The management of supply chains is key to the operations of modern organisations. The need to be competitive, reach new markets, source new goods and raw materials as well as globalisation have all been key contributors to the development of supply chains as a function. It has become clear that competitive advantage and customer satisfaction can be gained if all organisations in the chain work together to improve service and reduce cost. The module provides the student with comprehensive understanding of key principles and techniques of supply chain management including topics such as inventory management, demand and capacity management, supply chain partnerships and IT.

The aim of this module is to provide a study of the key principles, systems and techniques used to assure effective supply chain management. The module covers an extensive range of subjects including logistics, information management, inventory management, partnerships and information technology.

The aim s are to enable the student to:

Understand the principles and role of SCM in organisations;

Understand the nature and importance of inter-relationships within the supply chain;

Understand and apply a range of tools and techniques relevant to the optimisation of supply chains.

(LO1) Be able to define and document a supply chain operation in national and international contexts;

(LO2) Be able to analyse and evaluate the performance of the supply chain;

(LO3) Be able to apply supply chain optimisation tools and techniques in a range of situations.

(S1) Numeracy. Relevant supply chain operations tools and techniques that involve calculations will be introduced and practised in the lectures.

(S2) Commercial awareness. Real-world examples and applications of supply chain operations management will be introduced and discussed in lectures.

(S3) International awareness. The global nature of supply chain operations management will be introduced and discussed in lectures.

Lectures x 36 hours

Self-directed learning x 114 hours
Students will be expected to make use of self-directed learning hours by engaging in pre-lecture preparation, after-lecture review, preparing for the coursework assessment and revising for the examination.

Introduction to Supply Chain Management:

Definitions, importance of supply chain management, value chains, key issues in supply chain management, current and future trends, global supply chains;

Inventory Management:

The need for inventory management, ROP/ROC systems, inventory analysis, policies for managing inventory;

Materials and capacity management and Scheduling:

MRP, ERP, APS, capacity management, operations scheduling;

Information management:

The bullwhip effect, forecasting, integrating information in the supply chain, demand amplification;

Supply chain partnerships:

Strategic alliances, retailer-supplier partnerships, distributor integration, purchasing management, power in the supply chain;

Logistics Networks:

Distribution strategies, transportation, cost modelling, logistics partnerships, measures of logistics performance, facilities location, DRP;

Information technology and systems for supply chains :

Role and goals of information technology, IT infrastructure, e-commerce, e-business, integrating information technology, supply chain DSS.