MSc in Technology and Operations Management

How to make the right operations decisions, having access to big data, enabled by the latest technology?

Current challenges of operations management relate to people striving to make the right decisions in complex environments while having easy access to large data repositories and being supported by the latest technologies. This program will provide knowledge on how to master these decisions from a managerial perspective, having at the same time an understanding of the technology-related implications, opportunities, and limitations. Graduates will be introduced to data science, developing competencies highly valued by today's and tomorrow's employers like data analysis, visualization, diagnostics, interpretation, and data-driven decision making.

Operations are a core aspect of any business. This program offers insights from real operational processes and socio-technical systems in areas like logistics, manufacturing, services, energy, healthcare, and governance. Graduates learn to identify opportunities, analyze, and diagnose operations-related problems, but also to design, develop, and evaluate solutions.

Through the selection of elective courses, you can focus on the technology impact on operations in specific contexts, for example in energy, healthcare, or digitization and big data use. The program further offers the opportunity to focus on either the Energy Focus area or the Digital Business Focus area.

You can also take the program as a double degree master with Newcastle University (17 months).

Why study this program in Groningen?

This Master's program is unique in the Netherlands and in Europe. There is a strong emphasis on data analysis techniques and how to use data to inform managerial decision making and improvement. Students have the opportunity to choose from various core courses from related master programs such as Supply Chain Management, Change Management, Business administration - Health, Economic Development, and Globalization, and focus areas like Energy and Digital Business.

Program

Year 1

The compulsory courses within the program are data analysis and programming, operations management and control, operations modeling and simulation, and asset management. Students need also to choose one from a group of three courses: behavioral operations management, technology-enabled innovation, or facility design and planning. The other two courses can also be selected as elective courses.

Besides, the mandatory course on research methods provides knowledge and skills in specific research methods used in the field of technology and operations management, such as the design science method and analytical quantitative methods. Next to these courses, students create their own profiles with two elective courses. All courses in the master program reflect a mix of lectures, practical cases, computer practicals, tutorials, guest lectures, company visits, and experiments with real-life data. In the master's thesis project, students produce an academic piece of work and explore the field of technology and operations management in depth.

Courses

• Asset Management (5 EC)
• Behavioral Operations Management (5 EC)
• Data Analysis and Programming for Operations Management (5 EC)
• Elective(s) MSc TOM (10 EC)
• Facility Design and Planning (5 EC)
• Master's thesis TOM (20 EC)
• Operations Management and Control (5 EC)
• Operations Modelling and Simulation (5 EC)
• Research Methods for TOM (5 EC)
• Technology-Enabled Innovation (5 EC)

Study abroad

• Study abroad is optional.

Study abroad is compulsory when you choose the Double Degree Master.

Admission requirements

Dutch diploma

International diploma

Registration procedure

Students have to apply via Studielink and the Online Application System (OAS) of the University of Groningen. After you apply for the program of your choice, the Admissions Office will evaluate your educational background and assess your eligibility. Your application will be assessed on an individual basis.

Application deadlines

Tuition fees

Job prospects

You will be prepared for a career as an operations manager or data analyst in a production, distribution or service environment. You may also pursue a career as a consultant or project manager in the field of process improvement, innovation, and technology of products and processes.

It is possible to work in the industry, the public sector, or in the health sector. Alternatively, you may opt for an academic career and start a career in research at a university (see also the Research Master program). Because all our programs are EQUIS and AACSB accredited, a standard which only 1 % of universities reach worldwide, your degree will be highly valued in the labor market.

FEB Career Services

To support you in developing your career and strengthen your employability skills, our FEB Career Services empowers you to achieve lifelong success through various career services during your studies.

Job examples

• Supply Chain Analyst
• Logistics Engineer
• Process Engineer
• Project manager
• Maintenance manager
• Quality Engineer
• Production Planner
• Technology manager
• Consultant in the field of innovation or technology
• Research-oriented positions

Research

Linking education to research and career preparation

Our education is strongly rooted in business practice and society. Also right from the start of your degree program attention is paid to academic research and pre-professional development. This dual approach - research orientation and professional skills - is not contradictory; any career that a student may aspire requires an analytical mind and a scientifically critical attitude, along with the problem-solving capabilities necessary in business.

In collaboration with external partners, we conduct research projects on e.g smart industries, modeling port-related operations, maintenance, planning/scheduling/simulation, inventory and e-logistics, and lean operations.