Overview
This course examines the integrated management of operations and supply chains in manufacturing and service organizations. Topics include operations strategy, process design, productivity, capacity planning, facility location and layout, forecasting, inventory control, quality management, scheduling, procurement, logistics, transportation, warehousing, supplier relationships, and demand management.
Students apply quantitative and analytical tools, including forecasting methods, economic order quantity, reorder points, safety stock, aggregate planning, network analysis, and performance measurement. Case studies and practical exercises address supply chain integration, digital technologies, risk and resilience, sustainability, ethical sourcing, global networks, omnichannel distribution, lean systems, just-in-time practices, contemporary disruptions, and circular supply chains.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse operational processes to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and sources of waste.
- Evaluate operations strategies and process designs against organisational objectives and customer requirements.
- Apply forecasting, inventory, capacity, aggregate planning, and network analysis techniques to operational decisions.
- Develop evidence-based recommendations for inventory policies, capacity allocation, sourcing, logistics, and facility configuration.
- Interpret operational performance indicators and assess their implications for productivity, quality, cost, service, and responsiveness.
- Evaluate technology-enabled supply chain solutions, including digital information flows, automation, and analytics.
- Assess supply chain risks and resilience strategies in relation to disruption, global interdependence, and demand variability.
- Propose sustainable and ethically responsible improvements involving procurement, logistics, supplier relationships, and circular supply chains.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Operations process analysis | 15.00% |
| Quiz | Quantitative methods quizzes (5 × 2%) | 10.00% |
| Test | Mid-semester test | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Inventory and capacity planning analysis | 20.00% |
| Capstone | Integrated supply chain improvement proposal | 25.00% |
| Exam | Final examination | 10.00% |
Prerequisites
- BCOM201 Business Research and Decision-Making
- Requirement Prior study in introductory statistics or quantitative methods.
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
