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WM9F3-15 Storage and Warehousing Techniques

Department
WMG
Level
Taught Postgraduate Level
Module leader
Trudy Spencer
Credit value
15
Module duration
4 weeks
Assessment
100% coursework
Study locations
  • University of Warwick main campus, Coventry Primary
  • Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

Introductory description

A well-managed warehouse is recognised as a potential major source of competitive advantage as opposed to just another source of cost within the supply chain. To achieve this competitive advantage, it is important to choose the optimal location, appropriate type of operation, processes, equipment and technology, and then understand and continuously
improve performance through appropriate measures and controls. Staff motivation and safety are also important aspects within today’s warehouse.

Module aims

This module will provide a thorough insight into warehouse location, operations, processes, equipment, technology and methods to continuously improve performance through appropriate measures and controls.
All of these areas incorporate real-life examples, industrial awareness, class exercises and case studies to provide an understanding of the role of the warehouse in today’s supply chain and its internal and external relationships and impact.

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 role of the warehouse in today’s supply chain.
  • Types of warehouse operation and warehouse processes.
  • Warehouse IT, automation and technology.
  • Warehouse location, layout and equipment.
  • Warehouse costs and performance measures.
  • Health and safety and environmental issues.
  • Resource planning and labour management.
  • The future of warehousing.

Learning outcomes

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

  • Evaluate warehouse operational processes and roles for an informed judgement on warehouse functions across supply chains.
  • Select appropriate techniques to improve warehouse processes and operations, proposing sound recommendations and critiques about how technology, equipment and automation can be applied.
  • Propose and analyse the criteria required to decide on the most appropriate location for a warehouse within a supply chain and distribution network.
  • Determine how to resource a warehouse, including an informed analysis of the layout, space, resource and equipment.

Indicative reading list

Reading lists can be found in Talis

Specific reading list for the module

International

The module includes discussions and information on international warehousing, distribution and storage operations, decision making, processes and case studies. This can be expanded and applied to increase international elements of the module.

Subject specific skills

Industrial awareness, Warehouse Planning, Warehouse Operations Management

Transferable skills

Critical thinking, problem solving, team work, leadership, communication, information literacy,
decision making, sustainability, professionalism, organisational awareness, cross cultural
awareness

Study time

Type Required
Lectures 12 sessions of 1 hour (8%)
Seminars 18 sessions of 1 hour (12%)
Online learning (independent) 15 sessions of 1 hour (10%)
Private study 45 hours (30%)
Assessment 60 hours (40%)
Total 150 hours

Private study description

Online learning and private study may include elements of reading, following asynchronous lectures, reflection and completing short activities.

Costs

No further costs have been identified for this module.

You must pass all assessment components to pass the module.

Assessment group A3
Weighting Study time Eligible for self-certification
Assessment component
Written report. 70% 48 hours Yes (extension)

The assessment will require students to write a report addressing the specified Learning Outcomes.

Reassessment component
Written report. No

The reassessment will require students to write a report for a new question(s) addressing the specified Learning Outcomes.

Assessment component
Group work. 30% 12 hours No

The in module assessment will focus on the performance of students during in-class group
based activities, resulting in group presentations. Peer adjustment will be applied.

Reassessment component
Individual work. No

The reassessment will focus on the demonstration of suitable application of the relevant learning outcomes and student's will be required to submit a recorded presentation.

Feedback on assessment

Oral feedback will be provided after the in module presentation, which will be focussed upon the learning outcomes.

Written feedback will be provided for the written essay/report. This feedback will be focussed upon the strengths and weaknesses of the work with regard to appropriate module learning outcomes and the written assignment marking guidelines. Suggestions for improvement will also be provided as appropriate.

Courses

This module is Core for:

  • MSc in Supply Chain and Logistics Management