Ireland has a proven track record in the growth of Operation Planning within the Supply Chain. In a complex and challenging Operation Planning environment, ensuring a strong knowledgebase of operational planning and forecasting requirements is vital to maintaining this growth and safeguarding the reputation of Ireland as best in class business partner and business destination globally, leading the way in innovation and seamless Operation Planning. The aim and objective of this module is to provide learners with an understanding of the key principles underlying Operations Planning within the EU and globally. The purpose is to also provide learners with an understanding of the Planning and Control Environment, Business Planning, Forecasting, Demand Management, Evaluating Forecast Performance and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP). We need to ensure that learners will get a more in-depth understanding of the framework and processes necessary for successful and efficient compliance within the Supply Chain Operations Planning process. The purpose is for them to fully understand the role of Operations Planning personnel to be able to apply Planning expertise within their organisation.

Planning Definition. Learners will be introduced to Manufacturing Planning and Control, and the need to manage the availability of resources to satisfy customer demand. The Planning and Control Environment. Learners will be introduced to the different elements of planning with an operation and how they interrelate: Manufacturing Planning and Control, Business Planning, Priority and Capacity Planning, Business Planning, Demand Planning and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP). They will also learn the evolution from MRP to ERP. The Business Planning Process. Learners will be introduced to the level of planning in a Business Plan, the typical horizon and the relationship to Financial Planning and Operational planning. Forecasting. Learners will be introduced to the purposes and use of the Forecast; the principles of forecasting; the techniques of forecasting; and the principles of data collection and preparation within Forecasting Demand Management. Learners will be introduced to the characteristics of demand; independent and dependent demand; the sources of demand (forecast, firm orders, replenishment, and interplant orders) and demand patterns and stability. Evaluating Forecast Performance. Learners will be introduced to tracking the forecast, comparing it to actual demand and measuring its accuracy, and to the concept of forecast error. Sales & Operations Planning. Learners will be introduced to the process of translating the business plan into the S&OP with production rates, and tracking the operations, sales and finance plans with the business plan.

Upon completion of this module you will be able to: 1. Explain the role of Planning in the Operation 2. Demonstrate an understanding of the procedures and processes of the Planning and Control Environment 3. Distinguish the key characteristics of the Business Planning process 4. Outline the significant elements of Forecasting within the Operation Planning process 5. Describe Demand Management and its relationship to the other key processes in Operation Planning 6. Consider the factors involved in evaluating Forecast Performance and their relationship to the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) of the business. 7. Define Sales & Operations Planning, and the importance it has as one of the elements of Operation Planning

Upon completion of this module you will be able to: 1. Become aware of the importance of Operation Planning within the Supply Chain 2. Appreciate the inter-linking elements in this module in relation to other parts of the Supply Chain process.

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The module will be delivered through a blended distance learning format. The students will receive lectures and carry out assignments in their place of employment. Delivery will be supported through the UL learning management system and related technologies.