Overview
This applied course examines the measurement, recording, safeguarding, and reconciliation of physical inventory across operational and financial systems. Topics include inventory classifications, stock records, perpetual and periodic systems, cycle counting, full physical counts, barcode and RFID workflows, count tolerances, location control, segregation of duties, authorization procedures, receiving and dispatch documentation, cutoff testing, and inventory valuation concepts.
Students investigate discrepancies arising from damage, obsolescence, theft, misplacement, duplicate records, timing errors, unit-of-measure confusion, and data-entry mistakes. Practical work develops competence in designing count instructions, preparing paper and digital count templates, establishing independent verification procedures, reconciling physical quantities with system balances, investigating variances, calculating shrinkage and accuracy metrics, preserving audit trails, and recommending corrective and preventive controls.
Quantitative applications include ABC classification, counting-frequency models, variance analysis, reorder-point concepts, and dashboard reporting. The course emphasizes reliable inventory data, effective internal control, operational accountability, and clear communication with operations, finance, and management.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyse inventory classifications, recording systems, documentation flows, and valuation concepts used in organizational control environments.
- Design controlled count instructions, count sheets, digital templates, tolerances, and verification procedures for varied inventory settings.
- Conduct cycle counts and full physical counts while applying location control, authorization procedures, segregation of duties, and audit-trail requirements.
- Reconcile physical quantities with system balances and calculate shrinkage, accuracy, variance, and related inventory-control metrics.
- Diagnose discrepancies arising from damage, obsolescence, theft, misplacement, duplicate records, timing errors, unit-of-measure confusion, and data-entry mistakes.
- Evaluate the reliability of inventory data, count evidence, system records, and cutoff documentation.
- Assess inventory control weaknesses and formulate corrective and preventive actions supported by operational evidence.
- Apply ABC classification, counting-frequency models, variance analysis, reorder-point concepts, and dashboard reporting to inventory decisions.
- Communicate practical inventory-control findings and recommendations clearly to operations, finance, and management audiences.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Lab | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Fortnightly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | Second term |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Inventory systems and control analysis | 15.00% |
| Quiz | Inventory records, documentation, and control concepts | 10.00% |
| Deliverable | Count instructions and digital count template | 20.00% |
| Test | Controlled counting and reconciliation test | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Variance investigation and metrics report | 15.00% |
| Capstone | Integrated inventory control improvement plan | 20.00% |
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.