This module aims to enable students to:

Understand the core concepts of supply chain management;

Appreciate the importance of inventory management;

Examine the opportunities and challenges of embracing lean and agile strategies in supply chain management;

Explain the interaction between different types of digital technologies and supply chains;

Reflect on the role supply chains can play in delivering on the sustainability targets.

(LO1) Students will be able to demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the core concepts of supply chain management.

(LO2) Students will be able to critically appraise the role and importance of inventory management.

(LO3) Students will be able to examine the opportunities and challenges of embracing lean and agile strategies in supply chain management.

(LO4) Students will be able to explain the interaction between different types of digital technologies and supply chains.

(LO5) Students will be able to critically appraise the role supply chains can play in delivering on the sustainability targets.

(S1) Problem solving
Developed through activities (case studies, and/or scenario analysis) when the learnt frameworks, approaches and techniques are applied to dilemmas experienced by managers of supply chains.

(S2) Application of numeracy
Developed through analysis of data from case studies/scenarios to propose solutions for sustainable supply chain problems (will impart general mathematical awareness (e.g. estimating and applying formulae) and its application in practical contexts).

(S3) Organisation skills
Developed through task and group management for the seminars, and task and time management for the module assessment.

(S4) Communication skills
Developed through group work in seminars to progress on activities and present/defend the analysis as a group to the class, and individual report writing for module assessment.

(S5) IT skills
Developed through online research to undertake assigned activities for seminars and module assessment.

(S6) International awareness
Developed through analysing case studies and scenarios experienced by businesses and organisations whose supply chains span from being within a geography to that of being spread across multiple continents.

(S7) Lifelong learning skills
Developed through seminar activities and module assessment, a business dilemma will be logically approached, researched, and analysed using the lens of a supply chain to propose feasible solutions.

(S8) Ethical awareness
Developed through understanding the challenges of achieving sustainability in its truest sense and appreciating the role of supply chains.

(S9) Commercial awareness
Developed through analysis of case studies and online available information to appreciate the critical role played by supply chains in developing and delivering commercial outcomes for organisations.

Lectures x 10 hours
Lectures will be used to introduce, explore and critique current theory, concepts and practice in supply chain management. A range of journals, texts, online videos, media articles, and opinion pieces will be made available prior to the lecture for further reading/study to extend application of theory to a range of scenarios across different sectors and geographies. The lecture will also set the expectations from the seminar by sharing the necessary information.

Seminars x 15 hours
Seminars will provide the necessary environment for students to work individually or in groups on activities (e.g. case studies, scenario analysis) that enable the application of theory and concepts introduced in the lecture.

Peer-to-peer learning x 3 hours
Peer-to-peer learning is a collaborative educational approach where individuals within a group learn from and teach each other, fostering a dynamic exchange of knowledge, ideas, and experiences. In this model , participants engage in active discussions, share insights, and offer feedback, thereby enhancing their understanding of the subject matter. Peer-to-peer learning promotes critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and interpersonal communication abilities, while also fostering a sense of community and mutual support among learners. This approach is particularly beneficial in MBA programs as it encourages students to draw upon diverse perspectives and expertise, preparing them for real-world business challenges where teamwork and collaboration are essential.

Self-directed learning x 72 hours
Students will be expected to read/review a variety of resources, including the relevant chapters/sections of the core and recommended textbooks, journal articles, practitioner reports, and white papers. These resources will be accessible via the library and/or available online in the open access category. Students will also be expected to identify their own resources by undertaking an on line search (both academic and non-academic sources) as part of the module assessment. Students are advised to follow the lecture notes for the module. Suggested outline answers and solutions will be provided for the activities in the seminars. Seminar activities should be concluded as explained in the session before the launch of the next topic.

Introduction to Supply Chain Management:
Definitions, Importance of supply chains and its management, Supply chain manager’s roles and responsibilities, Types of supply chains, Challenges in supply chains.

Inventory Management:
Purpose of holding inventory across the supply chains, Importance of inventory management, Types of inventories, Inventory management models, Inventory classification.

Lean and Agile:
Lean principles, Implementation of lean in supply chains, Just-in-time vs. Just-in-case supply chains, Leagile with decoupling inventory.

Digital Technologies:
Technology-Supply Chain fit, Opportunities and challenges in adopting digital technologies in supply chains, Application of disruptive technologies (such as big data analytics, 3D printing, blockchain, internet of things) in supply chains.

Sustainability:
Circular economy and reverse logistics, Decarbonisation/Greening of supply chains, Socially responsible supply ch ains, Sustainability assessments.