Operations and Logistics
Every organization either manufactures a product, or provides a service, or both. "Operations" refers to the set of business processes that produce the product or service. "Logistics" refers to the set of business processes that procure inputs and distribute the finished product or service to the customer.
An efficient and responsive business process is critical to optimize workflow and improve the organization’s competitiveness for success. Operations and logistics is about helping organizations create, deliver, and provide products and services better. It can mean lower expenses, higher quality, more sustainability, better alignment with customer needs, and increased efficiency. Since operations is about understanding and improving processes, the framework and tools are transferable and applicable to business processes throughout the organization.
Am I the right fit for this option?
Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for this career track. Ideally you’ll be efficient in project management with sharp negotiation skills and an entrepreneurial outlook. It also helps to be proficient in a second language.
You’ll receive training in transport economics and management, government investment and regulatory programs affecting transportation and utilities, and business logistics. We recommend that you use electives to gain complimentary knowledge in related fields such as marketing, finance, and quantitative methods.
Operations and Logistics option course requirements
| Year 3 | |
| COMM 2041 | Logistics and Operations Management |
1 If do not complete COMM 204 in Year 2, you can still start the Operations and Logistics option in Year 3 by taking COMM 204 in Year 3 Term 1, followed by COMM 443 and COMM 449 in Term 2. | |
| Year 3 | |
| COMM 443 | Service Operations |
| COMM 449 | Supply-Chain Management |
| Year 4 | |
| Six credits from the following courses: | |
| COMM 4142 | Data Visualization and Business Analytics |
| COMM 4153 | Quantitative Policy Analysis |
| COMM 444 | Air Transportation |
| COMM 445 | Maritime and International Transportation |
| COMM 446 | Transportation Economics (not offered in 2019W) |
| COMM 447 | Applied Project Management |
| COMM 448 | Business Logistics and Logistic Services Management (not offered in 2019W) |
2 COMM 414 may be used to fulfill requirements toward a maximum of one of the following three options: Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management, Marketing, or Operations and Logistics.3 As of 2021W, COMM 415 will no longer be offered. | |
Blanket Waiver Program with the American Society of Transportation and Logistics
As an OPLOG student, you qualify for the blanket waiver program of the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). This program permits UBC Operations and Logistics graduates to be waived from all course requirements for CTL Certification. Application must be made within six months of graduation.
Joint Program with the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation
Under a joint program agreement, Operations and Logistics students are permitted to get exemptions for membership in the Canadian Institute of Traffic and Transportation (CITT). If you choose to take the CITT online Transportation Systems and Logistics Processes courses during 3rd and 4th year, you will be eligible to become a member of the CITT upon graduation. The CITT courses run 3 semesters and have year-round registration for courses. UBC students are able to gain the credits needed to apply for their CCLP® designation and this is encouraged to be as soon as possible.
Careers in Operations and Logistics
Logistics is the flow of goods, information and money throughout an organization. This option is designed to prepare you for careers with operational and logistics functions in manufacturing, distribution firms and government departments at all levels. Great communication and negotiation skills go far in this field.