This course is an introduction to Operations Management with a focus on the public sector. It teaches how managers create public value by delivering services effectively and efficiently. We will examine value considering public welfare and safety, social equity, and resource utilization across a range of services from healthcare to education to transportation.

This course provides students with the theory and practice to design, operate and sustain supply chains that deliver public services. We will explore both product chains (e.g. personal protective equipment for hospitals and school lunches) and service chains (e.g. the delivery of criminal justice and early childhood education). The course begins with an exploration of the critical role of supply chains in service delivery through an examination of successes and failures. Next, the effective management of each link in the supply chain is studied. Then systems thinking is explained to see how comprehensive supply chains are designed and implementation requirements defined. The course concludes with an investigation of sustainable local and global supply chains.

Lobbying is often called the 4th branch of government since this multi-billion dollar industry significantly impacts policymaking. This intensive course provides the opportunity to understand the fundamentals of lobbying while learning firsthand about the lobbying efforts of energy and environmental advocacy groups representing a variety of perspectives.

Autonomous Vehicles technology is advancing at a rapid rate. Public policy to support AV's is struggling to keep pace. For AV's to unlock public and private benefits in mobility, land use and economic development, the right public policies are required. The front lines for these policies are state and local governments.