Master of Supply Chain Management – MSCM

Determining information required for management of the supply chain. Includes a systems dynamics view of production management, process improvement methodologies, supply chain measurements and analysis.

The operational disciplines of the successful organisation are responsible for developing and managing its response to market opportunities and supply chain management is the key to a successful response. This course looks at the role supply chain management has in supporting organisations to create value within supply nets, webs and chains through the relationships created downstream with customers and upstream with suppliers.

Value chains are explored through a supply chain operations management lens. Value chain networks are examined in the context of supply chain collaboration and coordination. The purpose is to provide students with the core principles of value creation and management, and to introduce them to supply chain analytical approaches to facilitate business decision making.

The scientific method will be explored through discussion of alternative research methodologies and the capabilities required to conduct academic research. The course has two interrelated goals; to develop postgraduate study skills and to prepare to undertake a quality or supply chain management research project. Students will develop the skills to synthesise literature, design research processes and structure a research report. During the course students will decide to focus on either a practical application or a more theoretical research project.

Logistics is a foundation block within any successful business. Unless an organisation can manage and coordinate in an integrated manner the movement of materials, information and cash through its business, and those of partner organisations, it is unlikely to outperform its competitors.

Contemporary New Zealand and international agribusiness issues and strategies. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics of agribusiness strategies, structures and institutions in the context of agricultural trade and environmental issues, food and fibre markets and supply chains. Case studies are used extensively throughout the course.

An introduction into the theory and practice of financial management decision making. Students develop and apply financial management techniques to solve business problems.

The concept of life cycle thinking and its application to support decision-making for product systems. The course will provide an overview of the principles and methodology for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) according to the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards, and introduce related environmental footprinting approaches (carbon and water footprinting).

Concepts of and the major approaches to quality improvement. The full range of quality improvement methodologies, tools and techniques as well as team-based problem-solving methods.

All organisations are required to effectively manage the quality of their goods and services, and that of the processes and systems that produce or deliver them. This course introduces the key principles of quality systems and their control and management. This includes core definitions, key theories, relevant standards, documentation requirements, and associated tools, methods and principles for managing and controlling quality.

An empirical supply chain management research investigation. During this course students will develop intellectual independence by conducting supply chain research. Supervision will be provided to guide students, however, the responsibility for framing and conducting the investigation will be the student’s alone. Students will develop the skills to articulate, analyse and evaluate their research findings.