Year
2020
Units
4.5
Contact
1 x 3-hour workshop weekly
Assumed knowledge
Basic use of Excel spreadsheets.
Course context
Included in the list of optional topics within the International Business specialisation of the Bachelor of Business (International Business)

Included in the list of optional topics within the Management Specialisation of the Bachelor of Business (Management)
Topic description
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.
Educational aims
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.
Expected learning outcomes
Students successfully completing this topic should be able to:

    Understand the importance of operations and supply chain management

    Explain the relationship between business strategies and functional strategies and the concept of strategic alignment

    Appreciate the role of operations and supply chain management in creating customer value

    Clearly identify the importance of quality management

    Apply operations and supply chain concepts to actual business scenarios