In an increasingly interconnected and competitive global economy, effective supply chain management has become a critical driver of business success. The ability to design, manage, and optimise complex supply chains is essential for firms seeking to maintain competitive advantages, reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer satisfaction. Global supply chains are exposed to numerous challenges, including geopolitical instability, trade restrictions, fluctuating costs, technological disruption, and environmental concerns. A cornerstone of understanding international management practices. Understanding how to navigate these complexities is vital for business leaders and decision-makers. Recent global events underscore the fragility of global supply chains and the importance of resilience, flexibility, and strategic planning. In addition, the rise of digital transformation, automation, and artificial intelligence is reshaping traditional supply chain models, creating both opportunities and risks. This module aims to equip students with the analytical frameworks, strategic insights, and practical tools needed to manage global supply chains effectively. By exploring real-world case studies, current industry practices, and emerging trends, students will develop the ability to design and implement resilient, sustainable, and cost-effective supply chain strategies. The primary purpose of this module is to develop a comprehensive understanding of the strategic, operational, and technological aspects of global supply chain management. It will provide students with the skills and knowledge required to manage complex supply networks in a rapidly evolving global environment. This module is designed to: - Develop strategic thinking, enabling students to assess and design supply chain strategies that align with business goals and respond to dynamic market conditions. - Enhance analytical and problem-solving skills, providing students with the tools to evaluate supply chain performance, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements. - Foster a global perspective, helping students understand the impact of geopolitical, economic, and cultural factors on global supply chains. - Strengthen operational expertise, teaching students how to optimise logistics, inventory management, and sourcing to improve overall efficiency and reduce costs. - Promote technological awareness, introducing students to the role of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and automation in modern supply chain management. - Encourage sustainability and ethical considerations, exploring the importance of sustainable sourcing, carbon footprint reduction, and ethical supply chain practices.

This syllabus is designed to ensure that students develop both a strategic and operational understanding of global supply chains, equipping them with the skills and insights to address the challenges and opportunities of managing supply chains in a global context. This module explores the strategic, operational, and technological dimensions of managing global supply chains. Students will critically engage with key concepts, frameworks, and tools to address complex supply chain challenges in a globalised business environment. Content for the module includes; The role of supply chain management in competitive strategy; Supply chain design & strategy; Global sourcing & procurement; Supplier relationship management; Logistics & Distribution; Fulfilment challenges; Supply chain risk management; Business continuity planning; Digital transformation in supply chains; Supply chain visibility; Sustainability & supply chain management; Circular economy and closed-loop supply chains; Ethical sourcing; Global trade and regulatory environment; Impact of trade policies and tariffs; Regulatory compliance and customs; Supplier and stakeholder management; Managing conflicts and negotiation strategies; Collaborative supply chain networks; Future trends and innovations in supply chain management; Emerging business models and technologies; Resilience and adaptability in supply chains.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: - Analyse complex global supply chain structures and evaluate their strategic alignment with business objectives. - Critically evaluate the impact of technological, political, and environmental factors on supply chain performance. - Design effective supply chain strategies that enhance resilience, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. - Apply analytical models and performance measurement tools to identify and solve supply chain inefficiencies.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: - Demonstrate an appreciation for the importance of ethical and sustainable practices in global supply chain management. - Reflect on the challenges of balancing cost, efficiency, and ethical considerations in supply chain decisions. - Value collaborative approaches to managing supply chain relationships and stakeholder interests.

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The module will be delivered through a blend of lectures, tutorials, case studies, group discussions, and real-world projects supported by an online learning platform and private research. Graduate attributes will be developed in the following ways: Agile: Students are expected to be agile in their learning through independent study, self-directed learning and coursework; Articulate: Students will become articulate in expressing advice through the use of in-class discussions, presentations and written coursework; Courageous: Students will be required to participate openly in class discussions, and assessments that require them to step outside their comfort zone; Curious: Students will be encouraged to be curious in their acquisition of knowledge of through practical examples, coursework and in-class groupwork; Responsible: Students will develop a sense of responsibility through class discussions on various ethical and sustainable issues and challenges within supply chain management.