The unit focusses on the strategic, value adding role of logistics in supply networks. It aims to impart learners with a thorough understanding of key theoretical and operational aspects of managing logistics, specifically transportation, storage/warehousing and packaging. The related considerations for business competitiveness and operational efficiency is emphasised as is the interdependency between operational, technological, and regulatory aspects.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand key concepts and issues in logistics.

• 1.1 Analyse current issues in logistics and their relevance and effects on organisations.
• 1.2 Evaluate the benefits of having an effective logistics management system in an organisation.

2. Understand the different modes of transport and their underlying operational and economic characteristics.

• 2.1 Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the different modes of transportation.
• 2.2 Critically analyse the underlying operations and cost of the different modes of transportation.
• 2.3 Discuss factors affecting the selection of specified modes/s of transport in an organisation.
• 2.4 Explain the infrastructure/facilities associated with each of the transport modes.

3. Understand the regulatory aspects and procedures and practices with international processes.

• 3.1 Critically evaluate export and import regulations including customs procedures and tariffs in the import and export of goods.
• 3.2 Analyse how tariffs and duties affect the prices of imported/exported goods.

4. Understand strategic and operational aspects of warehouse management.

• 4.1 Evaluate strategic aspects incl. Warehouse location, capacity, design/layout, storage racks selection and extent of automation (in relation to material handling equipment)
• 4.2 Analyse operational issues in receiving, order picking, storage, and despatch incl. Relevance of technological solutions.
• 4.3 Explain the multi-level product packaging choices and their relevance to efficient warehousing and transportation.

The unit aims to provide learners with in-depth knowledge about planning processes across all key aspects of supply chain management.  The relevance of each of the planning processes, the associated information requirements and modelling and analytic techniques are covered. 

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand supply chain planning models and approaches used in contemporary business operations.

• 1.1 Explain qualitative and quantitative approaches to supply chain operations.
• 1.2 Apply appropriate forecasting techniques.
• 1.3 Evaluate the appropriateness of supply networks.
• 1.4 Apply location planning models for different entities in the supply network.
• 1.5 Apply appropriate inventory control and management approaches.

2. Understand the integration of supply chain planning, scheduling, and control approaches in business operations.

• 2.1 Analyse the relationships between aggregate and hierarchical planning and control.
• 2.2 Apply the concepts of Material Planning and Control and other capacity management strategies.
• 2.3 Evaluate the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in business operations.

3. Understand the application of data analytics in supply chain management.

• 3.1 Explain the use and relevance of simulation techniques in each of the key areas of supply chain management.
• 3.2 Explain the use and relevance of big data analytical techniques in each of the key areas of supply chain management.

The unit seeks to provide learners with a thorough understanding of procurement and supply management from a strategic, technological,  process and relationship perspective. The goal is to provide insights on the role of procurement within supply chain management, the tools and  techniques to assess sourcing options, the negotiation and contractual issues encountered with suppliers, effective supplier relationship  management and technological enablers in procurement.

Learning Outcomes:

1.Understand the contexts of procurement and supply management.

• 1.1 Analyse the different sources of value addition in procurement.
• 1.2 Explain the main aspects of sourcing processes.
• 1.3 Analyse the impact of organisational policies and procedures on procurement.

2.Understand the application of tools and techniques for sourcing.

• 2.1 Explain how costs and prices can be estimated for procurement activities.
• 2.2 Explain the main processes used for obtaining quotations and tenders from suppliers.
• 2.3 Develop selection and award criteria with regards to selecting suppliers.
• 2.4 Evaluate the role of technology in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of procurement.

3. Understand approaches to finalise contractual agreements with suppliers.

• 3.1 Explain the main types of contractual agreements between customers and suppliers.
• 3.2 Compare the types of approaches that can be pursued in commercial negotiations.
• 3.3 Evaluate the main methods that can influence the achievement of desired outcomes in a negotiation.

4. Understand and manage the dynamics of relationships with suppliers.

• 4.1 Apply portfolio analysis techniques to assess relationships with suppliers.
• 4.2 Explain the main approaches to conflict resolution in commercial contracts.
• 4.3 Explain the main techniques for supplier relationship management.

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of supply chain and operations management, including its scope, impact and  importance as well as the strategic decisions that need to be made in today’s world of global supply and global markets, taking into account the  major competitive drivers. The unit discusses supply chain and operations management practices and approaches in a range of contexts. 

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand key operations and supply chain management concepts, theories and strategies.

• 1.1 Evaluate the concepts and principles of operations and supply chain management.
• 1.2 Critically discuss the key drivers of effective supply chain management.
• 1.3 Assess how effective operations and supply chain management can enhance competitiveness.
• 1.4 Critically evaluate key decisions made by businesses to improve their supply chain and operations.
• 1.5 Critically review the application of different strategic approaches to supply chain and operations management in organisations.

2. Understand performance measurement approaches and techniques.

• 2.1 Assess the relevance of performance measurement within supply chain and operations management.
• 2.2 Evaluate various financial, non-financial, single and multi-factor performance measures applicable to organisations.
• 2.3 Evaluate the selection and application of key performance indicators for effective supply chain and operations management.
• 2.4 Explain how intra and inter-organisational benchmarking can help organisations improve their supply chain and operations management efficiency.

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding, knowledge and skills of sustainable operations management, including key elements  of sustainability and their importance to businesses, the business drivers and barriers affecting the move towards sustainability, the different  practices across the supply chain that can be worked upon to improve sustainability as well as the performance measures and the business  impact of sustainability. A variety of different sectors are explored.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Understand the concept and theories of sustainable supply chains.

• 1.1 Explain the relevance of sustainability to businesses.
• 1.2 Critically assess key dimensions of sustainability incl. environmental, social and economic as well as practices within each context.
• 1.3 Assess the relevance of different drivers of sustainability practices.
• 1.4 Appreciate the barriers or challenges to businesses with regards to sustainability.
• 1.5 Explain the different performance measures used to measure sustainability as well as how sustainability is reported.

2. Understand how to make the businesses more sustainable.

• 2.1 Evaluate the existing position of a business with regards to different sustainability practices.
• 2.2 Highlight the appropriateness of different sustainability practices for a business.
• 2.3 Evaluate the sustainability and business-related implications of implementing (sustainability) practices for a business.

The aim of this Master Award is to develop learners’ ability to prepare for various types of academically based management research through the development and  design of a research proposal. Learners will develop a critical understanding of the philosophical, practical and ethical concepts of research within the  context of the business environment.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Be able to develop research approaches in a relevant context.

• 1.1 Appraise business research problems.
• 1.2 Develop and justify appropriate research aims and objectives within a defined scope and timeframe.
• 1.3 Critically explore, select and justify research approaches.

2. Be able to critically review literature on a relevant research topic.

• 2.1 Critically analyse different theoretical approaches to a research problem.
• 2.2 Create a structured and thorough critical literature review.

3. Be able to design business research methodologies.

• 3.1 Critically evaluate relevant research methodologies to reflect the research objectives.
• 3.2 Design an appropriate methodology in terms of the research objectives for a defined population.
• 3.3 Justify the methodology selected in terms of the research objectives within agreed ethical guidelines.

4. Be able to develop a research proposal.

• 4.1 Create a research question, literature review and methodology.
• 4.2 Propose techniques for use with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.