Operating Unconventionally' is the theme for The Institute of Operations Management (IOM) Operational Excellence Conference for 2011. The event will be held at Studley Castle in Warwickshire on 11th May and will feature a main conference stream, plus a parallel workshop stream and an exhibition. The conference will provide the opportunity for new thinking, dialogue and networking, and will conclude with a formal dinner. But attendance is limited to 100 so early registration is recommended.
Leonie Edwards, Manager IOM, says 'We have been delighted by our success in attracting a high level speaker line-up on a range of topics likely to stimulate interest and debate across the operations, manufacture and production process. Delegates will receive presentations based on hard earned experience of what has worked well and led to success - and also what seemed to be a good idea that didn't quite come off. They will benefit from the innovative thinking and application of our speakers and their operations.'
IOM has announced details of some of the conference programme content - complete names and details of other papers and workshops will be published closer to the event.
Professor Peter Hines from Cardiff University, will discuss Staying lean - how to create a sustainable lean business. Professor Hines will take a close look at what lean operations are, how they work, and how to generate a sustainable lean operation.
Joanna Davis, Head of Business Operations at Innocent drinks, will describe Creating a world class S&OP process and tell the story of how her company grew in ten years from start-up to the provider of two million smoothies per week in addition to a range of juices, drinks and veg-pots.
Dr Geoff Relph, Director of the Inventory Matters Consulting Group will look at the problems some companies find in reducing inventory levels too much and too soon. His workshop on Why lean inventory fails will identify the problems and pitfalls, and how to avoid them.
Practical and productive strategy (thinking strategically in unconventional times) is the theme addressed by Mark Eaton of Amnis Ltd. This workshop will consider the concepts of Transformation Mapping and will link organisational objectives to practical improvement activities.
Improving cash flow is a key theme in any business operation and Dr Tony Wild of Dawson Berkeley and Partners Ltd will conduct an interactive workshop discussing practical techniques designed to reduce debt and create long term improvement.
Those wishing to attend this event are advised that places will be limited to 100 and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Registration fees are £295 plus VAT for IOM members (including refreshments, conference dinner and B&B accommodation at Studley Castle) or £195 plus VAT for day conference only.
Non-member rates are £395 plus VAT for full package, and £295 plus VAT for day rate - non-member rates include one year's Associate membership of IOM.