Supply Chains in Construction

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

170 hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject explores the network of organisations involved, through upstream and downstream linkages, in the different processes and activities that contribute to the production of construction artifacts.

The subject aims to develop your understanding and awareness of the complex nature of these construction supply chains and how they may be better managed to improve productivity, value, efficiency and client satisfaction within the construction industry. You will be introduced to supply chain management and how it can be used to improve the performance of the construction industry. You will also gain some of the skills needed to map these supply chains and identify critical nodes.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Recognise and describe the complex nature of construction supply chains
• Define and map the socio-technical organisation of construction including information and material flows
• Identify and analyse strategies for improving the performance of the construction industry
• Present a convincing argument for adapting current construction industry practices using supply chain management to improve the performance of individual construction firms.

• Class participation (10%), including involvement in class discussion and activities to understand and evaluate construction supply chain performance and the use of supply chain management initiatives to improve the performance of the construction industry.
• Peer review of 800 words (15%) due in week 8, critically analysing the work of others, providing constructive feedback, and demonstrating an understanding of construction supply chains and how supply chain management-related initiatives can be used to improve their performance.
• Professional report equivalent to 3000 words (50%) due in week 10, describing a selection of supply chain management-related initiatives to improve the overall performance of construction projects and firms.
• Class presentation of 15 minutes (25%) held in week 12, communicating recommendations for improving the performance of a construction firm based on an analysis of current performance and a detailed understanding of supply chain management-related initiatives.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On completion of this subject students should be able to:

• Apply theories and principles to specific disciplinary contexts
• Interpret and analyse information
• Demonstrate an ability to think critically, solve problems and make informed decisions
• Critically evaluate the work of others and provide constructive formative feedback
• Communicate in verbal, written and graphic forms appropriate to particular contexts.

Safety boots, safety glasses and a high visibility vest are required for construction site visits in this subject (to be provided by the student)