University of Technology Sydney

21797 Strategic Supply Chain Management

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: Management
Credit points: 6 cp

Subject level:

Postgraduate

Result type: Grade and marks

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

Description

Strategic supply chain management concerns the effective design and long-term planning of a network of interconnected businesses involved in the provision of products and services to the end-users. This subject introduces students to the philosophy of supply chain management with the main focus placed on how to view the supply chain as a strategic asset. A broad range of topics is covered including supply chain network design, integrated supply chain planning and optimisation, supply chain performance analysis, strategic sourcing and supplier management, lean supply chains, sustainable supply chain practices, and supply chain uncertainty.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:
1. Evaluate the strategic purpose of supply chain management and its relationship with tactical and operational decisions,
2. Understand and analyse the challenges facing various industries in design and long-term planning of complex supply chains,
3. Develop and apply a range of quantitative techniques for effective supply chain performance analysis, and
4. Appraise and evaluate emerging initiatives for strategic supply chain management.

Contribution to the development of graduate attributes

This subject develops a range of core business skills through the analysis of a series of case studies of national and international supply chains. The techniques developed are grounded in both quantitative and qualitative forms of analysis. The quantitative techniques, in particular, develop the student's capacity in the analysis of problems in complex situations with high levels of uncertainty. The subject explains the scope of the area and the emergence of supply chain management and sustainability as a key strategic function within businesses. A number of case studies are used to demonstrate issues, and enable students to apply leading-edge techniques to contemporary business situations.

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

  • Intellectual rigour and innovative problem solving
  • Social responsibility and cultural awareness

This subject also contributes specifically to develop the following Program Learning Objectives for the Master of Strategic Supply Chain Management:

  • Apply critical thinking and advanced analytical skills to develop creative solutions that respond to community, Indigenous and business needs within a strategic supply chain management context (1.1)

  • Evaluate and apply principles of law, ethics, sustainability and Indigenous values as strategic supply chain managers (3.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject is taught using a combination of lectures, discussions, and case analysis. These are supplemented with both printed and electronic learning materials and resources. The learning management system is utilised to share information and encourage interaction between staff and students. Students also use appropriate computer software such as Excel spreadsheet and Word processor to complete assigned tasks.

Content (topics)

  • Decision making at the strategic, tactical and operational supply chain management
  • Integrated supply chain planning and optimization
  • Strategic sourcing and supplier management
  • Lean supply chain practices Sustainable supply chain management Supply chain uncertainty

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Case Analysis (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

2 and 4

Weight: 30%

Assessment task 2: Research Assignment (Group)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2, 3 and 4

Weight: 30%

Assessment task 3: Project (Individual)

Objective(s):

This addresses subject learning objective(s):

1, 2, 3 and 4

Weight: 40%

Minimum requirements

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

Required texts

  1. Chopra, S. and Meindl, P. (2019) Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning and Operation, 7th ed. Pearson (Recommended).
  2. Jacobs, F. R. and Chase, R.B. (2021), Operations and Supply Chain Management, 16th ed., McGraw Hill Education.

Recommended texts

References

Books:

  • Chopra, S. and Meindl, P. (2015) Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning and Operation, 6th ed. Pearson (Recommended).
  • Jacobs, F. R. and Chase, R.B. (2018), Operations and Supply Chain Management, 15th ed., McGraw Hill Education.

Selection of Journals:

Supply Chain Management: An International Journal

Journal of Supply Chain Management

European Journal of Operational Research

Journal of Operations Management

Management Science

Academy of Management Journal

Academy of Management Review

Production and Operations Management

Transportation Research (all parts)

International Journal of Production Economics

Decision Sciences