210708 Problem Solving in Business Operations using Technologies

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Business
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

There are course requisites for this subject. See access conditions.

Description

Emerging and disruptive technologies are enabling supply chain leaders to reimagine and transform their operations towards digital supply chains, as well as solve legacy problems and identify new opportunities. In this subject, students learn about existing and emerging technologies that can be leveraged to create efficiencies in supply chains. The subject introduces students to various ways of identifying, clarifying and analysing problems using industry tools and techniques. Students are prepared to develop innovative supply chain solutions through deployment of creative thinking approaches, core applications and emerging technologies. Students develop the skills to effectively adopt technologies for business operations with an aim to generate maximum, positive impact.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1.	Identify business problems or opportunities where technology may have a positive impact
2.	Analyse different technologies needed for business operations and supply chains whilst managing ethical, professional and cultural aspects
3.	Apply critical thinking and analytical skills using different technology related techniques to solve business problems and identify opportunities in different contexts and domains
4.	Apply theoretical and technical knowledge and skills learned to develop and implement effective business solutions to complex real-world problems through creative thinking and innovation

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

New and emerging technologies are seen as a driver for effectively addressing business problems or to exploit opportunities that arise. Managers are required to identify business problems and opportunities and assess the viability, effectiveness and impacts of such technologies on their business operations. This subject provides you with the skills, capabilities and knowledge to assess a variety of business problems and opportunities, identify possible solutions and assess the viability of each in order to select a preferred option confidently. The subject teaches students the difference between analytical, critical and creative thinking and when each thinking style is appropriate in assessing and selecting technological solutions.

This subject contributes to the development of the following graduate attributes:

Intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving

Teaching and learning strategies

This subject is delivered online using a range of resources, self-directed study and live interactive sessions with the academic. Learners engage in the essential content through a variety of formats (lecture slides, notes, webinars, videos, articles, real case studies) online and learner-led dialogue through online discussions and posts, and interactions via Canvas. The teaching and learning strategies have been designed to enable learners to make progress in their achievement and maximise their accomplishment of the learning outcomes. Various teaching and learning strategies adopted are as follows:

Learners will be expected to read all the assigned readings and media articles, research and identify different technologies and their applications in business operations.
By conducting self-paced study, learners contribute to the discussions on technology adoption and its rules and regulations. This will enhance learners’ ability to progress successfully throughout the subject and complete all assessment items effectively.
The online sessions will provide opportunities for group activities and discussion, self-assessment, peer review and formative feedback from the subject facilitator. Online collaborative sessions with the facilitator will be conducted at a set time.
Formative and summative feedback will be provided to all learners to support and enhance learner performance outcomes via assessments.

Content (topics)

Problem solving, disruption and opportunity assessment in business operations
Analytical tools for problem solving in business operations
Managing customer-centric models of business operations innovation
Technology adoption and resistance theories and change management processes
Rules and regulations for technology providers and use of technologies within an Australian business context
Developing, evaluating and implementing innovative solutions using technologies

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Identification of Problem/Opportunity (Individual)

Weight:	20%
Length:	500 words max, excluding references
Criteria:	Appropriate selection of a real case and related supply chain, identification of a relevant problem/opportunity Critical analysis of the root cause/trigger for the problem/opportunity that can be solved using emerging technologies Communication and clarity of the discussion

Assessment task 2: Technological options analysis (Individual)

Weight:	40%
Length:	1000 words, excluding references
Criteria:	Depth and rigor of analysis conducted to select a range of appropriate emerging technological options Evaluation and justification of the viability and appropriateness of an emerging technology best suited to solve the identified problem/opportunity Communication and clarity of the report

Assessment task 3: Implementation Plan (Individual)

Intent:	Executive summary (20%) Infographic (20%)
Weight:	40%
Length:	Report: 500 words, excluding references Infographic: 1-page (250-word equivalent)
Criteria:	Depth and rigor of analysis in developing an implementation plan Extent of analysis conducted demonstrating success to solve the identified problem/opportunity using the viable technological solution Justify the effectiveness of the implementation plan and reflect on their expectations of successful outcomes Appropriate use and clarity of infographics to explain the implementation plan and viable technological solution

Minimum requirements

Learners must achieve at least 50% of the subject’s total marks.

Required texts

There is no prescribed textbook required.

References

Resources from various sources will be used throughout the course.