Rationale

This course introduces students to the discipline of Supply Chain Management which serves as one of the key business functions in various industries of manufacturing, agriculture, service, engineering and health care among others. This course presents a framework for supply chain management which requires cross-functional integration of key business processes within the organisation and across the network of firms that comprise the supply chain. It aims to provide an understanding of the fundamental concepts of supply chain management, as well as, an examination of the drivers for better product development and lower cost in the context of a well-managed supply chain. The students will become familiar with key supply chain processes, logistics in supply chain management, supply chain strategy and supply chain performance and measurement among others. 

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be expected to:
(i)    Describe how supply chain is managed in various projects. 
(ii)   Design an effective supply chain strategy, using the right methodology and structures.
(iii)  Define the role and significance of supply chain management in today’s business and economy.
(iv)  Identify the primary differences between logistics and supply chain management.
(v)   Explain the management components of supply chain management and the tools and techniques useful in its implementation.
(vi)  Outline the wide scope of functions, principles and concepts in supply chains.
(vii) Identify the resources and planning involved in managing a supply chain.
(viii) Describe the role of manufacturing and the types of production systems. 
(ix)  Describe how logistics support manufacturing and therefore how products move from manufacturer to consumer and the role of warehousing.
(x)   Discuss the basic characteristics of different types of supply chains.
(xi)  Explain how supply chain management relates to customer satisfaction, lower costs and improved performance and product.
(xii) Describe the use and implementation of software systems in improvement and decision-making processes.