The module is designed to prepare you to apply business strategies, analytical methodologies and information technology in supply chain management. Traditionally industries have focussed on operation evaluation and performance improvement of mainly the manufacturing process; however, the deficiency of supply chain coordination results in severe downgrade of business competitiveness. With advent of information technology, computers not only improve manufacturing operation and management and also strategic decision-making as well. This course focuses on the systems approach to the planning, analysis, design, development, and evaluation of supply chain and e-logistics management.

• Introduce principles and approaches to enhance knowledge and experience in management decision-making in business logistics.
• Study modern technology to reduce cost and improve service in supply chain management.
• Carry out project and research on information access, information coordination, and information processing for supply chain management in manufacturing and service industries.

You will not be learning dry, abstract concepts or theories, but will be given practical situations and case studies from a number of industries to stimulate your thinking for solutions in the analysis of your own organisation’s supply chain operation. The learning contents are designed to be comprehensive and illuminative. If you are merely a consumer or customer, this study will help make you more perceptive and more understanding of the constraints and strengths of supply chain management and e-logistics.

On completion of this module, students should be able to:

• Develop knowledge of principles, concepts, and methods in the management of supply chain from a systems perspective.
• Develop capabilities for understanding, assessing, and resolving human, technical, and administrative issues for supply chain management.
• Develop managerial leadership and competency in managing a supply chain.
• Develop capabilities for case study and analysis of contemporary supply chain management.

• Introduction to supply chain management (SCM)
• Designing supply chain network
• Planning and managing inventories
• Coordination and distribution
• Supply chain integration
• Strategic alliances
• Procurement & outsourcing strategies
• Product and supply chain design
• Information technology for SCM
• New development and challenges

• In-class participation (30%)
  Participation in class discussion, group discussion, presentation and playing a proactive role in other in-class activities
• Individual written assignments (30%)
• Group project (40% = 20% report + 20% presentation)
  Project topics will be either assigned by lecturer or proposed by project members (with lecturer’s approval). It is required to give a 20-minute presentation of the written report followed by Q&A.

Note: Students are required to fulfill a minimum attendance requirement of 70% for the purpose of applying for the Continuing Education Fund.