Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 2 2012

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit forms part of the logistics major and provides students with the opportunity to gain knowledge of logistics and supply chain dynamics from an operational perspective. Its purpose is to provide an understanding of operational issues to see how corporate performance can be improved. To achieve this the development of collaborative decision making styles and strong team work skills is practiced.

Aims

A strategic view of the role of operations and logistics will be covered within the context of a contemporary global environment. The subject and assessment is designed around a core simulated activity involving a fictional global consumer product manufacturing firm. Students will form teams early in the semester and will continue in these groups throughout the semester, engaging in consultancy, collaborative and strategic decision making relating to logistics and supply chain processes.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Undergraduate)
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Have knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline (KS)

1.1 Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
1.2 Incorporate the use of technology appropriate to the discipline and context

Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)

2.1 Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue

Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)

3.1 Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
3.2 Communicate effectively through professional oral presentations appropriate to varied contexts and audiences

Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)

4.1 Demonstrate effective team skills in order to contribute appropriately to the production of a group output

Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)

5.1 Apply ethical reasoning, standards or codes of practice relevant to the discipline and make decisions that are informed by social and cultural understanding

Unit Objectives
Upon completion of this unit, you should be able to:

1. Explain concepts, terminology and functions as related to logistics operational activities, such as; Quality Management Processes, Product Development and Procurement, Supply Chain Management and Demand Forecasting.
2. Engage in collaborative decision making processes and team work.
3. Determine operational procedures, strategies and tactics to address global and domestic logistic challenges within a simulated environment.
4. Evaluate and implement logistics strategies and tactics.
5. Formulate recommendations to improve the contribution of logistics operational management to corporate performance.
6. Communicate business analysis and operational decisions in a seminar setting and in written form.

The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.

Content

This unit presents a strategic approach to logistics operations functions, specifically in which these functions are performed in a global environment. The range of topics include; frameworks of logistics operations; global operational strategies; supplier network development; physical distribution, warehousing, TQM, Lean and JIT philosophies; global supply chain considerations; network designs; risk management; logistics information technologies (LIT); performance management and evaluation, theory of constraints, critical control points and global organisational structures.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Assessment
General Assessment Information
The content is delivered in a 3 hour seminar format, providing for content delivery, student team discussions, computer lab exercises and student presentations. Content delivery introduces the core concepts, functions and procedures of logistics operations management. Team discussions provide time for students to review simulated data, evaluate and implement logistics strategies and tactics and formulate recommendations to improve simulated corporate performance. The seminar also provides a platform for student team presentations.

Feedback to students

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class; personal consultation

Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets); written commentary

Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation

Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation

Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary

Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation

Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment name: Report
Description: Description: A 1500 word report. Covers content Week 1 - Week 5 and specifically related to first two simulated activities and results. Feedback/grades to be provided in Week 7.
Length/Duration: 1500 words
Formative or Summative: Formative
Weighting: 30%
Due Date: Week 6 - Friday Assignment Minder
Relates to objectives: Relates to learning outcomes: Unit Objectives: 1, 2 & 3 and AoL's: KS (1.1), KS (1.2), CTA (2.1)
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6

Assessment name: Presentation (Oral or Group)
Description: Assessment Name: Final Consultants Report and Presentation
Description: A 2000 word group report. Covers content Week 1 - Week 10 and specifically related to all simulated activities and results. A 15 minute group presenation relating to the report. Feedback/grades to be provided in Week 12.
Length/Duration: 2000 words written paper (Report) and 15 minutes oral presentation.
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Weighting: 40% - Comprising - 30% Report, 10% Oral Presentation
Due Date: Week 11 - Handed to tutor at end of Consultant Presentation
Relates to objectives: Relates to learning outcomes: Unit Objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6 and AoL's: KS (1.1), KS (1.2), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), PC (3.2), TW (4.1).
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Group
Due date: Week 11

Assessment name: Examination (written)
Description: Description: A 1.5 hour + 10 minute Perusal, closed book exam, covering all content from Week 1 - 12. Choice of (3) Short Answer from (5) options and (1) case study.
Length/Duration: 1.5 hour + 10 minute Perusal
Formative or Summative: Summative
Weighting: 30%
Relates to objectives: Relates to learning outcomes: Unit Objectives: 1, 4 & 5 and AoL: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), SEU (5.1)
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Other resources
Boyer, K.K. & Verma, R. 2010. Operations and Supply Chain Management for the 21st Century. South-Western Cengage. - Available in the Reserved Section of the Library.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 06-Jul-2012