The changing nature of markets and the globalisation of business has sharpened the focus on the need for better logistics capabilities and Supply Chain Management (SCM). Supply chains need to be developed which can deliver the required levels of service at minimum cost. Supply chain management deals with managing the flow of goods from a business firm's suppliers, through its facilities, and on to its customers. It is of critical importance in establishing a competitive advantage. Proper performance of the SCM and logistics functions can contribute to both lower costs and enhanced customer service.
This course examines all aspects of SCM, including some of the techniques and strategies for planning, organising and managing the supply chain including the functional areas of forecasting, inventory management and customer service.
The aim of the module is to give students a good overview of the key areas of supply chain management and upon completion of the module students should have a good understanding of the basic principles of logistics and supply chain management. This module provides an overview of the importance of SCM in determining the competitive success of an organisation. Students will be introduced to the various components of the supply chain and will examine current trends and challenges of managing supply chains.
Overview of Supply Chain Management (SCM)
Basic concepts of logistics and SCM. The four fundamentals of SCM. Evolution and development of SCM. The philosophy of SCM . Supply Chain (SC) Analytics.
Inventory Management
Inventory and the Supply Chain. The costs associated with inventory . EOQ. Inventory management systems: JIT, VMI.
Facility Location Decisions
Factors to consider when selecting a location for an industrial, retail, warehouse facility, GIS, Quantitative methods for deciding where to locate various facilities. Service location strategy.
Material Flow Logistics
Purchasing & Procurement. Supplier management. Global sourcing. Tracing and transparency.
Digital Supply Chain
Information flows. Information sharing and the role of technology in effective supply chain management. Industry 4.0. Blockchain technology. Robotics, Additive manufacturing. IOT. Smart factories.
Supply Chain Integration
Collaborative planning; SC relationships; Outsourcing and services. The partnership framework. Third party logistics.
SCM and Customers Service
The role of Logistics and SCM in achieving customer service. CRM. The life-time value of a customer.
Supply Chain Resilience
Supply chains disruptions. The resilient supply chain. Shortening the supply chain.
Supply Chain Sustainability
Sustainability (environment, social, economic).Scope 1,2,3 emissions. The governance of supply chains. Labour issues. Ethical sourcing.
Reverse Logistics
The reverse flow; returns, recycling . Life cycle assessment. Circular economy and reverse logistics.
The module will be delivered through a combination of live lectures as well as various asynchronous methods.
Learning and teaching will take place via live lectures, exercises to promote class participation, discussion boards, pre-reading and case studies.
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Formal Examination | 50 |
| Other Assessment(s) | 50 |