1. Demonstrate an understanding of developments in globalisation within the context of contemporary practice in supply chain management and in so doing critically assess the role of supply chain management as a key source of competitive advantage.
Knowledge and Understanding

2. Analyse and evaluate challenges in design of competitive supply chain architecture within the context of cultural, ethical & technological evolution.
Analysis

3. Evaluate future challenges international supply chain management and their implication in sustaining competitive advantage.
Problem Solving

Coursework – Written Assignment responding to a Global Supply Chain and Logistics challenge, equivalent to 2000 words weighted at 100% - learning outcomes assessed – 1,2 & 3.

Effective and efficient global supply chain and logistics management drives profitable business operations. Relationship management, risk management, knowledge and information management, budget management, continuous improvement processes and supply chain integration all form part of this contemporary module.

The nature of competitive advantage in supply chain management
Defining supply chain structures and processes
Managing quality, cost and delivery in complex supply chain structures
Optimising and managing effective distribution channels
Developing the purchasing function to establish a competitive procurement strategy
Managing supplier relationships and expectations
Reverse supply chain management (SCM) – the ability to resolve issues and maintain customer satisfaction
International Supply Chain Management (ISCM) – contemporary context and growth
Risk management in ISCM – implications of global logistics and exchange rate risk
Assessing the implications of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in global supply chain management
Future developments in SCM

Tutor led sessions will follow a general pattern of introduction of a topic and provision of frameworks and models for student learning, followed by application by students to appropriate data or case study materials. Students will be expected to perform set exercises, these will include the analysis, discussion and presentation of case based work both individually and as part of a learning group. Formative assessment will be provided throughout the module. Digital tools will be used to enhance learning.
Students will be expected to obtain supplementary information from a number of paper or electronic sources as part of their preparation, as recommended by the tutor.

Christopher, M. (2016) Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 5th edition, New Jersey: Financial Times/Pearson Education

Chopra, S. & Meindl, P. (2015), Supply chain management: strategy, planning, and operation, 6th (Global) edn, Pearson, Boston

Hines, T. (2013) Supply Chain Strategies: Demand Driven and Customer Focused, Abingdon: Routledge

Jacobs, F.R. (2013) Operations & Supply Chain Management, Maidenhead: Mcgraw Hill

VLE learning support material to be provided for independent /self-directed learning.

Module handbooks

Open Textbook Library

Selected contemporary problem/practice based case examples

Effective and efficient global supply chain and logistics management drives profitable business operations. Relationship management, risk management, knowledge and information management, budget management, continuous improvement processes and supply chain integration all form part of this contemporary module.