Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

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

Rationale

This unit provides an introduction to the logistics functions that allow the planning, procurement, production, movement, distribution and positioning of goods and services for international business. The focus on supply chain management emphasises the requirement of integration of international business activities, and the necessary collaboration between firms to manage not simply the movement and positioning of inventory, but also the management of information, finance, data and knowledge across borders.

Aims

The aim of this unit is to provide knowledge of current issues relevant to international logistics management; and to use a case study approach to make students aware of the importance of logistics in modern business practices.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Postgraduate)

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 Well-researched knowledge and critical understanding applied to issues at the forefront of a specialised discipline area
1.2 Ability to select and use effectively a range of tools and technologies to locate and/or generate information appropriate to the disciplinary context

Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)

2.1 Apply logical, critical and creative thinking and judgement to generate appropriate solutions to problems in the disciplinary context

Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)

3.1 Ability to create and present professional documents and/or reports using high levels of analysis/synthesis/evaluation for a range of contexts and audiences
3.2 Ability to orally communicate and justify ideas and information, at a professional level, for a variety of contexts and audiences, including peers and discipline specialists

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

4.1 Operate effectively and with flexibility to achieve common goals in collaborative settings, using a range of skills, including leadership, negotiation, reflection, proactivity and support for team members

Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)

5.1 Apply knowledge of the ethical, social and cultural dimensions relevant to business situations, including appropriate standards or codes of practice, to provide courses of action

Unit Objectives
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

1. Explain how traditional logistics functions have been transformed by the development of global supply chains
2. Describe how varying local environmental conditions affect logistics operations and strategies
3. Determine strategies to address specific international logistics challenges
4. Evaluate SCM strategies for different country and industry contexts
5. Develop greater skills in active listening, group discussion, debating and oral communication, professional report writing, production and presentation

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

Content

The major topics can be identified below within the unit programme.

• Introduction to Supply Chain Management and Logistics


• Logistics Network Configuration

Inventory Management and Risk Pooling

• The Value of Information


• Supply Chain Integration


• Strategic Alliances


• Procurement and Outsourcing Strategies


• International Issues in Supply Chain Management


• Coordinated Product and Supply Chain Design


• Customer Value and Supply Chain Management


• Information Technology for Supply Chain Management


• Goals for the Logistics Manager


• Decision Support Systems for Supply Chain Management


• Technology Standards, GS1 and Trends in Logistics

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Two hours of lectures a week; plus one hour of tutorial activity and/or discussion.

Both lectures and tutorials will make use of relevant issues and cases in logistics and supply chain management. The unit will incorporate a component of case study analysis from a required case-book, to extend the theoretical underpinnings developed throughout the unit.

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: Presentation and Paper
Description: Paper on a specific question allocated and a presentation.
Length: 1,000 words (paper); 15 minutes (presentation)
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 5 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1), (3.2)
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 4-13 tutorials


Assessment name: Examination
Description: Short answer questions on the units work.
Length/Duration: 2 hours + 10 minutes perusal
Formative or Summative: Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1).
Weight: 40%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Central Exam Period


Assessment name: Examination (multiple choice)
Description: Description:Multiple choice examination.
Length/Duration: One hour
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Relates to learning outcomes:Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), (1.2), CTA (2.1)
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Week 6


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

Prescribed Text
Simchi-Levi, D. (et al.) (2010). Designing and Managing the Supply Chain: Concepts, Strategies and Case Studies (3rd edn.). McGraw Hill: Irwin, Boston.

Unit Website and Use of the Internet
This unit also has its own website, at < http://blackboard.qut.edu.au/ > where you will find information relevant to the unit and the items of assessment. You will need to access this site to obtain notices, lectures, assessment material, etc.. You can extend your knowledge in this wide ranging area by use of the library's own list of Full Text Databases.

Using the electronic resources available through the library and the internet is essential in this unit to allow you to examine current issues in logistics.

Please make use of the online full-text versions of the following journals for additional readings and to provide a resource with some of your assessment:


• Supply Chain Management: an International Journal (via Emerald)


• International journal of physical distribution and logistics management (via Ebsco)


• International Journal of Logistics Management (via ProQuest)


• Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics (via Emerald)


Other References

• Ballou R. H. (2004). Business Logistics Management (5th edn.). Pearson Education Australia.


• Bowersox, J. (et. al.) (2002). Supply Chain Logistics Management. McGraw Hill, Boston.


• Christopher, M. (2011) Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Creating Value Added Networks (4th edn.) Pearson


• Coyle, J. (et al.) (2003). The Management of Business Logistics - A Supply Chain Perspective (7th edn.). Thomson South-Western.


• Gourdin, K. (2001). Global Logistics Management: A competitive advantage for the new millennium. Blackwell, Oxford, UK.


• Mangan, J., Lalwani, C., Butcher, T. (2008) Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management. John Wiley and Sons.


• Oakden, R., Leonaite, K. A (2011) Framework for Supply Chains: Logistics Operations in the Asia-Pacific Region (1st edn) McGraw Hill.


• Taylor, D. (2001). Global Cases in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Nelson, UK.
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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: 11-Jan-2013