Aims and Characteristics

Programme Aims & Learning Outcomes

Supply chain management focuses on how firms optimise resources in a logistics network that delivers value to end customers. As Hong Kong is a logistics and trading centre of global importance, supply chain management is of particular relevance to many businesses and industries. With the advancement of technological innovation and business analytics, the integration of management knowledge and analytical skills becomes essential for supply chain managers to make effective decisions.

This programme provides students with a well-rounded business education that specialises in supply chain management and analytics. The curriculum aims to develop students’ skills and knowledge in business and supply chain analytics, information technology and innovation, operations and cross-functional management, international business, and transport logistics to meet the current and future needs of logistics and supply chain related industries. The programme emphasises active student participation and industry collaboration.

Programme Characteristics

The programme curriculum is designed to satisfy the demand of logistics and supply chain related industries by producing graduates with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to manage the flows of goods in the global supply chain. In particular, this programme develops students’ awareness of technologies and innovations in supply chain management and helps them to apply their knowledge and skills to cope with various supply chain challenges.

It combines Core Subjects in supply chain management and analytics (e.g., supply chain analytics, logistics technologies and distribution management, digital procurement management, etc.) and a wide range of Elective Subjects in three areas, namely technologies and analytics, supply chain management and international shipping and aviation logistics.

There is a strong emphasis on interactive and student-centred learning methods, including case studies, projects, presentations and simulation exercises. Visits to companies and other organisations are arranged, and practitioners are invited as guest speakers to share their practical experience with students.

All students within the Faculty of Business are encouraged to participate in a range of extracurricular activities, such as leadership training camps, peer tutoring, mentorship and exchange with institutions overseas or in the Chinese mainland.

Each student may be assigned a mentor (an experienced executive or manager in the business world). Mentors provide advice and support and help students to plan their careers and to prepare for their first jobs after graduation.

If students wish, and subject to availability, they can spend a semester studying at another university overseas or in the Chinese mainland, and have the credits counted towards their PolyU degree.

Work-Integrated Education (WIE)

To graduate, every student must complete 100 hours (3 training credits) of WIE. The Department has developed opportunities for students to work in firms either during the summer vacation or as part-timers. Summer placements may be found in Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland or overseas. These, and other forms of work experience, can count towards the WIE requirement.

Professional Recognition (Subject to assessment)

Graduates are granted full exemption from the Professional Qualifying Examination (PQE) (Logistics Stream) of The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Hong Kong (CILTHK).

Graduates with passes in required subjects may satisfy the partial educational requirements for membership of The International Institute of Management (IIM).

They are also granted partial exemption from the qualifying examinations of The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).

Graduates are also qualified to register as Associate Member of The Institute of Purchasing & Supply of Hong Kong (IPSHK).