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

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 (LO1 – LO3).

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

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.

The learning strategy for this module requires students to dedicate a total of 200 hours to achieving the learning outcomes. This includes 187 hours of independent study, guided by 10 weeks of structured asynchronous materials such as case studies, activities, and videos. To support learning, students will receive 10 hours of direct tutor support (1 hour per week over 10 weeks). Additionally, a further 3 hours of assessment support (1 hour per week over 3 weeks) will be provided, ensuring students have the necessary guidance to successfully complete their assessments.

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

Christopher, M. (2022) Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 6th edition, New Jersey: Financial Times/Pearson Education

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

Chopra, S. & Meindl, P. (2019), Supply chain management: strategy, planning, and operation, 7th (Global) edition, Pearson, Boston

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

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

Current resources and textbooks will be used to support learning.