Operations management courses can help you learn process optimization, supply chain management, inventory control, and quality assurance. You can build skills in resource allocation, project scheduling, and performance measurement. Many courses introduce tools like Six Sigma, Lean methodologies, and software for managing logistics and production workflows, showing how these skills can enhance efficiency and effectiveness in various operational contexts.
University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Operational Efficiency, Process Analysis, Process Management, Process Improvement, Lean Methodologies, Workflow Management, Continuous Improvement Process, Capacity Planning, Quality Management, Supply Chain Management, Inventory Management System, Statistical Process Controls, Process Flow Diagrams, Root Cause Analysis
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

IESE Business School
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Process Improvement, Performance Improvement, Process Design, Process Analysis, Inventory Management, Business Operations, Operational Analysis, Organizational Strategy, Operational Efficiency, Inventory Management System, Business Process, Workflow Management, Strategic Decision-Making, Capacity Management, Prioritization, Service Level, Resource Utilization, Innovation
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Organizational Strategy, Manufacturing Operations, Operational Analysis, Business Operations, Supply Chain, Inventory Management System, Process Analysis, Decision Making, Strategic Decision-Making, Business Strategies, Cost Benefit Analysis, Demand Planning, Capacity Management, Service Level
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Quality Management, Project Management Life Cycle, Requirements Analysis, Project Scoping, Project Closure, Project Management, Project Planning, Agile Project Management, Continuous Improvement Process, Project Controls, Backlogs, Milestones (Project Management), Project Risk Management, Stakeholder Analysis, Quality Assessment, Team Management, Agile Methodology, Change Management, Interviewing Skills, Professional Development
Build toward a degree
Beginner · Professional Certificate · 3 - 6 Months

Fundação Instituto de Administração
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Process Improvement, Revenue Management, Process Analysis, Business Operations, Lean Six Sigma, Lean Methodologies, Operational Performance Management, Operational Efficiency, Continuous Improvement Process, Service Management, Quality Management, Strategic Planning, Capacity Management
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Skills you'll gain: Strategic Sourcing, Lean Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, Demand Planning, Procurement, Supplier Relationship Management, Forecasting, Lean Methodologies, Process Improvement, Supplier Management, Operations Management, Purchasing, Production Process, Supply Management, Supply Chain, Warehouse Management, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory and Warehousing, Inventory Management System, Logistics
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

Illinois Tech
Skills you'll gain: Process Improvement, Process Management, Business Process, Business Process Management, Process Analysis, Business Process Improvement, Performance Improvement, Quality Improvement, Continuous Improvement Process, Process Mapping, Quality Management, Workflow Management, Operational Excellence, Return On Investment, Change Management, Performance Measurement, Risk Management, Business Technologies, Project Management, Pareto Chart
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 3 Months

Skills you'll gain: Process Analysis, Business Process, Business Analysis, Workflow Management, Process Management, Process Flow Diagrams, Business Process Modeling, Stakeholder Management, Stakeholder Analysis, Computer Literacy
Beginner · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours

University of Pennsylvania
Skills you'll gain: Descriptive Analytics, Business Analytics, Analytics, Predictive Analytics, Operational Analysis, Business Operations, Data Analysis, Operations Management, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Demand Planning, Forecasting, Simulation and Simulation Software, Business Modeling, Inventory and Warehousing, Process Optimization, Risk Analysis, Excel Formulas, Supply Chain Planning, Decision Making, Strategic Decision-Making
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Skills you'll gain: Google Sheets, Data-Driven Decision-Making, Data Analysis, Business Operations, Resource Allocation, Spreadsheet Software, Automation, Management Reporting, Project Controls, Workflow Management, Data Management
Intermediate · Guided Project · Less Than 2 Hours
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Skills you'll gain: Operations Management, Supply Chain, Continuous Improvement Process, Operations, Process Improvement, Supply Chain Management, Quality Management, Lean Manufacturing, Business Technologies, Process Capability, Statistical Analysis, Inventory Control, Sustainable Business, Network Planning And Design, Statistical Methods, Customer Demand Planning, Vendor Contracts, Process Control, Corporate Sustainability, Program Management
Build toward a degree
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

Harvard Business Review
Skills you'll gain: Process Analysis, Project Management, Project Risk Management, Project Schedules, Process Improvement, Business Process, Continuous Improvement Process, Business Process Improvement, Team Performance Management, Scope Management, Cost Management, Performance Metric, Stakeholder Communications, Business Priorities
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Operations management is the field that focuses on overseeing, designing, and controlling production processes and redesigning business operations in the production of goods or services. It is crucial because it ensures that an organization operates efficiently, maximizing output while minimizing costs. Effective operations management can lead to improved quality, reduced waste, and enhanced customer satisfaction, all of which contribute to a company's competitive advantage.‎
A career in operations management can lead to various roles, including Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Production Supervisor, and Quality Assurance Manager. These positions are essential in industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and retail, where efficient operations are vital for success. Additionally, roles like Project Manager and Business Analyst often require a strong foundation in operations management principles.‎
To succeed in operations management, you should develop a range of skills, including analytical thinking, problem-solving, and project management. Familiarity with supply chain management, quality control, and process optimization is also beneficial. Additionally, strong communication and leadership skills are essential, as operations managers often work with cross-functional teams to implement strategies and drive improvements.‎
Some of the best online courses in operations management include Operations Management, which covers fundamental concepts, and Introduction to Operations Management, which provides insights into managing operations effectively. For those interested in specialized areas, courses like Operations Management in Healthcare- Streamlining Systems can be particularly valuable.‎
Yes. You can start learning operations management on Coursera for free in two ways:
If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in operations management, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎
To learn operations management, start by exploring online courses that fit your interests and career goals. Engage with course materials, participate in discussions, and apply what you learn through practical projects or case studies. Additionally, consider seeking internships or entry-level positions in operations to gain hands-on experience and further develop your skills.‎
Typical topics covered in operations management courses include process analysis, supply chain management, quality control, inventory management, and project management. Courses may also explore strategies for improving operational efficiency, managing resources, and understanding the role of technology in operations.‎
For training and upskilling employees in operations management, courses like Operations Management: Quality and Supply Chain and Sustainable and Resilient Operations Management are excellent choices. These courses provide practical insights and strategies that can be directly applied in the workplace, helping teams enhance their operational effectiveness.‎