This module develops understanding of the complex nature of sustainability and explores the current and future trends within sustainable supply chain management. The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) explicitly highlight the role of corporate supply chains in contributing to sustainable development. Those taking this module will develop a critical understanding of the social and environmental issues that arise in global supply chains. The learners, who are future leaders, will explore sustainable supply chain strategies which can make a significant impact on societal welfare and environmental progress, thus honing their development as global citizens. The economic rationale for moving towards a sustainable business model and its positive impact on the resilience and stability of supply chains will be discussed.
This module provides coverage of the main sustainability aspects of logistics and supply chain management including logistics, carbon emission impact, purchasing, supplier management, circular economy, and stakeholder management.
Most recent happenings across the world regarding government policies and how to advance sustainability will be discussed and debated in the classroom
Sustainability in the Context of Supply Chain Management
The different facets of sustainability. The science of sustainability. How sustainability permeates the supply chain. (LO1)
The Business Case for Sustainability
Understand the business landscape propelling the case for sustainable supply chain management. Sustainability and competitive advantage. Sustainable supply chains and business resilience. (LO3)
Measuring Environmental Impacts in Supply Chains
Life Cycle Analysis. Carbon foot printing. Scope 3 emissions. Water foot printing. Sustainable materials. (LO1&2)
Responsible Purchasing and Managing Suppliers
Supplier network. Engaging with suppliers. Drivers and barriers for ethical and green sourcing. Tools for ethical sourcing. (LO2)
The Circular Supply Chain & Circular Design
Circularity. Materiality Circularity Index (MCI). Closing the Loop. Re-cycling. Re-use. Systems thinking. (LO4)
Sustainable Logistics
Environmental impact of freight transport. Modes of transport. Decarbonisation. Strategies to reduce the environmental impact of fright transport. (LO2)
The Social Dimension of Sustainable Supply Chains
Social sustainability constructs. Human rights. Labour issues. Emerging Economies. (LO1& LO2)
SCM and the Governance of Sustainability
Corporate Social Responsibility. Global and industrial initiatives. The role of the corporation within the UN SDGs. Soft law, hard law, the political role of the corporation, Civil Society Organisations (CSO’s). Ethical frameworks and collaborative initiatives. (LO5)
Learning and teaching will take place via lectures, recorded material, pre-reading, class discussion, case studies as well as reflecting on their learning journey.
Formal lectures are supplemented by structured classroom discussions while case studies provide a vehicle to integrate practical aspects of learning across all aspects of the module. Students will have ample time to consider the ideas and apply the discussed knowledge and skills in their coursework.
Where appropriate, guest lectures from the SCM field will present on contemporary topics and students will be encouraged to attend sustainability events (speakers/panels) hosted by the University. The TLA will include an e-portfolio documenting the students leaning with a focus on feedback. This curriculum and authentic assessment is informed by the latest scientific evidence and policy formulation in education for sustainable development
| Module Content & Assessment | |
|---|---|
| Assessment Breakdown | % |
| Other Assessment(s) | 100 |