PHSC 353: Introduction to Supply Chain Management

Description

COURSE OVERVIEW

Over the years, most businesses have focused their attention on the effectiveness and efficiency of separate business functions such as purchasing, production, marketing, financing, and logistics. The lack of connectivity and the silo nature among these functions, however, can lead to sub-optimal organizational goals and create inefficiency by duplicating organizational efforts and resources. To benefit from the synergy of inter-functional and interorganizational integration and coordination across the supply chain and to facilitate better strategic decisions, a growing number of businesses have begun to realize the strategic importance of planning, controlling, and designing a supply chain as a whole. 

A supply chain consists of all parties involved, directly or indirectly, in fulfilling a customer request. The supply chain includes not only the manufacturer and suppliers, but also transporters, warehouses, retailers, and even customers themselves. Within each organization, such as a manufacturer, the supply chain includes all functions involved in receiving and filling a customer request. These functions include, but are not limited to, new product development, marketing, operations, distribution, finance, and customer service.

Supply chain management (SCM) is the management of a network of interconnected businesses involved in the ultimate provision of product and service packages required by end customers. SCM may be thought of as the management of all activities aimed at satisfying the end consumer; as such it covers almost all activity within the organisation. It has been suggested that it incorporates a number of key success factors which include a clear procurement strategy, effective control systems, and development of expertise. SCM therefore represents and reflects a holistic approach to the operation of the organisation.

COURSE OBJECTIVE(S)

The objectives of this course are to:

• Provide students with an overview of supply chain management and major flows in the supply chain.
• Assist with understanding of the individual processes of supply chain management and their interrelationships within individual companies and across the supply chain.
• Introduce students to the management components of supply chain management
• Equip students with the tools and techniques useful in implementing supply chain management.
• Provide an understanding of the supply chain business processes.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of the Introduction to Supply Chain Management course the students should be able to:

•  Discuss the goal of a supply chain and explain the impact of supply chain decisions on the success of a business.
• Discuss the management components of supply chain and explain their integration to deliver value to a business.
•  Discuss the different supply chain strategies, and explain their advantages and disadvantages. 
• Identify the key supply chain performances metrics, and explain its significance in delivering the end customer needs.
• Discuss and explain the component of supply chain governance; people, process, and technology.