Aims

The aim of this research-informed module is to provide students with an understanding of the theory and practice of supply chain management and purchasing in today’s global environment. The module also covers international supply chain management strategy and tactics, supplier selection, evaluation and development, planning and inventory, managing demand and forecasting the role of information technology and ethics in modern procurement practice.
The module clearly emphasises the importance of purchasing with other corporate functions and other upstream and downstream partners in the overall supply chain. Students are encouraged to engage with relevant academic literature. Case studies enable students to consolidate their knowledge and gain insight into how theories and concepts can be applied. The module will form a platform for further academic study or professional development where appropriate.
Within the programme curriculum selected critical skills are given particular emphasis: the use of academic literature, research and analysis using qualitative and quantitative techniques, problem-solving, leadership and decision making, communication skills and the development of cross-disciplinary management abilities.

Outline Of Syllabus

Module content includes: 1) introduction; 2) strategic supply chain management; 3) supply chain performance; 4) planning and inventory; 5) managing demand and forecasting; 6) strategic purchasing; 7) supplier selection, evaluation and development; 8) ethics; and 9) management of specifications and make vs. buy.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

Lectures will introduce the key themes on the module, group activities will allow students to apply their knowledge, students will present back to class and receive formative feedback and the examination will examine the students' knowledge and critical understanding on the subject

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

Summative Assessment
The end of semester unseen, closed-book examination tests the students general knowledge of the subject, the ability to think and analyse problems, their understanding of appropriate theories and research and their critical comprehension of the subject.

Formative Assessment
Most lectures include case studies which allow the students to work in groups, present their findings and receive oral feedback.

The final lecture – is based upon a “University Challenge Game” (Christmas ‘lecture’) – students are divided into teams that are invited to answer revision questions using the University Challenge format. The staff provide extra support/feedback and answer questions that can’t be addressed by the teams.