Course description
This course will provide the analytical framework for assessing the nature and challenges of operating global supply chains. It focuses on the primary activities of global supply chains, distribution and inventory management, and the supporting activities of document management and procurement. It examines how to obtain and manage resources to deal with international suppliers, transportation intermediaries, and government agencies, and how to maintain optimum efficiency in the production, inventory control, and delivery of goods in the international marketplace.
Course content
1. Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management
- Supply Chain Management Processes and Challenges
- Optimizing Customer Value
- Using Information Technology (IT)
2. Planning the Global Supply Chain
- Supply Chain Plan Essentials
- Supply Chain Strategy Development
- Implementation of the Strategy
3. Managing Procurement and Sourcing
- Global Sourcing
- Adapting and Improving the Sourcing Process
- Forming Partnerships and Alliances
- Outsourcing Company Activities
- Negotiating with Suppliers
- Compliance with International Law
- Working with Customs Brokers
- Managing documents for international trade transactions
- Becoming a Supplier
4. Incoterms
- Incoterms: Descriptions and Purposes
- Choosing the Right Incoterm
- Other Sales Terms
- Documentary Credit
5. Production Management
- Planning Production Activities
- Managing Manufacturing Performance
- Meeting Standards and Regulations
- Release Procedures
6. Inventory Management
- The Basics of Inventory Management
- Maintaining Optimum Inventory Levels
- Planning Inventory Storage Locations
- Centralized and Decentralized Warehousing
7. Managing Delivery of Goods and Services
- Processing Orders
- Planning Transportation
- Limiting Export Responsibilities
- Using Foreign Cargo Facilities
- Clearing Foreign Customs
- Working with Transportation Intermediaries
- Receiving Payment After Delivery
- Delivery of Services
8. Managing Intermediaries
- Freight Forwarders
- Transport Specialists
- Trading Houses
- Third-Party Logistics Companies
- Customs Brokers
- Financial Institutions
- Cargo Insurance Underwriters
9. Managing Returns
- The Reverse Supply Chain (Reverse logistics)
- Managing the Returns Process
- Outsourcing the Returns Process
- The circular economy
10. Managing IT
- Supply Chain Information Systems
- The Internet and E-Commerce
- Implementing e-Commerce Technology
11. Trade Documentation
- International Trade Documents
- Commercial Documents
- Transport Documents, Certificates and Official Documents
12. Supply Chain Security and Risk Management
Means of assessment
Assessment will be in accordance with the Douglas College Evaluation Policy.
| Assignment(s)/Case Study(ies)/Quiz(zes) (Individual) |
10 - 35% |
| Project (Group) |
10 - 35% |
| Mid-Term Examination(s) |
0 - 30% |
| Final Examination |
20 - 40% |
| Participation |
0 - 10% |
| Total: |
100% |
Fifty percent (50%) of non-exam assessments must be for individual work.
- Students must achieve a grade of at least 50% on the combined exam components to pass the course.
- Students may conduct research as part of their coursework in this class. Instructors for the course are responsible for ensuring that student research projects comply with College policies on ethical conduct for research involving humans, which can require obtaining Informed Consent from participants and getting the approval of the Douglas College Research Ethics Board prior to conducting the research.
Learning outcomes
At the end of the course, the successful student will be able to:
- prepare and manage all necessary documentation for exporting and importing goods and services;
- procure goods and services and outsource production in international markets in an effective, efficient and compliant manner;
- determine requirements and make arrangements for efficient and effective transportation of goods in a timely manner, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements;
- ensure preparation of goods for transportation in a manner that minimizes risk, maintains condition of the goods and complies with regulations;
- implement inventory management strategies that address the use of international suppliers and the needs of international buyers and customers;
- provide products and services to global buyers to meet the needs of clients’ project and comply with local legal requirements and cultural customs; and
- use the tools necessary to develop strategic plans that incorporate the key elements of successful global supply chain operation.
Textbook materials
Textbooks will be chosen from the following list:
- Hult, Tomas; Closs, David; and Frayer, David. Global Supply Chain Management. McGraw-Hill Education (Latest edition).
- Global Value Chain Management. Forum for International Trade Training (FITT, latest edition, Free eBook download for students registered with FITT).
And/or any alternative textbook that has been approved by the Business Management department.