Operations Management
Effective solutions for complex business problems.
The operations of a firm involve acquiring productive resources and the configuration of a productive system, then utilizing them to produce goods and services. The decisions at every level are complex. Operations Management helps to deliver solutions for even the most challenging business decision.
Making tough business decisions demands both realistic modeling of these decision problems and knowledge of the development of new theory and techniques. Our program stresses a balanced approach to the subject while familiarizing you with the latest methodologies. Students are expected to understand the real context within which operational decisions are made, and to develop skills in modeling these problems. The emphasis is on the study of complex, large- scale systems needing integrated solutions.
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Program Outline: Operations Management
The First Year
The first year is designed to provide you with solid training in mathematical programming and probabilistic modeling. You’ll also build your analytic and research skills while exploring basic issues faced by operations mangers. Students are expected to achieve an A- or better in five required courses, and achieve a B+ in all other courses; this serves as the Preliminary Requirement. Students will begin pursuing research during the summer of their first year, choosing two research questions by the end of the spring term. By August 31, students should deliver initial drafts of the papers addressing these questions. The initial drafts will be evaluated and successful completion of the initial drafts requirement will constitute passing the First-Year Paper.
The Second Year
The second year is novel for doctoral programs in operations management. Students work on two individual research topics in conjunction with the faculty. These papers provide the bridge from class work to research. These papers are due by May 31 of the second year, successful completion of this paper constitutes passing the Second Year Papers in Operations Management. In addition, students will gain depth in the Operations Management courses and seminars. Students are also required to write a Qualifying Exam paper, due by November 30 of the third year. This paper is usually a more in-depth version of one of the papers used for the second-year papers.
The Third Year and Beyond
Students continue to take PhD seminars in OMG and should complete all the minor requirements. The students must work with faculty advisors to determine additional courses that might be beneficial to their training.
Thesis and ProposalStudents are expected to submit a Thesis proposal paper along with a faculty advisor and committee that has agreed to serve on the dissertation committee. During the process of writing the thesis, the student has to provide evidence of being able to do independent research. Generally, a solo authored dissertation chapter (other than introductory or literature review chapters) is considered sufficient evidence of this. The exact form and timing of this proposal is defined by the area requirements |
Advancement to CandidacyThis is achieved after passing the Preliminary and Qualifying Exams. At the conclusion of the qualifying exam, the faculty administering the qualifying exam evaluate the student and through that evaluation make a recommendation to the PhD Faculty Director and Senior Associate Dean of Faculty that the student advance to candidacy. |
Required Courses.
The Course Catalog contains degree requirements and course descriptions. Please refer the Simon Registrar's website for the current Course Catalog. Classes occur in the Simon Business School and also in closely related areas including the University of Rochester Economics Department and the Computer Science Department.