AMB303 International Logistics


To view more information for this unit, select Unit Outline from the list below. Please note the teaching period for which the Unit Outline is relevant.


Unit Outline: Semester 2 2026, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:AMB303
Credit points:12
Pre-requisite:(AMB110 or AMB210) and 96 credit points of completed studies
Equivalent:AMX303
Coordinator:Lars Isaksson | lars.isaksson@qut.edu.au
Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of the teaching period.

Overview

Current and future managers in businesses need to comprehend the role that logistics and supply chain management play in fulfilling the firm's value proposition, in providing goods and services to their customers, and ultimately in enhancing corporate operational and financial performance.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit you will be able to:

  1. Explain concepts, terminology and functions as related to international logistics activities. [KS 1.2]
  2. Determine operational procedures to address logistics challenges. [KS 1.2, HO 2.2]
  3. Evaluate strategies and formulate recommendations to improve the contribution of logistics and supply chain management to corporate performance. [HO 2.1, 2.2]
  4. Communicate business analysis and decisions in written forms. [PC 3.1]

Content

The unit presents the traditional logistics functions and how these functions are performed in a global economy increasingly characterised by extended, coordinated coordinated and digitalised global supply chains. The range of topics include:

  • Overview of international logistics and supply chain management
  • The supply chain management concept
  • Push/pull strategies
  • Information management
  • Just-in-time strategies
  • Strategic alliances
  • Order management and customer service
  • Materials handling and transportation
  • Facilities location
  • Warehouse management and distribution strategies
  • Inventory management
  • Procurement and sourcing
  • Coordinated product and supply chain design
  • Logistics systems controls
  • Reputational capital
  • Circular economy
  • Generative AI applications in logistics and supply chain management. 


QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)

The content and assessment in this unit are aligned to a selection of the following set of QUT Business Capabilities, also known as Assurance of Learning Goals (AoLs). Developing these capabilities will assist you in the achievement of the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.

Knowledge and Technological Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated discipline (including technical) knowledge across the broad field of business with depth in one or more core business disciplines.
1.2 Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real-world business purposes and contexts.

Higher Order Thinking (HO)
2.1 Investigate real-world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise independent judgment and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving, and decision making in diverse contexts.

Professional Communication (PC)
3.1 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
3.2 Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms, appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.

Teamwork and Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection, responsibility, and accountability in relation to own learning and professional practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across diverse purposes and contexts.

Social, Ethical, and Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices in analysing and responding to business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues in national and international business contexts.

Learning Approaches

This unit provides opportunities to engage with core concepts, theories, functions, and procedures of international logistics and supply chain management, with a focus on real-world applications aligned with assessment tasks. You can access unit materials and additional discussion opportunities through Canvas, which complement your engagement and allow you to fully participate in the unit. The unit is designed to guide and support you in achieving the learning outcomes, offering opportunities to explore key content, apply concepts to practical scenarios, and deepen your understanding of logistics and supply chain management through interactive learning. 

Feedback on Learning and Assessment

Students will receive feedback in various forms throughout the semester which may include:

  • Informal: worked examples, such as verbal feedback in class, personal consultation
  • Formal: in writing, such as checklists (e.g. criteria sheets), written commentary
  • Direct: to individual students, either in written form or in consultation
  • Indirect: to the whole class

Assessment

Overview

Students may be required to attend campus or an assessment centre for the purposes of assessment, regardless of the attendance mode for the unit.

Unit Grading Scheme

7- point scale

Assessment Tasks

Assessment: Industry Report

The report requires students to research a selected industry and applicable KPIs, explain how the industry operates, and provide an account of how logistics concepts are applied within that industry. No executive summary or recommendations are needed.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.1), PC (3.1)

Weight: 40
Length: 1500 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 5
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Assessment: International Operations Plan

One case study will be provided to students via Canvas. Students are to analyse a company engaging in international business expansion, describe and calculate the different productivity outcomes from chosen IB-related entry modes, and calculate and reason on the financial results based on the business case in full.

The ethical and responsible use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools is authorised in this assessment. See the relevant assessment details in Canvas for specific guidelines.

This assignment is eligible for the 48-hour late submission period and assignment extensions.

Formative or Summative: Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals): KS (1.2), HO (2.2) PC (3.1)

Weight: 60
Length: 2500 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 2, 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Academic integrity is a commitment to undertaking academic work and assessment in a manner that is ethical, fair, honest, respectful and accountable.

The Academic Integrity Policy sets out the range of conduct that can be a failure to maintain the standards of academic integrity. This includes, cheating in exams, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion and contract cheating. It also includes providing fraudulent or altered documentation in support of an academic concession application, for example an assignment extension or a deferred exam.

You are encouraged to make use of QUT’s learning support services, resources and tools to assure the academic integrity of your assessment. This includes the use of text matching software that may be available to assist with self-assessing your academic integrity as part of the assessment submission process.

Breaching QUT’s Academic Integrity Policy or engaging in conduct that may defeat or compromise the purpose of assessment can lead to a finding of student misconduct (Code of Conduct – Student) and result in the imposition of penalties under the Management of Student Misconduct Policy, ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

The unit draws on a range of learning resources, including textbook chapters from Murphy, P. R. and Knemeyer, A. M. (2018). Contemporary Logistics: Global Edition, 12th Edition. Pearson, NJ; in addition to current business media, industry reports, and scholarly journal articles. These materials provide both foundational knowledge and contemporary insights into international logistics and supply chain management, helping to connect theoretical concepts with current industry practices and global trends. See the unit reading list on Canvas for more information. 

Other

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with this unit. 

Standards/Competencies

This unit is designed to support your development of the following standards\competencies.

QUT Business Capabilities (Undergraduate)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: ULO3, Industry Report

HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making

Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, International Operations Plan

KS (1.2): Technical and Technological Skills

Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Industry Report, International Operations Plan

PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)

Relates to: ULO4, Industry Report, International Operations Plan

Course Learning Outcomes

This unit is designed to support your development of the following course/study area learning outcomes.

BS05 Bachelor of Business

  1. Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Industry Report, International Operations Plan
  2. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Industry Report
  3. Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
    Relates to: ULO3, International Operations Plan
  4. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Industry Report, International Operations Plan

BS06 Bachelor of Business

  1. Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Industry Report, International Operations Plan
  2. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, Industry Report
  3. Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
    Relates to: ULO3, International Operations Plan
  4. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Industry Report, International Operations Plan

BS08 Bachelor of Business - International

  1. Apply technical and technological skills appropriate and effective for real world business purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, Industry Report, International Operations Plan
  2. Investigate real world business issues and situations through the effective analysis, evaluation and synthesis of theory and practice.
    Relates to: ULO3, Industry Report
  3. Exercise independent judgement and initiative in adapting and applying knowledge and skills for effective planning, problem solving and decision making in diverse contexts.
    Relates to: ULO2, ULO3, International Operations Plan
  4. Use information literacy skills, and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes and contexts.
    Relates to: ULO4, Industry Report, International Operations Plan