WM958-15 Strategic Thinking in the Supply Chain
Introductory description
The purpose of this module is to help participants analyse and discuss how good strategic decisions are made and to help them effectively apply their learning in the workplace. The context and most of the examples for the module are rooted in Supply Chain. However, the skills you will develop are generally applicable to business.
Module aims
The module has two broad aims:
STSC is the first module in SCLP and it aims to ‘signpost’ the other modules so that you can begin to see the coherence of the course as a whole. Firstly, it will demonstrate that strategy is a complex but essential activity for business – and personal - success. Participants will see that strategy is a collaborative process which is only meaningful when hard choices are faced, decisions made and actions taken.
Secondly, the module provides a foundation for further study for those working in or closely with supply chains.
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.
The objectives are achieved by considering how various elements contribute to good strategy:
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A structured methodology to develop and implement strategy -
Knowledge in selected fields relevant to supply chain strategy -
The necessity of collaborating and consulting with others to develop and successfully implement a strategy.
Details include as follows:
- The process of strategy development – including tools and techniques
- Analysis of internal and external environment, strategic position and strategic options
- Accounts from practitioners on various aspects of strategy
- Strategic alternatives
- Practical implementation considerations
- Influencing – tools, techniques and practice
- Application of learning to specific business situation
- Review and improvement of strategic business opportunity-
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students should be able to:
- Explain the role of a business strategy, and its relationship with organisational vision, mission, values and culture, and in particular consider the role of the supply chain in delivering corporate objectives
- Critique and/or develop sources of competitive advantage, in relation to the external and internal factors that affect a business
- Analyse the interface between different parts of an organisation, appreciate the expectations of stakeholders both inside and outside of the organisation, and recommend how to manage them.
- Interpret, critically evaluate and apply appropriate strategy theories, tools and techniques to issues in the learner's workplace
- Create a business strategy and implementation plan for a part of the organisation in which the learner works and propose how this will deliver tangible benefit to the business.
- Work within a team and collaborate to develop, share knowledge and present strategy for a given case study
Indicative reading list
Exploring strategy: text and cases
Book by Richard Whittington; Patrick Regnér; Duncan Angwin; Gerry Johnson; Kevan Scholes; Jason Evans; Clive Kerridge; Gerry Johnson; Gerry Johnson 2020 Twelfth edition
Strategy: create and implement the best strategy for your business
Book by Harvard Business School c2005
Change by design: how design thinking transforms organizations and inspires innovation
Book by Tim Brown; Barry Katz 2019 Revised and updated edition
View reading list on Talis Aspire
Subject specific skills
Knowledge and application of the following:
Strategic Thinking,
Strategy Development
Strategy Implementation Planning
Product Positioning,
Supply Chain Strategy,
Emerging Technologies
Critical Thinking and Analysis
Transferable skills
Collaborative Working,
Team Working,
Cultural Awareness,
Critical Thinking and Analysis,
Academic Writing Skills,
Study time
| Type | Required | Optional |
|---|---|---|
| Lectures | 20 sessions of 1 hour (13%) | |
| Seminars | 10 sessions of 1 hour (7%) | |
| Work-based learning | 20 sessions of 1 hour (13%) | |
| Online learning (independent) | 40 sessions of 1 hour (27%) | 1 session of |
| Assessment | 60 hours (40%) | |
| Total | 150 hours |
Private study description
No private study requirements defined for this module.
Costs
No further costs have been identified for this module.
You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.
Assessment group A2
| Weighting | Study time | |
|---|---|---|
| Post Module Assignment | 70% | 42 hours |
|
A written assignment of 2800 words requiring the critical discussion of concepts and frameworks introduced in the module, and their application to the real world environment, which demonstrate the achievement of the learning outcomes. |
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| In module presentation | 30% | 18 hours |
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The in-module presentation comprises of classroom, collaborative working, peer review and independent working which is pulled together in a presentation to an academic representative at the end of the week. Peer review will be used for feedback. |
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Feedback on assessment
Written feedback of approximately 150-250 words will be provided for the Post Module Assignment within a four-week period after the date of submission. This feedback will be focussed upon the strengths and weaknesses of the work with regard to the module learning objectives and the post-module assignment marking guidelines. Suggestions for improvement will also be provided.
Courses
This module is Core optional for:
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TWMS-H1TD Postgraduate Taught Supply Chain and Logistics Management (Part-time)
- Year 1 of H1TD Supply Chain and Logistics Management (Part-time)
- Year 1 of H1TD Supply Chain and Logistics Management (Part-time)