Business - Supply Chain and Operations
Overview
Build your career in the fast-paced world of supply chain and operations. This diploma program at Lambton College gives you the skills to manage logistics, planning, and efficiency in today’s global economy.
Lambton College’s Business – Supply Chain and Operations diploma is a two-year program that prepares you for one of today’s most dynamic and in-demand industries. Supply chain and logistics professionals keep goods, services, and information moving around the world, and this program gives you the tools to be part of it.
You'll gain a strong foundation in business fundamentals like accounting, marketing, and professional communication while developing specialized expertise in supply chain management and operations. Courses cover strategic planning, purchasing, transportation, inventory, continuous improvement, and the use of technology to streamline processes from raw materials to end consumers.
With a focus on responsible business practices, sustainability, and ethics, you’ll graduate with the skills to think critically, solve problems, and contribute to socially responsible organizations.
Admission Requirements
- O.S.S.D. or equivalent
Mature Student Assessment is available for this program. For more information, please contact counselling@lambtoncollege.ca. Review the Mature Student Admission process.
Academic admission requirements can be obtained through Academic Upgrading and the Pre-Programs at Lambton College.
Costs
- Fees will be determined in Spring 2026.
Scholarships Available
There are 21 scholarships available for this program, with a total value of $34,604!
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
Business Mathematics I
This is a course in the mathematical concepts needed for success in the modern business world. We will study percentages, ratios and proportions, exponents; algebraic manipulation and solution of equations and equation systems; plotting, graphing and reading descriptive charts; deriving and presenting descriptive statistics.
Critical Thinking and Writing
This writing course challenges students to explore diverse opinions and articulate their own perspectives clearly and persuasively. Through critical reading, students will develop skills in synthesis, analysis, comparison, and response, striving for clarity and diplomatic expression of their opinions based on factual evidence. Students will practice various rhetorical strategies of persuasion and hone their writing to ensure precision and accuracy in their messages. This course lays the foundation for a subsequent research-writing course, equipping students with essential skills for academic success.
Workplace Communication Applications and Analysis
In today's management and administration workplace, having strong computer skills is essential. This course provides students with resources and guidance to develop skills in Microsoft Office applications, focusing on three key areas: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. While learning about these programs, students develop skills in time management, accountability, and their ability to follow direction.
Human Resources Management
Effective Human Resources Management (HRM) is critical to the success of organizations today. This course will provide an overview of the key concepts of HR management and will include some history and theory of the HR function and important terminology. It will introduce students to the core competencies of effective HR practitioners and allow for self-assessment against these competencies. We will be discussing core HR practice areas such as Strategic Planning, HR Planning, HR Administration, Talent Management, Training, Learning and Development, Performance Assessment, Total Rewards (including Compensation and Benefits) Employee and Labour Relations and Health and Safety in the workplace. In addition, the course looks at the legal environment for effective HR management, and the role of HRM in mergers and acquisitions and organizational change management.
Marketing Fundamentals
This introductory marketing course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the principles, concepts, and practices of marketing. Marketing plays a critical role in today's business landscape, helping organizations effectively connect with their target audiences, create value, and drive business success. This course explores the fundamental theories and techniques of marketing while also emphasizing the role of sustainability in creating long-term value for businesses, society, and the environment. Students are introduced to various marketing components, including consumer and business buying behaviour, customer segmentation, marketing research, product development, pricing, distribution, and integrated marketing communications.
Accounting Theory and Practice I
This course is an introduction to the theory of accounting and the standard methods of record-keeping. Accounting principles and concepts are emphasized in the preparation of financial statements for both service and merchandising organizations. Topics include preparing and posting journal entries, adjusting and closing accounts, introductory financial statements, bank reconciliation and basic payroll transactions.
Microeconomics
This course provides an understanding of how society chooses what goods and services to produce through an examination of the laws of supply and demand as well as how and for whom they are produced, by examining the behaviour of firms, market structures and the distribution of income.
Job Search and Success
This course provides student with skills and knowledge to help support their career search and succeed in the workplace. Students align their personal skill set and goals to guide them on their career paths. They will learn how to effectively conduct a job search, build a professional and well-tailored resume and cover letter, and develop and practice interview techniques. Students will also develop their personal brand to help support effective career networking and aid in their job search. Teamwork and collaboration in the workplace are also discussed. Self-reflection is used to inspire insight and support their professional career journey.
