Business Management and Supply Chain BSc (Hons)

30 credits

Information Technology (IT) is the ultimate change agent impacting industry structures, strategic positioning, customer interactions and every part of a business function. 

This module focuses on how data analytics and digital technologies are utilised by businesses to enable better decisions and alter consumer interactions. Understanding the business value of data and digital technology not only requires knowledge and an appreciation of various analytical techniques, but also on the effective use of IT for the gathering, summarising and communication of this information.

You will use a problem-centric approach to apply analytical techniques with the aid of information technology, while developing your employability skills.

30 credits

Understand the dynamic external environment shaping businesses today. This module equips you as a future manager with essential skills to understand how organisations operate in today's rapidly changing world. You'll explore the economic forces, market structures, and external factors that shape organisational success, from consumer behaviour and pricing strategies to globalisation and industrial policy.

30 credits

This module introduces you to the core principles of marketing and how they apply in today’s digital world. It covers fundamental marketing concepts, principles, and frameworks before exploring digital marketing, sales management, and professional selling.  

You will learn how to create and deliver value to customers, understand buyer behaviour, and develop effective marketing communications. The module also examines how selling and buying have evolved in the digital era.  

Through real-world examples, case studies, and interactive role-plays, you will gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in marketing, digital communications, and sales techniques. 

30 credits

Why do some teams and organisations thrive while others struggle? This module explores the critical relationship between people and organisational success, combining organisational behaviour theory with applied practical human resource management. You'll examine how individuals, groups, and organisations interact, covering motivation, leadership, team dynamics, organisational culture, and strategic HR planning. Through live briefs, role play, games, and real-world challenges from external organisations, you'll learn to build effective stakeholder relationships in (technologically advanced) workplaces. 

30 credits

This module looks at value creation across all functions of the corporation for different industries and types of businesses. It begins with an evaluation of key financial ratios used to evaluate financial performance of different types of businesses, focusing on how these metrics vary across industries and how firms can be assessed relative to peers and broader industry benchmarks.

It then moves to evaluating investment decisions, including capital budgeting, calculating project returns and how to choose the best projects that maximise returns for investment objectives and given risk constraints.

You will learn how to unlock value in a choice of capital structure and financing decisions in terms of instruments, markets where you issue and how you determine your optimal capital structure subject to a target cost of funding and other structural constraints. 

It finishes with a review of how to put all this together to be able to value a business. Throughout the module you will also be introduced to how negotiation has an impact on each area.

30 credits

This module introduces you to the strategic and operational aspects of logistics within global supply chains. You will explore key areas such as procurement, warehousing, inventory management, transport systems, logistics service providers, and international logistics, while examining contemporary issues including sustainability, outsourcing, and risk management.

Through real-world case studies and applied learning, you will gain hands-on experience in international shipping, port management, carrier selection, and trade documentation. The module also considers how global business environments influence logistics decisions, including location strategy and sourcing.

Aligned with Kingston University’s Future Skills agenda, this module develops your digital fluency, problem-solving, adaptability, and cross-cultural competence. It also encourages ethical and sustainable logistics practices, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are global targets for a more sustainable and equitable world - particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

30 credits

The module covers the concepts and knowledge of sustainable business and supply chain management by looking at the ethical issues that emerge in the interactions between a business and its stakeholders and implementation of socially responsible and sustainable programmes and initiatives. You will study Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), innovation, the triple bottom line – economic, environmental and social sustainability in the supply chains, uncertainty and risk management, stakeholder value and reputation.

In addition, the module will provide you with the project tools and techniques that focus on how to create a business case for sustainable projects, as well as utilising traditional and contemporary project and product delivery frameworks to support the delivery of sustainable benefits both to businesses, and a wider community of stakeholders. You will consider how investment decisions can incorporate ethics and risk.

30 credits

Understand strategic role of business analytics and digital intelligence in modern organisations. You will explore how data-driven approaches and emerging technologies - such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data are transforming business models, customer experiences and innovation processes.

Through your studies you will gain hands-on experience with analytical tools, create impactful visualisations, and tackle ethical challenges ensuring you understand the broader implications of digital intelligence in business contexts.

30 credits

This module provides you with a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management and its strategic importance in modern business operations. You will explore the key concepts, processes, tools, and techniques that underpin effective supply chain design, planning, implementation, and control, with a focus on value creation, competitiveness, and sustainability.

You will examine the end-to-end supply chain, including procurement, production, logistics, distribution, and customer service. The module emphasises integration across supply chain activities, supplier relationship management, inventory control, risk mitigation, and the role of digital technologies such as Digital Product Passports, Enterprise Resource Planning systems, and supply chain analytics.

Through case studies, you will develop analytical and problem-solving skills to evaluate supply chain performance and propose improvements. The module also addresses contemporary challenges, including ethical sourcing, circular supply chains, and the impact of geopolitical and environmental factors on global supply networks. It is suitable for careers in retail, manufacturing, financial services, and consultancy.

30 credits

This module covers the concepts, theories and techniques on which strategic management is based and explores their application in a wide range of international business and other settings.

It aims to expand your perspective on wider issues and scenarios, identifying opportunities and growth over medium and long terms. You will develop your ability to communicate and present your commercial awareness across the board.

30 credits

This module addresses complexity and sense making techniques to identify changes in the environment. It includes theoretical and practical perspectives of effective and responsible leadership in contemporary complex and changing organisational contexts. You will critically evaluate concepts of leadership alongside current practices of leading change in contemporary organisations faced with complex and uncertain environments.

You will critically reflect on your own leadership capacity and skills in initiating and leading change in different contexts, and consider your own progress and career journey in the context of these environments and leadership styles.

15 credits

Operations Management is a core discipline within business and supply chain education, focusing on the effective design, execution, and continuous improvement of processes that create and deliver goods and services. This module introduces you to the fundamental principles, frameworks, and tools used to manage operations in both manufacturing and service contexts. Key themes include process design, capacity management, quality management, supply chain integration, lean thinking, and the integration of sustainability and digital technologies into operations.

You will explore how operational decisions impact organisational performance and competitiveness, examining real-world examples from industries such as retail, logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. The module also highlights the strategic role of operations in creating value, improving efficiency, and supporting long-term business resilience.

15 credits

This module gives you a dedicated opportunity to develop your Future Skills Graduate Attributes. 

At the start of the module, you will be supported to self-assess your current skills profile. You will determine which attributes and skills you need to develop to support your career ambitions. In this process, you will be supported by a dedicated career coach, helping you explore a range of options that includes self-employment/freelancing, starting your own business, higher level study, and other professional graduate-level opportunities. Throughout the module, you will be given opportunities to engage with external mentors, to support reflection and to develop a professional network.

You will undertake a tailored series of activities and projects, aligned to your goals, from a menu of development options. This could include short courses, enrichment activities and experiential learning options such as micro-placements. You will also be able to reflect on activities outside the University that develop your graduate attributes, such as work or volunteering.