BUSN2046 Operations and Supply Chain Management

Globalisation is resulting in more business opportunities than ever before. As a result, the business environment is becoming increasingly competitive. To remain both responsive to customers and cost effective, businesses need to have a clear understanding of the internal factors that impact their business operations, and a sound knowledge of the linkages they share with supply chain partners.

This topic provides an introduction for students with an interest in operations, logistics and supply chain management (SCM). As such, the topic outlines the basic functions associated with both internal business operations and the key elements involved in management of the supply chain.

This topic aims to:

• Provide students with an introduction to the importance of operations and supply chain management
• Provide students with an appreciation of the link between corporate strategy and operations and SCM
• Teach students to understand business processes, process performance measures and six sigma methodology
• Provide students with the skills to recognise the importance of quality and associated dimensions and costs
• Introduce students to the linkages in the supply chain, allowing them to appreciate the importance of forecasting, sourcing, purchasing and logistics
• Demonstrate the need for planning and controlling within the operations and SCM functions, including inventory management analysis and approaches

1. Understand the importance of operations and supply chain management
2. Explain the relationship between business strategies and functional strategies and the concept of strategic alignment
3. Appreciate the role of operations and supply chain management in creating customer value
4. Clearly identify the importance of quality management
5. Apply operations and supply chain concepts to actual business scenarios