AMN430 International Logistics Management


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 2024, Gardens Point, Internal

Unit code:AMN430
Credit points:12
Equivalent:AMX430, IBN410
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

This unit provides an introduction to the logistics functions that allow the planning, procurement, production, movement, distribution and positioning of goods and services for international business. The focus on supply chain management emphasises the requirement of integration of international business activities, and the necessary collaboration between firms to manage not simply the movement and positioning of inventory, but also the management of information, finance, data and knowledge across borders.

Learning Outcomes

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

  1. Explain how traditional logistics functions have been transformed by the development of global supply chains
  2. Describe how varying local environmental conditions affect logistics operations and strategies
  3. Determine strategies to address specific international logistics challenges
  4. Evaluate SCM strategies for different country and industry contexts
  5. Develop greater skills in active listening, group discussion, debating and oral communication, professional report writing, production and presentation

Content

The major topics can be identified below within the unit program:

  • Introduction to supply chain management and logistics
  • Inventory management and risk pooling
  • Logistics network planning
  • Supply chain integration
  • The value of information
  • Strategic alliances
  • Procurement and outsourcing strategies
  • International distribution strategies and supply chain management
  • Global logistics and risk management
  • Coordinated product and supply chain design
  • Customer value and supply chain management
  • Smart pricing
  • Information technology and business processes

 

QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)

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 to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT and equip you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen career.

Knowledge & Technical Skills (KS)
1.1 Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
1.2 Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.

Higher Order Thinking Skills (HO)
2.1 Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
2.2 Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.

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

Teamwork & Self (TS)
4.1 Exercise self-reflection and accountability in applying knowledge and skills for own learning and effective practice.
4.2 Apply teamwork knowledge and skills for effective collaboration across a range of complex activities and contexts.

Social, Ethical & Global Understanding (SE)
5.1 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of ethical and legal principles and practices of business in critically analysing and effectively responding to complex business issues.
5.2 Demonstrate and apply knowledge of socially responsible behaviour in analysing and addressing business issues and critically reflect on the responsibilities and impacts of organisations in national and international business contexts.

Learning Approaches

Two hours of lectures a week; plus one hour of tutorial activity and/or discussion.

Both lectures and tutorials will make use of relevant issues and cases in logistics and supply chain management. The unit will incorporate a component of case study analysis from a required case-book, to extend the theoretical underpinnings developed throughout the unit.

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: Value-Chain (Industry) Report

Students are to research a selected industry and explain how it operates in form of a written industry report. The students must further present their report and findings in form of a 5-minute video presentation.


Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative

Business Capabilities  (AoL goals):  KS (1.1, 1.2) HO (2.1), PC (3.1, 3.2)

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

Weight: 50
Length: 2,000 words (paper) and 5 minutes (video presentation)
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 6
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 5

Assessment: Operations Plan – International Business Expansion

Students are to submit a written report building and expanding on the contemporary international logistics issue. Students need to develop and analyse the overall situation and set out recommendations.


Formative or Summative: Summative

Business Capabilities (AoL goals):  KS (1.1), HO (2.2)

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

Weight: 50
Length: 2,500 words
Individual/Group: Individual
Due (indicative): Week 13
Related Unit learning outcomes: 1, 2, 3, 4

Academic Integrity

Students are expected to engage in learning and assessment at QUT with honesty, transparency and fairness. Maintaining academic integrity means upholding these principles and demonstrating valuable professional capabilities based on ethical foundations.

Failure to maintain academic integrity can take many forms. It includes cheating in examinations, plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, and submitting an assessment item completed by another person (e.g. contract cheating). It can also include providing your assessment to another entity, such as to a person or website.

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.

Further details of QUT’s approach to academic integrity are outlined in the Academic integrity policy and the Student Code of Conduct. Breaching QUT’s Academic integrity policy is regarded as student misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties ranging from a grade reduction to exclusion from QUT.

Resources

Resource Materials

Prescribed text(s)

Simchi-Levi, D. (et al.) (2010). Designing and Managing the Supply Chain: Concepts, Strategies and Case Studies (3rd edn.). McGraw Hill: Irwin, Boston.

