Introductory description

The aim of this module is to provide a network perspective on managing operations and that emphasize that supply chain management is a core competitive advantage in today's business world. In particular, it aims to provide an understanding of the methods, techniques, practices and strategies involved in the integrated management of supply chains and networks across organisations and industries.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Understanding global supply chains.
2. Outsourcing, offshoring and re-shoring strategies.
3. Supply Chain Relationships Management.
4. Managing collaborations in supply chains.
5. Supply chain integration strategies.
6. Systems Dynamics.
7. Sustainable supply chain management.
8. Supply chain risk management.
9. Supply Chain Innovation and Technology Management.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the strategic supplier relationship management strategies.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the main concepts in supply chain dynamics.
• Critically discuss the reasons why supply chain management is a strategic function in modern organisations.
• Explain the sustainability issues concerned with complex modern supply chains.
• Demonstrate an understanding of managerial roles at the interorganisational interfaces within organisations.
• Demonstrate recognition of the need to identify supply chain risk and their drivers and explore risk mitigation strategies in supply chains.
• Demonstrate understanding of the trade-offs embedded in the outsourcing, re-shoring and offshoring decisions.
• Analyse organizations utilizing operational models and frameworks to explain their core supply chain processes, analyse their relationship with stakeholders with associated risks, strategies and challenges.
• Demonstrate an understanding that supply chains are complex and adaptive networks and need to be managed dynamically.
• Analyse and identify the performance measures for a supply chain.
• Analyse and address the current and most up to date challenges faced by supply chain professionals.

Indicative reading list

Main Textbook: Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & supply chain management. Pearson UK.
Main journal articles used on the course come from:

• International Journal of Operations and Production Management
• Production and Operations Management Journal
• Journal of Operations Management

Subject specific skills

Analyse and identify the performance measures for supply chains of various sectors and industries.
Analyse an organizations utilizing operational models and frameworks to explain their core supply chain processes and operations.
Examine the supplier relationships with associated risks, benefits and relationships management strategies.
Explain how supply chain performance measurement enhance customer value.
Explain the core operations and supply chain processes within an organization.
Develop a strategic overview for the link between commercial success and supply chain performance.

Transferable skills

Applying analytical skills in problem solving, communication and information retrieval within the cases studies.
Present arguments and suggestions clearly and academically in both oral and written form.