to understand the scope and targets of the project.
- Planning: In this phase, we are making the plan on how to make it happen. This begins with defining specific goals, jotting down tasks, estimating resources needed , and making a timeline. This step sets the direction of the project
- Execution: In this step we are carrying out the plans we have jotted down earlier. This involves coordinating activities, and managing the required resources to complete the project’s objectives. Communication and teamwork are the significant factors during execution to address any challenges and keep the project on track.
- Termination: When the project goal is finally achieved, it’s time to wrap things up. Termination is simply evaluating the project results, noting the lessons learned, and winding up all jobs that may not have been finished. This is the stage where the set objectives are achieved, and everything is wound up before transitioning to the next project. The processes are structured from conception to planning, planning to execution, and finally to termination. With proper planning and execution of these processes, we can efficiently and effectively manage projects in operations management and accomplish desired results.
By following these steps in order—conception, planning, execution, and termination—we can effectively manage projects in operations management, from start to finish, and deliver successful outcomes.
Inventory Management concepts – Push/Pull
Push: In a push system in manufacturing, companies make products based on expected demand, also called make-to-stock manufacturing. This method is often used for items where demand doesn’t change much, like in food or pharmaceuticals. Using past data, the company starts making goods to predict future sales. These goods are then pushed through the supply chain, from production to distribution to retailers. The retailers stock the products and wait for customers to buy them.
Pull: The pull system is a way of making things in lean manufacturing. Instead of guessing how much to make, companies only produce what’s needed when customers actually order it. They keep less inventory on hand this way. In a pull system, goods are “pulled” through the supply chain when a customer places an order. This triggers the manufacturing process to make just the right amount of products. Then, the raw materials used to make those products are restocked.
Inventory Management concepts – Just-in-Time (JIT)
The just-in-time (JIT) inventory system is a clever method of organization. Companies do not keep a supply of raw materials in the back but when they do need it, they get it directly from the provider. It lowers the cost of having extra raw material on hand and also the cost of storing it in a warehouse. There is a catch, however, as the company must be able to foresee with certainty how much raw material it will require. Furthermore, the supply chain will need to be capable of receiving the raw material promptly. It results in the production process being extremely efficient, requiring nothing other than what is taken into the factory.
...
Additional resources to refer 📂
Below we have mentioned some youtube videos you can refer to understand key concepts of the Operations Management WGU C215 OA module.
- Capacity Planning
- Supply Chain Tiers
- Aggregate Planning
- Process Selection
- Process Design
- Six Sigma method
- QC Tools
- Types of Plant Layouts
You can use below Flashcards to review your knowledge on the important concepts.
...
General advice from former students on Operations Management WGU C215 OA Exam 👨🏻🎓
- Don’t memorize anything!! There is too much material to even attempt to memorize. Try to understand the concepts. Use the video lectures for assistance.
- Print out the terms and definitions with examples and review it twice before taking the pre assessment
- People seemed to get too stuck in the weeds by focusing on definitions. Almost all the OA questions I had were about applying the concepts
...
Conclusion 📄
The Operations Management WGU C215 module contains a lot of content to study in a short period of time. If you follow our step-by-step process, you will find an easier and more productive way to weed through all the unnecessary content and focus on the key materials which will allow you to pass the OA of the module. The key to your success is within yourself. We are here to guide you, but it is up to you to put hard work on yourself to achieve your goals… Good luck! And Happy learning!