This module aims to take a strategic view of Sustainable Global Supply Chain Management and how effective it can be in supporting and driving organisational objectives and in achieving competitive advantage.

It is based on the concept of a Supply Chain being the flow of information, goods, services and finance in both upstream and downstream directions, taking into account both supplier and customer relationships and will cover:¿
Defining Supply Chain, structures and processes¿

Supply chain strategy

Sustainability in Supply Chain

Technology and AI in supply chain

Supply chain Innovation

The nature of competitive advantage in supply chain management¿

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¿

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¿

Challenges in Global logistics
Future developments in SCM

The Assessment will be in report format, requiring students to responding to the contemporary challenge of global supply chain management within the context of sustainable, technological and digital innovation (such as the role of AI) in the delivery of complex supply chain structures. Assess all Learning Outcomes.

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, which will be based on critical analysis of numerous case-studies that will form our weekly seminar discussions and/or in-class presentation either individually or as part of a learning group. Formative assessment will be provided throughout the module. Digital tools will be used to enhance learning and engagement.
Students will be expected to obtain supplementary information from a number of electronic academic publications or sources as part of their preparation, as recommended by the lecturer.

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

Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding.¿

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the problems of making strategic choices in supply chain architecture within the constraints of cultural, ethical and technological frameworks.¿

Analysis, Application, Communication, Knowledge & Understanding.¿

3. Critically evaluate future challenges within international supply chain management and their implication in sustaining competitive advantage.¿


Problem solving, Reflection.

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

Module handbook

Open Textbook Library and Open access http://www.oapen.org/home

Selected contemporary problem practice-based case examples

Academic books and Academic Journal articles

Atkas, E.; Bourlkis, M.; Minis, I.; Zeimekins, V. (2021) Supply Chain 4.0: Improving Supply Chains with Analytics and Industry 4.0 Technologies. US: Kogan Page

Kane, G. (2017) Building a Sustainable Supply Chain. Abington: Routledge

Basu, R; Wright, N. (2017). Managing Global Supply Chains. 2nd ed Abingdon: Routledge

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) edition, Pearson, Boston

Current resources and textbooks will be used to support learning.

This module aims to take a strategic view of Supply Chain Management and its role in supporting and driving sustainability in achieving competitive advantage. You will be able to develop in-depth understanding and knowledge of the Supply Chain structures and processes within the context of sustainability, technological and digital innovation (such as the role of AI in managing quality, costs and delivery of complex supply chain structures. Critical areas such as optimising and managing effective distribution channels, developing the purchasing function to establish a competitive procurement strategy, managing supplier relationships and reverse supply chain management, risk management will be incorporated to assess implications of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in global supply chain management.