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2026/2027  KAN-CSCAO1003U  Performance Management in Operations

English Title
Performance Management in Operations

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory (also offered as elective)
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 01-02-2026

Relevant links
Learning objectives
The aim of the course is to enable students to analyse and solve problems of practical relevance in performance management in operations and supply networks by applying relevant course theories, concepts, and methods. This includes both quantitative calculation-based analysis and qualitative, theory-informed reflection, and it may lead to the development of new or adjusted frameworks of theoretical and practical significance. Specifically, the learning objectives are demonstrated in the exam to the degree to which students can:
  • Define and delimit a performance management problem
  • Demonstrate understanding of key theories and concepts
  • Perform and explain relevant quantitative analyses and calculations
  • Conduct qualitative analysis and theory-informed reflection
  • Integrate quantitative and qualitative insights to support decision-making
  • Assess implications and limitations of measurement and costing approaches
  • Communicate clearly and professionally
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.
This activity is a group presentation in which students, working in groups of 3–5, use specified curriculum material to answer a question and to create and deliver a PowerPoint presentation in class. To receive approval, students must participate in person during the presentation, contribute actively to the creation of the PowerPoint, and take part in the classroom dialogue. Furthermore, the presentation must address and answer the formulated question in a comprehensive and satisfactory manner using the course curriculum.
Students will not be given additional opportunities to have compulsory activities approved before the regular exam. If a student has not received approval for the required compulsory activity, or has been ill, the student cannot participate in the ordinary exam.
If a student is still missing approval for the required compulsory activity prior to the retake, and meets the preconditions set out in the programme regulations, an extra assignment may be offered. This extra assignment is a 10‑page home assignment covering the required compulsory activity. If approved, the student will be eligible to attend the retake.
Examination
Performance Management in Operations:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Written sit-in exam on CBS' computers
Individual or group exam Individual exam
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration 4 hours
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period Winter
Aids Limited aids, see the list below:
The student is allowed to bring
  • USB key for uploading of notes, books and compendiums in a non-executable format (no applications, application fragments, IT tools etc.)
  • In Paper format: Books (including translation dictionaries), compendiums and notes
The student will have access to
  • Canvas
  • Basic IT application package
  • The personal drive (S-drive) on CBS´ network
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
The number of registered candidates for the make-up examination/re-take examination may warrant that it most appropriately be held as an oral examination. The programme office will inform the students if the make-up examination/re-take examination instead is held as an oral examination including a second examiner or external examiner.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

Performance management concerns how managers within the focal firm and across the wider supply network apply measurement practices and management accounting technologies to support strategically oriented design decisions and to control and coordinate supply networks.

 

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

 

Building 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.

 

Through the course curriculum, students learn to identify, analyse, and solve problems of practical relevance related to performance management and decision-making in operations and supply networks. This includes applying both quantitative and qualitative forms of analysis, selecting and using appropriate concepts and tools, and translating analysis into well-argued managerial recommendations.

 

An important part of the course is also to enable students to reflect critically on course theories and their assumptions, and to develop new or adjusted frameworks of theoretical and practical significance that can inform performance management in contemporary operations and supply networks.
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
Further Information

Minor changes may occur to this course description until 30 June.
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 01-02-2026