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2025/2026  KAN-CSCAO1003U  Performance Management in Operations

English Title
Performance Management in Operations

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Autumn
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for Markets & Innovation
Programme MSc in Economics and Business Administration - Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Course coordinator
  • Kim Sundtoft Hald - Department of Operations Management (OM)
Main academic disciplines
  • Organisation
  • Accounting
  • Supply chain management and logistics
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 27-06-2025

Relevant links
Learning objectives
The aim of this course is to enable students to provide an in-depth study of a problem of practical and scientific relevance to the area of performance management in operations and supply networks. Students must show this ability through a theoretical review, analysis, and reflection. Specifically, the learning objectives are demonstrated in the exam to the degree to which students can:
  • Limit the scientific paper to a particular level of analysis and theoretical problem.
  • Show a thorough understanding of the relevant theories.
  • Apply relevant theories to produce a clear, consistent, and logical analysis within the focus of the scientific paper.
  • Demonstrate abilities in thoughtfully discussing and reflecting on the analysis.
  • Observe academic conventions with respect to references, style and argumentation.
Prerequisites for registering for the exam (activities during the teaching period)
Number of compulsory activities which must be approved (see section 13 of the Programme Regulations): 1
Compulsory home assignments
To qualify for the ordinary exam, students must complete and receive approval for one required activity.

The first activity is a group presentation where students in groups of 3-5 work with specified curriculum material to create a maximum four-page document and deliver a short PowerPoint presentation in class.

The second activity involves peer feedback in the same group format, requiring a one-page written document and in-class PowerPoint presentation.

Students will not have extra opportunities to get the required number of compulsory activities approved prior to the regular exam. If a student has not received approval for the required number of compulsory activities or has been ill, the student cannot participate in the ordinary exam.

If a student, prior to the retake, is still missing approval for the required number of compulsory activities and meets the pre-conditions set out in the program regulations, an extra assignment is possible. The extra assignment is a 10-page home assignment covering the required number of compulsory activities. If approved, the student will be able to attend the retake.
Examination
Performance Management in Operations:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Home assignment - written product
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Size of written product Max. 10 pages
The paper should be written and structured as a scientific paper. The scientific paper cannot exceed 10 standard CBS pages excluding cover page, references and appendixes. References and citation style should be consistent and are to be formatted following one of the most common citation styles (e.g. APA, Chicago or Harvard).
Assignment type Case based assignment
Release of assignment The Assignment is released in Digital Exam (DE) at exam start
Duration Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Winter
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

The scientific paper should develop a theoretical model with practical application within the allocated subject. That means that you will identify a research gap of practical relevance within your allocated topic. Based on theory and deduction you develop a paper that proposes a model that when applied can help solve or improve a practical problem within your allocated subject and more broadly within the fields of operations management and supply chain management. A mere review of the existing literature is not sufficient. The specific format is flexible, but it is expected that the paper includes:

  • Introduction
  • Literature review
  • Development and presentation of the model
  • Discussion of theoretical and practical contribution
  • Conclusion
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

Performance management is concerned with how managers inside the focal firm and in the wider supply network may apply different measurement practices and management accounting technologies to make strategic oriented design decisions and to control their supply networks.


The overall aim of the course is to develop student's competencies in understanding, developing and reflecting on knowledge of theoretical and practical relevance in and around performance management in operations, buyer-supplier relationships and supply chains.


Resting on an economic rationale, operations management theory, management accounting theory and social- and organisational theories, the course explores three main areas of operations- and supply chain management practice: Measurement and evaluation practices, costing practices and decision making practices.


To achieve the overall aim, an important part of the course is to enable students to provide an in-depth study of a problem of practical and scientific relevance to the area of performance management in operations and supply networks. A central part of the course is therefore also a continued reflection on the academic method, conceptual research, including a literature review, model generating research and reflections.
Research-based teaching
CBS’ programmes and teaching are research-based. The following types of research-based knowledge and research-like activities are included in this course:
Research-based knowledge
  • Classic and basic theory
  • New theory
  • Teacher’s own research
  • Methodology
  • Models
Research-like activities
  • Development of research questions
  • Analysis
  • Discussion, critical reflection, modelling
  • Peer review including Peer-to-peer
  • Students conduct independent research-like activities under supervision
Description of the teaching methods
This course relies on a diversity of teaching methods including case-based and literature-based discussions, student presentations, and traditional lecturing where appropriate. Active student participation, including presentations, is required.
Feedback during the teaching period
Students can get feedback via various sources:
- personal discussion, e.g. in office hours
- short case assignments and exercises
- student presentations
Student workload
Lectures 33 hours
Readings, Excercises, Preparation Exam 173 hours
Expected literature

Course literature is based on a combination of scientific and managerial articles, book-chapters, and case studies. See below for some examples:

 

Figge, F. and Hahn, T. (2012), “Is green and profitable sustainable? Assessing the trade-off between economic and environmental aspects”, International Journal of Production Economics, Vol.140 No.1, pp. 92-102.

 

Hald, K. & Ellegaard (2011) “Supplier evaluation processes: the shaping and reshaping of supplier performance”, International Journal of Operations & Production Management. Vol. 31, No.8, pp. 888-910.

 

Hanson, J.D., Melnyk, S.A., and Calantone, R.A. (2011) "Defining and measuring alignment in performance management", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 31 Issue:10, pp.1089-1114.

 

Kulp, S. L., Narayanan, V. G., & Verkleeren, R. L. (2004). Metalcraft supplier scorecard. Harvard Business School.

 

Melnyk, S.A., Davis, E.W., Spekman, R.E. and Sandor, J. (2010), “Outcome driven supply chains”, MIT Sloan Management Review, Vol. 51 No. 2, pp. 33-38.

 

Tummala, R. and Schoenherr, T. (2011), “Assessing and managing risks using the Supply Chain Risk Management Process (SCRMP)”, Supply Chain Management, Vol. 16 No.6, pp. 474-83.
Last updated on 27-06-2025