325-321 Supply Chain Management

325-203 Managing Operations.

This subject covers the concepts and practices of the developing field of supply chain management, involving the arrangement of information, goods and services and business relationships within and between organisations in a supply chain. Strategic management thinking in supply terms has moved away from optimising the purchasing of goods and services to focusing on how a company can manage all aspects of supply activity to create the maximum level of competitive advantage. This involves cost savings (through such activities and concepts as economies of scale, open-book pricing arrangements and transparency); improving time-to-market; developing market-leading innovative products and services; and improving both the effectiveness and efficiency of the firm.

• High level of development: written communication; collaborative learning; team work; interpretation and analysis; critical thinking; accessing data and other information from a range of sources; receptiveness to alternative ideas.

• Moderate level of development: oral communication; problem solving; application of theory to practice; synthesis of data and other information; evaluation of data and other information.

• Some level of development: statistical reasoning; use of computer software.

A 2-hour examination (50%) and written assignment(s) totalling not more than 5000 words (50%).

To be advised.