Other

Unit Website


This unit also has its own website, at  http://Canvas.qut.edu.au/  where you will find information relevant to the unit and the items of assessment. You will need to access this site to obtain notices, lectures, assessment material, etc. You can extend your knowledge in this wide ranging area by use of the library's own list of Full Text Databases.

Using the electronic resources available through the library and the internet is essential in this unit to allow you to examine current issues in logistics.

Please make use of the online full-text versions of the following journals for additional readings and to provide a resource with some of your assessment:

  • Supply Chain Management: an International Journal (via Emerald)
  • International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management (via Ebsco)
  • International Journal of Logistics Management (via ProQuest)
  • Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics (via Emerald)

Risk Assessment Statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Standards/Competencies

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

QUT Business Capabilities (Postgraduate)

HO (2.1): Critical Analysis

Relates to: ULO3, ULO4, Value-Chain (Industry) Report

HO (2.2): Independent Judgement and Decision-Making

Relates to: ULO3, Operations Plan – International Business Expansion

KS (1.1): Discipline and Professional Practice Knowledge

Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4, Value-Chain (Industry) Report, Operations Plan – International Business Expansion

KS (1.2): Technical, Technological and Research Skills

Relates to: ULO4, Operations Plan – International Business Expansion

PC (3.1): Professional Communication (Written)

Relates to: ULO5, Value-Chain (Industry) Report

PC (3.2): Professional Communication (Oral)

Relates to: ULO5, Value-Chain (Industry) Report

Course Learning Outcomes

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

BN87 Master of Engineering Management

  1. Apply advanced engineering management knowledge, concepts and practices in managing engineering systems and assets
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4
  2. Critically analyse and evaluate complex engineering management problems to achieve research informed solutions
    Relates to: ULO3
  3. Apply systematic approaches to plan, design, execute and manage an engineering management project
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4
  4. Communicate complex information effectively and succinctly, presenting high level reports, arguments and justifications in oral, written and visual forms to professional and non-specialist audiences.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO5, Value-Chain (Industry) Report
  5. Organise and manage time, tasks and projects independently, and collaboratively demonstrating the values and principles that shape engineering management decision making and professional accountability .
    Relates to: ULO5, Value-Chain (Industry) Report, Operations Plan – International Business Expansion

BS11 Master of Business

  1. Demonstrate and apply integrated and advanced discipline and professional practice knowledge, including knowledge of relevant research principles and methods.
    Relates to: ULO1, ULO2, ULO3, ULO4
  2. Apply technical, technological and technical research skills to organise and interpret discipline knowledge, including theory and practice, to investigate business issues.
    Relates to: ULO4
  3. Critically investigate real world business issues and problems drawing on analysis, evaluation and synthesis of discipline knowledge, including theory and practice.
    Relates to: ULO3, ULO4
  4. Exercise creativity and intellectual independence and make informed decisions and judgements in planning, designing, and executing strategic and research-based responses to address real world issues and problems.
    Relates to: ULO3
  5. Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in written forms and using media appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
    Relates to: ULO5
  6. Use information literacy skills and communicate effectively and professionally in oral forms appropriate for diverse purposes, contexts and audiences.
    Relates to: ULO5

EN55 Master of Professional Engineering

  1. Apply advanced and specialist knowledge, concepts and practices in engineering design, analysis management and sustainability.
    Relates to: Value-Chain (Industry) Report, Operations Plan – International Business Expansion
  2. Critically analyse and evaluate complex engineering problems to achieve research informed solutions.
    Relates to: Operations Plan – International Business Expansion
  3. Communicate complex information effectively and succinctly, presenting high level reports, arguments and justifications in oral, written and visual forms to professional and non specialist audiences.
    Relates to: Value-Chain (Industry) Report, Operations Plan – International Business Expansion
  4. Organise and manage time, tasks and projects independently, and collaboratively demonstrating the values and principles that shape engineering decision making and professional accountability.
    Relates to: Value-Chain (Industry) Report, Operations Plan – International Business Expansion