MSc Operations, Project and Supply Chain Management / Course details

The supply chain is simply a network of firms in complex contracts to source, make, and deliver products or services to customers. The complexity of supply chain interactions and the number of parties involved makes it challenging and interesting to explore and optimise network-level logistics management, and hence, there is a high demand for the professionals trained in this discipline. This module is about gaining a deeper understanding of how to manage logistics within supply chains. Specifically, we will try to explore, evaluate and understand how logistics decisions (facilities, network design, inventory, and transportation) impact on the performance of focal firms and their entire supply chains. Given the proliferation of third-party, fourth-party and fifth-party logistics companies, we will also explore the importance, appropriateness and complexities of logistics outsourcing in global supply chains. On completion of the module you will have gained an understanding of the many decisions that face logistics managers. Additionally, you will also become aware of theories, concepts and practices that can be applied in practice to inform key logistics decisions in a workplace environment.

* Required for CIPS accreditation

BMAN73672 Programme Req: BMAN73672 is only available as an elective to students on MSc Operations, Project & Supply Chain Management, MSc Business Analytics, MSc Data Science (Bus and Management pathway)

• To provide an overview of the different aspects of supply chain logistics management within the global context.
• To illustrate the key concepts within supply chain logistics network design.
• To illustrate the strategic importance of various supply chain logistics decisions including facilities, inventory, and transportation.
• To provide an overview of the situations in which outsourcing supply chain logistics activities would be a better option.
• To explain the role of technology in enhancing supply chain logistics performance.
• To showcase the importance of putting sustainability at the core of supply chain logistics decisions.
• Develop problem solving, team working, presentation and practical skills.

By the end of this course unit students should be able to:

• Understand as well as evaluate how logistics decisions (facilities, network design and distribution) will impact the performance of the firm as well as the entire supply chain.
• Understand the importance of logistics outsourcing in global supply chains.
• Understand the key role that various information and communication technologies play in supply chain logistics.

 

Formal Contact Methods

Minimum Contact hours: 20 

Delivery format: Lecture and Workshops 

Written examination (100%)

The set texts for the course unit are:

Rushton, A., Croucher, P. and Baker, P. (2014) The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management: Understanding the Supply Chain. Kogan Page, London, UK.  

Reference will also be made to the following books and a range of academic articles and industry examples:

Bowersox, D. J., Close, D. J. and Copper, M.B. (2012) Supply Chain Logistics Management. McGraw-Hill, New York.

Simchi-Levi, D., Kaminsky, P. and Simchi-Levi, E. (2007) Designing and Managing the Supply Chain. McGraw-Hill/Irwin, New York.

Christopher, M. (2011) Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Financial Times / Prentice Hall.