Value Chain Analysis

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

144 hours. It is recommended that students devote 14 hours per week of study to this subject.

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

Food, beverage and fibre value chains are analysed in terms of firm and whole-of-chain performance.

In this subject supply chain and value chain concepts are explained, techniques of mapping and analysing value chains are introduced, and ways of measuring performance are explored. The concepts of chain externalities and chain goods are explained. The subject aims to build capacity to solve problems and make strategic decisions and assess options in logistics, inventory management, location, distribution networks, channel relationships and governance.

On completion of the subject, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate an understanding of the main concepts of value chain analysis and apply relevant tools for mapping and analysis of value chains
• Differentiate supply chain and value chain concepts
• Demonstrate the relationship between supply chain decisions and strategic fit to overall firm success
• Identify and explain the determinants of supply chain performance including their measurement
• Understand the role of logistics decisions in a value chain and be able to apply frameworks for making such decisions
• Understand the role of forecasting and apply relevant forecasting methods
• Demonstrate why relationships and governance are important in value chains that operate effectively
• Understand the whole-of-chain concept inclusive of chain goods and chain externalities as underpinning long term sustainable value chain development

• Assignment 1 (1000 words) due in the first third of the semester (20%)
• Assignment 2 (1000 words) due in the second third of the semester (20%)
• Assignment 3 (3000 words) due in the final third of semester (40%)
• Contribution to discussion forum over 10 weeks (20%)

Chopra, S. and P. Meindl (2013) Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning and Operation (5th ed.). Pearson Global Edition, New Jersey

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

On successful completion of this subject, students should have improved the following generic skills:

• An ability to apply analytical methods, models and tools to organisational and industry-related problems and case studies in the agribusiness value chain
• An ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative data with appropriate discipline-based techniques
• An ability to synthesise background and contextual information leading on to problem definition for analysis
• The ability to articulate investigative findings using face-to-face and digital media
• The ability to analyse and discuss within different forum contexts, the application of theory and core concepts to considered analysis, problem solving and decision making
• The ability to present discussion, analysis and findings using appropriate written communication style
• An ability to apply their heightened understanding of agribusiness issues, problems and challenges to more effective enterprise decision-making and industry resilience and capacity building