Operations and Supply Chain Strategy and Practice
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BUSI4441 | Business | 4 | 20 | Spring UK |
- Code
- BUSI4441
- School
- Business
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
Module content addresses the following strategic challenges with the operations and supply chain:
- Decision areas and performance objectives – Context of operations and supply chain strategy. The key decision areas within the operations and supply chain. Concept and importance of performance measurement within operations and supply chain management. Selection and application of key performance objectives. Importance of intra and inter-organisational benchmarking and aligning performance with market requirements.
- Strategy – The range of strategic decisions within operations management and supply chain management. The impact of competition on operations and supply chains. Supply chain strategies for coordination and integration. Topical strategic issues faced by various industries and sectors in their operations and supply chains, e.g. sustainability, new technologies, etc.
- Current practice –Current operations management, supply chain management, and logistics issues in a range of industries/sectors. Pertinent issues and drivers of change in practicing operations and supply chain management, including sustainability.
Target Students
Only available for MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management OR MSc Supply Chain and Operations Management OR MSc Information Systems and Operations Management OR MSc Business and Management AND MSc Exchange students.
Classes
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 5 weeks
- One 2-hour lecture each week for 11 weeks
This module is taught through a combination of seminars and 1 hour asynchronous lectures.
Assessment
- 50% Coursework: Group coursework 3,000 words. Reassessment details. 100% written in person exam (2 hours).
- 50% Exam (2-hour): Written in person exam.Reassessment details. 100% written in person exam (2 hours)
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The module aims to give an in-depth coverage of operations and supply chain management in the context of contemporary operations, considering the major competitive drivers. The module addresses the scope, impact and importance of operations and supply chain management and the major decisions that need to be made in today's world of global supply and global markets, by using appropriate strategic frameworks. This module aims to give participants an understanding of productivity on the intra and inter-organisational level, and of the analytical skills (concept, tools and techniques) to achieve incremental and step changes in performance to realise the strategic intents: the skills to develop and apply work standards in manufacturing and service planning and control, and the knowledge and understanding to design performance systems considering the competitive forces. Finally, the module aims to provide insights on operations and supply chain management practices and approaches in a wide range of industry/sector contexts.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and understanding
This module develops a knowledge and understanding of:
• The management of the supply chain
• The dynamics of the global economy and international business &/or an awareness of cultural, legal/regulatory, political, and economic differences across countries &/or an appreciation of management issues from a global perspective.
• Customers and stakeholders - customer expectations, service and orientation
• The management of operations
• The importance of sustainability issues, including an understanding of the challenges and opportunities arising from the activities of people and organisations on the economic, social and environmental conditions of the future.
• Strategic management - the development and implementation of appropriate strategies within a changing operations environment
Intellectual Skills
This module develops:
• Being able to think critically and be creative: manage the creative processes in self and others; organise thoughts, analyse, synthesise and critically appraise. This includes the capability to identify assumptions, evaluate statements in terms of evidence, detect false logic or reasoning, identify implicit values, define terms adequately and generalise appropriately
• Being able to solve complex problems and make decisions: establish criteria, using appropriate decision-making techniques including identifying, formulating and solving business problems; and the ability to create, identify and evaluate options; the ability to implement and review decisions
• Using information and knowledge effectively in order to abstract meaning from information and to share knowledge, including the use of quantitative skills
Professional Practical Skills
This module develops:
• The ability to conduct research and enquiry into business and management issues either individually or as part of a team through research design, the collection and analysis of qualitative data, synthesis and reporting
• Effective performance within team environments and the ability to recognise and utilise individuals' contributions in group processes and to negotiate and persuade or influence others; team selection, delegation, development and management. Leadership and performance management: selecting appropriate leadership style for different situations; setting objectives, motivating, monitoring performance, coaching and mentoring
• The ability to recognise the need for and initiate change and to be able to manage change
• The ability to recognise and address ethical dilemmas, corporate social responsibility and sustainability issues, applying ethical and organisational values to situations and choices
Transferable (key) Skills
This module develops:
• Effective communication: networking, listening, oral and written communication of complex ideas and arguments, using a range of media, including the preparation of business reports