Individual Essay Writing: Theory of Swift Even Flow

Individual Essay Writing: Theory of Swift Even Flow

Read appropriate material regarding the importance of managing flow and productivity. The key theory to investigate is TSEF (Theory of Swift Even Flow).

The objective of this scholarship is to help you critically evaluate operations management relative to traditional management.

🔹 Key Considerations:

• What is flow and productivity, and why do they matter in operations?
• How does TSEF explain the relationship between flow and productivity?
• What is the difference between Operations Management and Traditional Management?
• How does Operations Management improve flow and productivity, and where does Traditional Management fall short?

Coursework 1 – BRIEF

Individual Assignment (overall weightage - 50% of your total grade)

• Submission Date & Time: Monday 24th March 2025 - 12pm (noon)
• Completed assignments must be submitted in Word format via your Blackboard Module Area by the specified date and time outlined.
• Your assignment should be word-processed with 2,000 words and should include at least 10-15 references to the literature in your chosen area.

SEE THE MODULE HANDBOOK FOR FULL DETAILS, INCLUDING FORMAT, WORDCOUNT PENALTIES ETC.

This material is provided for the use of Ulster University students enrolled in this module and should not be distributed publicly or made available on any publicly accessible website

Structure & Content Guidance

🔹 Introduction

• Background information on the topic; key concepts; outline the scope of the essay.
• Clearly state the main argument: OM is more effective than Traditional Management in optimizing flow and productivity.
• Brief outline - what the essay will cover?

🔹 Main Body

• Traditional Management vs. Operations Management – What’s the Difference?
• Theory of Swift Even Flow (TSEF) – Managing Flow and Productivity
• Traditional Management – Why it Fails at Managing Flow & Productivity
• Integration of Real-World Applications throughout the discussion

Assignment Content Guidance

🔹 Conclusion

• Summary - key takeaways
• Reinforce the importance of TSEF
• Real-world implications—why does this matter for businesses today?

This is NOT prescriptive!!

You can choose your own content

Further Guidance

📌 This is not just a descriptive task—it requires critical analysis.

🔹 Ask Yourself:

✅ How does TSEF reshape our understanding of productivity?

✅ What are the real-world consequences of different management

approaches?

✅ Does Traditional Management still have a place in certain

industries?

✅ What are the limitations of Operations Management—is it always

better?

📌 Use Evidence – Support arguments with real-world case studies / examples and academic sources (refer to Harvard referencing guidelines for in-text citations and reference list).

📌 Avoid Just Summarizing – Instead of just explaining theories,

analyse their impact and compare them critically.

📌 Write in a clear, structured way – Ensure logical flow and strong arguments throughout.

📌 Maintain a formal, academic tone.

Critical Perspective Writing

• Critique the subject- do not advocate: Don’t just support or promote an idea—analyse its strengths and weaknesses.

• Support arguments with literature that has been critiqued:

Support your arguments with evidence from credible sources.

• Use personal and other organisation experience to support arguments: Use real-world examples (your own or from organizations) to strengthen your arguments. 

• Avoid over-generalisation: Be specific and precise in your analysis.

• Use Critical Language: Phrases like “however” or “on the other hand” or “this could be challenged by” show critical thinking 

Reading List

A list of books and articles* have been suggested to get you started

*    Schmenner, R. W. (2012) Getting and Staying Productive, Applying Swift Even Flow to Practice, Cambridge, UK, Cambridge University Press

*    Schmenner, R.W., 2004. Service businesses and productivity. Decision Sciences, 35(3), pp.333-347

*    Schmenner, R.W. and Swink, M.L., 1998. On theory in operations management. Journal of operations management, 17(1), pp.97-113

*    Fredendall, L.D., Craig, J.B., Fowler, P.J. and Damali, U., 2009. Barriers to swift, even flow in the internal supply chain of perioperative surgical services department: a case study. Decision Sciences, 40(2), pp.327-349

*Devaraj, S., Ow, T.T. and Kohli, R., 2013. Examining the impact of information technology and patient flow on healthcare performance: A Theory of Swift and Even Flow (TSEF) perspective. Journal of Operations Management, 31(4), pp.181-192. 

All published information that has been used in the preparation of the essay should be properly referenced.

This material is provided for the use of Ulster University students enrolled in this module and should not be distributed publicly or made available on any publicly accessible websit

Assessment Guidance 

1.  Word count includes in-text references/citations and tables (excluding title page, contents page, reference list, and appendices).
2. Use the Harvard referencing system, including references to relevant sources. Seek support from your Faculty Subject Librarian.
3. Follow assessment guidelines in your Course Handbook/Support Area (e.g., referencing, plagiarism policies).
4. Consider using Studiosity for feedback within 24 hrs.
5. Respect the final Assessment Due Date and Time; late submissions incur penalties (refer to course handbook).
6. Adhere to the word limit to avoid penalties (University Word Limit Policy available in Course Support Area).

Guidance on use of AI for students

To utilize Generative AI Tools like ChatGPT, Google Bard, DALLE-2, and CoPilot, please consult the University guidance available at the provided link.

https://www.ulster.ac.uk/learningenhancement/cqe/strategies/ai/guidance-for- students

It is essential to acknowledge the use of Generative AI tools and include the following statement when doing so: