BA 302Supply Chains

3 credits · Business Administration · Penn State

BA 302 provides non-business students with an introduction to the issues and decisions routinely faced by supply chain managers and the impact of effective supply chains on today's business environment. Using the Supply Chain Operations Reference model as a framework, this course considers how successful firms plan, integrate and execute sourcing, manufacturing, customer fulfillment, reverse logistics and sustainment processes across a complex marketplace to provide value to the customer. The course looks at the interplay and coordination of product, financial and information flows through a supply chain resulting in value creation for the customer and competitive advantage for the firm. Students will consider the roles of drivers such as cost, quality, time, flexibility, innovation and information sharing in designing supply chain strategies in support of overarching business strategies. Through detailed exploration of models, case studies and real world events, coupled with the application of operations management tools and techniques, the course provides the opportunity to identify and dissect issues, and develop solutions to supply chain challenges not only faced by today's business managers, but also impact the customer. The course examines supply chain organization, implementation and management planning, the evaluation and control of manufacturing processes, and the execution of supplier and customer management activities. Students will use basic information technologies and programs to leverage tools like business process mapping, value indexing, and total cost analysis to aid in the identification and mitigation of supply chain issues in a global business environment. Students will also be exposed to current supply chain issues such as sustainability and the impact of boundary-spanning information technologies as relevant keys to competitive advantage. The course provides the basic supply chain knowledge and skills necessary for the non-business major to be an effective member of a cross functional team in a professional business environment while providing a level of understanding to benefit the student in navigating the complex customer fulfillment issues present as a consumer of goods and services in today's globally connected marketplace. A student may not receive credit towards graduation for both BA 302 and and SCM 301 .