Supply Chains in Construction

This subject is not offered in 2013.

Total Time Commitment: 120 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%).
Peer review (15%) of 800 words, due mid-semester.
Professional report (45%) of 2,700 words, due in the second half of semester.
Class presentation (30%) of 15 minutes, due at the end of semester.

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.