The assessment strategy is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to demonstrate a command of the prevailing complexity present in management decisions relating to supply chain issues.

The assessment methods include an individual assignment and an examination. The assignment will provide formative feedback. The exam is based around a supply chain scenario issued in advance. 

This module will focus on the supply chain management initiatives of large-scale retail and international businesses. Successful supply chain management is critical at both at an operational level and increasingly at a strategic level. An effective logistics infrastructure is essential to meeting customer expectations whilst minimising service costs.    Leveraging the logistics operation is a global challenge that engages the key managerial supply chain concepts of lean and agile. Supply chain management 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 supply chain management strategies in meeting the objectives of retail and industrial organisations and to become familiar with the specific management application utilised in meeting product and service criteria set by customer value needs. This module is designed to explore the technical, commercial and CSR environment that dictates the supply chain management approach adopted by retailers and manufacturing firms in the and internationally.

Learning outcomes are categorised as;

• Knowledge and understanding (K/U)

• Intellectual/cognitive skills (I/C)

• Practical/professional skills (P)

• Transferable skills (T) 

Number	Outcome Type    e.g. K/U. I/C, P,  T	Outcome   On successful completion of this module, the student will be able to:
1	K/U	Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the breadth and complexity of the logistics and supply chain management
2	I/C&P	Apply appropriate techniques to assess management issues and  problems by analysing relevant information in order to develop future  supply chain and logistic strategies
3	K/U&P	Examine inventory systems, inventory costs, sourcing policies of leading retailers and manufacturers in respect of efficient consumer response (ECR) and channel relationships
4	I/C	Select and justify appropriate approaches to the effective management of supply chain management
5	K/U	Show an awareness of the wider social implications of supply chain management including sustainability
6	T	Organise and communicate their ideas

•          Conceptual framework of logistics: the supply chain/cost structures  

•          Inventory management: replenishment systems, stock control, rate of stock turn, shrinkage

•          Warehouse management and transport planning  

•          Supply chain relationships

•          Supply planning and control

•          Lean thinking and agile supply chain strategies

•          Information technology in logistics and buying

•          Global sourcing and retail logistics in an international context

•          Corporate social responsibility: implications for supply chain management

•          Reverse logistics

•          Sustainable supply chain management

The teaching and learning methods include reading and private study, the use of case studies and role based seminar exercises, as well as formal lectures and seminars. Distance-learning students will receive guided presentations, participate in internet discussion groups, and gather information from selected companies and destinations to substitute for the facility visit.

Expected purchase  

Harrison , A and Van Hock, R (2010), Logistics Management and Strategy: Competing through the Supply Chain, 4th edition, Harlow, Financial Times: Prentice Hall