How to Effectively Teach an Online Graduate Operations Management Course?

This paper introduces practices in teaching an online graduate Operations Management course. A combination of instructional approaches including active learning, cooperative learning and problem-based learning were applied in teaching through threaded discussions, Blackboard Collaborate sessions and project etc. In addition, students developed simulation games in their group project to simulate business operations and dynamics. The design of the games not only helped students quickly gain a conceptual background of the real world operations problems, but also increased the depth of their learning. A rich combination of project work and exposure to engineering practice throughout the curriculum provided excellent vehicles for students to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.