Business Operations Along the Supply Chain

Course Description

This unit introduces learners to the end-to-end supply chain and the business operations that enable goods and services to move from source to customer. Learners explore how organisations create value through coordinated operational activity, effective use of resources, customer service, and responsible practice.

Course Objectives

This unit introduces learners to the end-to-end supply chain and the business operations that enable goods and services to move from source to customer. Learners explore how organisations create value through coordinated operational activity, effective use of resources, customer service, and responsible practice.

Key Topics

1. LO1: Understand the structure and purpose of supply chain operations.
2. LO2: Understand how business functions support supply chain performance.
3. LO3: Understand compliance, people and sustainability in supply chain operations.
4. LO4: Be able to analyse a business operation along the supply chain.

Course Outline

Learning Outcomes

1. LO1 Understand the structure and purpose of supply chain operations.
2. 1.1 Explain the stages and flows within a supply chain.
3. 1.2 Differentiate between upstream, internal and downstream operations.
4. 1.3 Describe the roles of key organisations involved in supply chains.
5. 1.4 Explain how customer requirements influence supply chain operations.
6. LO2 Understand how business functions support supply chain performance.
7. 2.1 Describe the contribution of key business functions to supply chain activity.
8. 2.2 Explain how operational performance can be measured using simple key performance indicators.
9. 2.3 Assess how cost, quality, speed, flexibility and dependability affect supply chain performance.
10. LO3 Understand compliance, people and sustainability in supply chain operations.
11. 3.1 Explain the importance of health, safety and security in logistics and supply chain operations.
12. 3.2 Describe the role of teamwork and communication in day-to-day operations.
13. 3.3 Explain how sustainability and responsible business practice influence operational decisions.
14. LO4 Be able to analyse a business operation along the supply chain.
15. 4.1 Map a simple end-to-end supply chain for an organisation.
16. 4.2 Identify operational risks or bottlenecks in the mapped supply chain.
17. 4.3 Recommend practical improvements to increase service, efficiency or resilience.