Communications for Business
This course provides students with the skills required for professional, written, and oral communications essential to business success and subsequent courses. Students will develop database and internet research skills; prepare professional written business communication; and create, practice and deliver professional oral presentations. Students will research and document borrowed information in a business report and will demonstrate critical reading and thinking skills.
Macroeconomics
This course provides an understanding of the role of economics in business decision-making through the study of the methodology of economics, the components of the Canadian economy, cycles in the economy, macroeconomic goals, the measuring of economic performance, and government intervention in the economy as the government attempts to manage the economy.
General Education Elective
Project Management
This course will provide the student with an overview of the structured processes and knowledge areas of project management within the context of a supply chain organizations. It will contrast the differences between operational management and project management. It will provide the student with numerous tools and techniques used to initiate, plan, execute, monitor and control, and close a project. Students learn the vocabulary, definitions, principles and concepts of project management and working in a project team relevant to the supply chain industry.
Operations Management
Operations and supply chain management have evolved into one of today's most important business disciplines. In the dynamic world of manufacturing and service delivery, designing systems more effectively and efficiently is a key source of competitive advantage. This course introduces business students to foundational concepts and practical methods used in the design and operations of manufacturing and service firms. Students explore strategic decisions related to how firms compete including operations strategy, supply chain design, process and facility design, and capacity planning. Students also learn tactical and day-to-day strategies for inventory management, forecasting, resource scheduling, quality control, project management, and lean operating systems.
Introduction to Sustainable Development
This course introduces the concept of sustainable development to a broad audience. Students are presented with the factors that affect the environmental, economic and social sustainability of our communities. The course investigates the development of human populations and how their need for resources (e.g. energy, food, water) has compromised the natural ecosystems. Social and economic factors are explored in the context of social equality and sustainability in the local and global economy. The effects of individual lifestyle changes on the sustainability of communities are also examined.
Supply Chain Practices
This course introduces students to the theoretical concepts of supply chain through the application of real-life examples and case studies. The course gives students a broad understanding of Supply Chain Operations functions, their interdependence, and the role each function plays in enhancing business performance through competitive advantage, resiliency and efficiency. Through hands-on training, the course familiarizes students with management decision-making tools, like Excel and PowerBI, and highlights how data analytics is used in daily monitoring of supply chain KPIs. Students also study the significant role Supply Chains play in solving many of the challenges encapsulated within the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through case exercises students will apply sustainability metrics to analyze social and environmental impacts of supply chain operations.
International Transportation and Trade
This course introduces students to several modes of transportation including truck, air, rail and ocean. Students will learn about the key parties involved in trade and the primary Canadian trade routes. The transfer of title between the buyer and the seller and the associated risk, payment and documentation responsibilities under Incoterms® 2020 will be emphasized. The formation of sales contracts, determination of chargeable freight weight and assessment of profit or loss on a shipment will also be discussed
Supply Chain Operations Management
This course enables the student to explore some tools and techniques available to supply chain operations managers. The course will review basic accounting principles (eg. the use of budgets) as they relate to the success of a supply chain operation management. The topics will also examine advanced concepts which will include balanced scorecards, KPI's (performance measurement) and the 6 processes of SCOR and benchmarking. The student will examine relationship management and partnerships as it relates to the success of the supply chain. The students will apply their knowledge through the use of a simulation game. They will apply sales and operations planning, productivity and performance goals, budgeting and financial reporting, measuring operational performance, management reporting and analysis for performance improvement.
Occupational Health and Safety
This introductory course provides students with a foundational understanding of the diverse and evolving field of Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), with a focus on the Ontario context. Students will explore the key technical, legal, political, and personal factors that influence workplace health and safety. Core topics include the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) processes, WHMIS, Transportation of Dangerous Goods, accident prevention and investigation, physical and biological hazards, and the principles of managing OHS programs. This course equips students with the essential knowledge and skills needed to support safe work environments and prepare for further study or entry-level roles in the field.
