Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc

30 credits

This module explores the strategic dimensions of operations management and outsourcing in a global context. Students will gain an understanding of how operations strategy is developed and implemented, from aligning resources to supporting market objectives, to adopting resource-based or market-led approaches. The module also examines a range of outsourcing strategies and practices, including procurement and supplier management considerations, while addressing contemporary trends such as digitalisation and sustainability. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to make informed strategic and outsourcing decisions that enhance organisational performance, especially in global operations and supply chains.

You will study:

• introduction to logistics management
• procurement and logistics service providers
• warehousing management and materials handling
• inventory management
• transport systems and management
• contemporary issues in logistics
• customer service
• global business environment in relation to international logistics
• international marketing
• international logistics supply chain
• location decisions
• risk management in international logistics
• global transport systems
• international shipping
• port management
• carrier selection and intermediaries
• terms of sales, payment, trade documentation and insurance
• outsourcing and global sourcing.

30 credits

This module explores the strategic dimensions of operations management and outsourcing in a global context. Students will gain an understanding of how operations strategy is developed and implemented, from aligning resources to supporting market objectives, to adopting resource-based or market-led approaches. The module also examines a range of outsourcing strategies and practices, including procurement and supplier management considerations, while addressing contemporary trends such as digitalisation and sustainability. By the end of the module, students will be equipped to make informed strategic and outsourcing decisions that enhance organisational performance, especially in global operations and supply chains.

The module covers:

• introduction to strategic operations and outsourcing
• understanding the different levels of strategy within an organisation
• developing and implementing an operations and outsourcing strategy
• developing a resource-based or market-led operations strategy
• aligning operations to support and/or drive markets
• examining the alternative drivers, strategies and methods of outsourcing
• understanding the practical aspects of outsourcing: legal, procurement, technology, managing suppliers and contemporary trends.

30 credits

The operations management element consists of:

• contextualising operations management
• the delivery process and service design
• managing capacity by effective design of processes, effective deployment of labour, materials and resources, and by managing demand
• supply chain management: maintaining a competitive operations strategy by the managing materials and information effectively throughout the various elements of the supply chain;
• using technology in operations management
• approaches to quality management and performance improvement
• operations strategy: the relationship between broader strategic decision making and detailed operational implementation.

The supply chain management element consists of:

• fundamentals of supply chain management, including issues relating to power, transparency and buyer:supplier relationships
• supply chain management issues on a national, international and global level
• effective supply chain management as a source of competitive advantage
• different approaches to managing supply chains.

You will undertake a company visit and conduct live research and consultancy with real companies. Each student explores one company's supply chain, even visiting the suppliers where products are produced. You analyse the whole process, identify problems and come up with solutions. Then you present your recommendations to the organisation and to your lecturer.

30 credits

This module will provide you with an understanding of the main areas of business: marketing, finance, human resource management, operations management, information and IT management. It introduces you to the fundamentals of business theory and practice in a diverse and evolving international context to enable you to:

• understand markets
• develop and implement functional strategies
• build and lead diverse teams
• prepare and analyse financial statements (profit and loss, balance sheet)
• use the marketing mix and develop effective marketing plans
• identify and use IT and IS systems to drive strategy
• use basic statistical tools and analyses.

60 credits

During this module, you will develop the skills and knowledge necessary to complete a research project successfully. You will investigate a specific business problem via a substantial piece of independent work, and demonstrate your proficiency in:

• designing a research project
• applying appropriate methods
• collecting and analysing data
• presenting results.

120 credits

The Professional Placement module is a core module for those students following a masters programme that incorporates an extended professional placement that follows completion of the first 180 credits of taught modules and project or dissertation. It provides students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills in an appropriate working environment, and to develop and enhance key employability skills and subject specific skills in their chosen subject.

It is the responsibility of individual students to locate and secure a suitable placement opportunity; this will normally involve one placement which must be completed over a minimum period of 10 months and within a maximum of 12 months. The placement must be approved by the module leader prior to commencement to ensure its suitability.