SCM Module 9, 10, 11, 12 Vocabulary

AON Network Diagram

A schematic showing the sequence and dependencies of project activities.

Business Process

A sequence of steps transforming inputs into outputs for internal or external customers.

Change Agent

A person who promotes and enables change within an organization.

Consulting

Professional advice provided to organizations to improve their processes or solve problems.

Corporate Social Responsibility

A business approach that contributes to sustainable development by delivering economic, social, and environmental benefits.

Cost-Benefit Analysis

A process of comparing the costs and benefits of a decision or project.

Crashing the Project

Shortening project duration by adding resources to critical path activities.

Critical Path

The sequence of tasks that determines the minimum project duration.

Deliverables

Tangible or intangible products/services to be delivered in a project.

Desired State

The future condition or goal that an organization aims to achieve.

Environmental Sustainability

Practices that ensure resources are used responsibly to support future generations.

Ethics

Moral principles guiding behavior in business and personal conduct.

Flowchart

A diagram that maps out the steps of a process or system.

Gap Analysis

A method of comparing the current state with the desired state to identify areas for improvement.

Humanitarian Supply Chains

Supply chain operations designed to provide aid and relief in crisis situations.

Implementation Plan

A detailed strategy for executing and adopting a proposed solution or project.

Legal and Ethical Behavior

Adhering to laws and ethical standards in business operations.

Milestones

Key events or checkpoints that mark significant progress in a project.

Operational Considerations

Practical aspects to consider when designing or managing operations.

Organizational Fit

How well a solution aligns with a company’s culture, structure, and rules.

Present State

The current situation or condition of a process or organization.

Process Improvement

The effort to enhance business processes for better performance and efficiency.

Process Map

A visual representation of a business process from start to finish.

Project Management

The discipline of planning, executing, and overseeing projects.

Project Scope

Defines what is included and excluded in a project’s deliverables.

Reduce Reuse Recycle

Principles of waste management aimed at conserving resources.

Reverse Logistics

Processes related to returning, recycling, or disposing of products.

Scope

The boundaries and content of a project or task.

Scope Inflation

Uncontrolled expansion of a project’s goals or tasks.

Slack

The amount of time a task can be delayed without affecting the project deadline.

Socially Responsible

Acting in ways that benefit society and stakeholders.

Stakeholders

Individuals or groups affected by or with interest in a business process or project.

Supply Chain

A network of organizations involved in producing and delivering goods or services.

Sustainability

Meeting current needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.

Sustainable SCM

Supply chain practices that balance efficiency with environmental and social considerations.

Triple Bottom Line

A framework considering economic, environmental, and social outcomes.

Value to Work Ratio

A measure of expected benefit relative to the effort or cost invested.

Work Breakdown Structure

A tool that breaks a project into smaller, manageable components.