Logistics (Warehousing and Distribution)
This course provides a comprehensive and strategic exploration of logistics as a critical component of modern supply chain management. Students will be enabled to understand the flow of Supply chain and its impact on Logistics. They will gain both theoretical foundations and applied skills across key logistics functions including transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and network design. Emphasis is placed on performance metrics, Supply Chain models & Frameworks (SCOR model), digital & emerging technologies, risk management, and logistics sustainability. Through practical case studies/scenario assignments, real-world simulations, tests, and a project, students will develop the analytical and strategic capabilities required to design, manage, and optimize logistics systems in complex, global environments.
Purchasing
This course enables the student to investigate the role of purchasing within an organization and the essential processes to follow when procuring goods and services. The course details an overview of purchasing, procurement and strategic sourcing as it relates to supply chain planning. The students will become familiar with the importance of policy and procedure as well as the legal documents and documentation process is explained. Students will formulate strategic cost management as well, will adapt strategic supplier evaluation and selection. The future of purchasing will also be discussed.
Managing Operational Excellence in the Organization
This course defines the concept of Operational Excellence and explains how to achieve performance and financial improvements in an organization. The focus is creating a culture that questions current operating models, adds value, and optimizes speed. Student will discuss the importance of quality management which is detailed in seven steps. Students learn to apply methodologies such as TQM, Lean Value Stream Mapping and Six Sigma and the role they play in helping organizations meet customer expectations.
General Education Elective
Integrated Business Solutions Capstone
This interdisciplinary capstone course brings together students from marketing and human resources to collaborate on a real-world business challenge. Working in cross-functional teams, students will partner with a local organization to develop and implement strategic solutions that address key operational, financial, and sustainability goals. Through hands-on engagement, students will analyze market trends, create HR strategies, integrate sustainable business practices, and ensure financial viability while refining their problem-solving and leadership skills. Throughout the course, students will apply their specialized knowledge to develop a comprehensive business proposal, culminating in a final presentation to stakeholders. Emphasizing experiential learning, this course prepares students for the complexities of modern business environments by fostering collaboration, adaptability, and strategic thinking. By the end of the capstone experience, students will have gained practical insights into cross-disciplinary decision-making within the business world.
Network Design and Planning
This course will enable the student to learn the importance of how supply chain planning and network strategy supports organizational goals. Students examine the interdependence between network design and distribution models. Students will examine data requirements and the risks associated with data quality. The progressions that are used to in network design will be discussed. Students will analyze the impact of different inventory and distribution strategies for a business. Students will also identify challenges and strategies to help make decisions relating to the supply chain design network.
Essentials of Freight Forwarding
Students will be exposed to common methods of international payment and the documentation and parties involved under each method. Risk assessment and risk management techniques from the perspective of both the buyer and seller under various methods of payment will be highlighted throughout the course. Other key topics that will be examined include cargo insurance, packaging, security, dangerous goods, and costing.
Supply Chain Technology
This course enables the student to examine the impact of information technology on supply chain management. This course looks at the role of software supports in supply chain strategy and execution decisions. Students explore how these applications integrate with Enterprise Resource Planning and other systems and how important data analysis and process quality are to operational success.
General Education Elective
Business Law
In this course, students are prepared for a business environment increasingly affected by laws. They learn how laws must be understood and applied by management in the conduct of business. They also learn how to analyze a business situation from a general legal perspective. Emphasis is placed on methods of dispute resolution, contracts, torts, employment law, methods of carrying on business, sale of goods, and marketing law.
Contact
School of Business and Sustainability Leadership
Room B2-106
Program Information
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Career paths include roles such as transportation manager, buyer, inventory analyst, production planner, warehouse supervisor, or logistics coordinator.
You’ll also have the option to continue your studies in advanced business or supply chain programs to expand your opportunities even further.
More Information
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that you use a Windows laptop for your coursework. While other devices like MacBooks or Chromebooks might work for some tasks, they may not support all the software required for your program. If you're unsure, check with your professors before buying.
Internet Speed Requirements
To get the best experience while learning online, we recommend having an internet connection with at least 40 Mbps download speed and 10 Mbps upload speed. This will help you use video calls, attend online lectures, and access other learning tools smoothly.
Because students live in many different areas, we can't suggest a specific internet provider. You'll need to check with local companies to find one that works best for you.
Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 8GB of RAM
- 100 GB HDD or more
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wi-Fi capable (802.11n/ac 5GHz)
- Windows 11 operating system
Mobile Device
Students will require a mobile device (smartphone) for:
- Accessing your digital student ID
- Using campus applications and services
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.