Semester 1 

Successful supply chain management for retailers is critical both at an operational and strategic level.  An effective logistics infrastructure is essential to meeting customer expectations whilst minimising service costs.  The retail buying function is central to the managing of supplier relationships, category and brand management issues, product innovation and meeting demands of specific customer groups.  This module will focus on the supply chain strategies of large-scale retail businesses where development has been retailer driven, largely attributable to their size and dominance within the supply chain. 

This module will enable students to evaluate the role and nature of logistic and buying strategies in meeting the objectives of retail organisations and to become familiar with the specific management application utilised in meeting product and service criteria set by the retail mix.  This module is designed to explore the technical and commercial environment that dictates the supply chain management approach adopted by specific retailers. 

On successful completion of this module the students will be able to: 
·               Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the breadth and complexity of the logistics and buying strategies within international supply chain management. (K) 
·               Apply appropriate techniques to assess management issues and problems to develop future buying and logistic strategies. (P) 
·               Examine inventory systems, inventory costs, forecasting techniques and buying function policies of leading retailers in respect of efficient consumer response (ECR) and channel relationships. (P) 
·               Select and justify appropriate approaches to the effective strategic management of supply chain management. (C) 
·               Show an awareness of the wider social implications of supply chain management. (K) 
·               Organise and communicate their ideas. (T) 

·            Conceptual framework of logistics: the supply chain/cost structures 
·            Strategic perspectives of the supply chain and retail service delivery 
·            Organisation and control of buying process: planning and managing merchandise assortments, understanding and forecasting consumer demand, new product development and development of ranges 
·            Inventory management: replenishment systems, stock control, rate of stock turn, shrinkage 
·            Warehouse management and transport planning 
·            Category management and own brand management issues 
·            Supply chain relationships: partnerships, retailer-supplier relationships, negotiation of contracts, pricing and promotion considerations 
·            Global sourcing and retail logistics in an international context 
·            Corporate social responsibility: implications for supply chain management 
·            Sustainable supply chain management 
·            Managing performance in the supply chain 

The teaching and learning strategy is designed to encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning and progress. 
The teaching and learning methods include lectures and seminars, incorporating appropriate case studies and interactive seminar exercises.  ULearn facility will be provided in support of the above. 
Assessment Strategy: 
The assessment strategy is designed to help the student develop: 
·               Understanding of relevant concepts. 
·               Application to specific retail contexts. 
·               An appropriately analytical perspective. 
The assignment includes the opportunity for an initial group-work submission, for indicative grading and feedback. 

Essential Reading 
Fernie, J. and Sparks , L. (2004) Logistics and Retail Management: Insights into current practice and trends from leading experts.  London : Kogan Page. 
Recommended Reading 
Bowersox, D.J., Closs, D.J. and Cooper, M.B. (2007) Supply Chain Logistics Management.  2^nd edn (International edn).  Boston : McGraw Hill. 
Harrison, A. and van Hoek, R. (2008) Logistics Management and Strategy; competing through the supply chain.  Harlow : FT/ Prentice Hall. 
Varley, R. (2006) Retail Product Management: Buying and Merchandising.  Abingdon: Routledge.
Background Reading 
Cash, R.P, Wingate, J.W. and Friedlander, J.S. (1995) Management of Retail Buying.  New York : Wiley. 
Christopher, M. (2005) Logistics and Supply Chain Management: Creating Value-adding Networks.  3^rd edn.  Financial Times: Prentice Hall. 
Clodfelter, R. (2003) Retail Buying: From Basics to Fashion.  Fairchild Publishers. 
Diamond, J. and Pintel, G. (2004) Retail Buying.  7^th edn.  Prentice Hall. 
Times.  Prentice Hall. 
Further reading will be supplied with lectures. 
Journals 
Students should also consult relevant journals such as: 
International Journal of Logistics Management 
International Journal of Retail and Distribution Management 
International Review of Retail Distribution and Consumer Research 
Journal of Business Logistics 
Journal of Consumer Research