Syllabus

MET AD680
Global Service Sector and Supply Chain Strategy

This course provides an overview of the service and supply chain management sectors. Both sectors involve increasing globalization and innovation, while dealing with increased competition, differentiation of consumer preferences, and the interactions of multiple firms. The economies of most industrialized nations are dominated by the service sector, and the management challenges include measuring its performance while constantly changing and innovating. Supply chain management is a critical component of global strategy, and the course covers methods, such as inventory control, and global strategies for on-shore and off-shore manufacturing. This class uses both quantitative and qualitative tools to help manage this complex environment. 4 cr.

Supply Chains
This course provides an overview of the entire flow of information, materials and services from raw materials through suppliers, operations, factories, warehouses, and distributors to the end customers. Competitive strategy involves getting the right products to the consumers (i.e., the marketplace) at the right quality, at the right price, and in the right quantities.

While supply chains have existed from the beginning of time, the fierce competition in today’s global markets, along with shorter and shorter product life cycles have forced business enterprises to invest in and focus attention on their supply chains. Advances in technology are also driving improvements in supply chains, e.g., offshore supply, transportation alternatives such as overnight delivery, instantaneous communication of the status of shipments, and sophisticated information technology systems. 

Book:

There is no textbook for this course, we will use my notes, which are available at lms.bu.edu.

The AD680 Class Schedule is shown below:

The schedule and dates are correct. I am still working on the order of topics, and there are still some topics to be added.

Wk	Mon	Date	Topic
1	Sep	5	Introduction to Supply Chains The Phoenix Case.
2		12	Introduction to Supply Chains Definitions and Terminology
3		19	Logistics. The Teco Case
4		26	Student Team Teco Presentations
5	Oct	03	Introduction to Services
6		10	Service Strategy
7		17	The Mayo Case
8		24	Mid Term
9		31	Inventory & Ordering
		07	Supply Chain Dynamics
12		14	Beer Game
13		21	Bullwhip & Information in the Supply Chain
14		28	No Class -- Thanksgiving
14	Dec	05	The Red balls Experiment
15		12	Last Class Final Projects
16		19	Final Exam

Syllabus Overview

This course provides a systematic and thorough introduction to all aspects of project management. Projects are an increasingly important aspect of modern business, so we begin with the relation between projects and the strategic goals of the organization. The course provides the technical, cultural, and interpersonal skills necessary to successfully manage projects from start to finish. The course emphasizes that project management is a professional discipline with its own tools, body of knowledge, and skills. Concepts are reinforced by case studies covering a wide variety of project types and industries.
The course covers both the managerial and technical skills required to plan projects, acquire the necessary resources, and lead project teams to successful completion. Topics include the strategic role of projects in contemporary organizations; organizational cultures, structures and managerial styles; technical management tools (WBS, network diagrams, estimating times and costs,risks, and earned value); dealing with customers, vendors, and subcontractors; leadership; and managing teams.

An examination of project management concepts, including organizational forms, planning and control techniques, and the role of the project manager. Develops the skills vital to effective management of multidisciplinary tasks through lectures, case studies, and business simulations. (4 cr.)

Here is the cover of the first edition.

 

There are several places from which you can buy the book and the price will be different at each vendor:

Purchase Options:

1) From RW Press, via Lulu:   $45 plus shipping.
To purchase a copy from RW Press, go to:
 
http://www.lulu.com/shop/roger-warburton-and-vijay-kanabar/the-art-and-science-of-project-management/paperback/product-21154914.html

Lulu is a “Print on Demand” (PoD) distributor. When you order from Lulu, they print a copy of the book, which usually takes about 2-3 days. The book is shipped to you using the shipping method you select.

2) At bookstores, including Barnes and Noble and Amazon: $63.15 (plus shipping from places like Amazon). Amazon.com lists the book as “in stock.” However, this is not actually true. If you order from Amazon, they will order a copy from Lulu who will then print it. Amazon will arrange to have the book shipped directly to you from Lulu. Therefore, it is no quicker to order from Amazon.

It is highly recommended that students do not leave the purchase of textbooks to the last minute.