This module explores the ways in which good practice in global and regional supply chain management can contribute to achieving sustainable business performance. It is designed to encourage practical business skills and places emphasis on real-world supply chain challenges. Executive students will gain an in-depth understanding of: supply chain strategy and sustainability; how to analyse and design effective supply chain operations; how to use data models to solve problems and inform decisions; procurement strategy; inventory; operations management; freight transport and project management and the role of technology in modern supply chains. It introduces executive students to a range of models to inform systematic thinking on the alignment, design, implementation and operation of supply chains to promote agility, adaptability and growth in the context of today’s dynamic, uncertain and competitive operating environment.

The syllabus is designed to transform the practice of managing product and service supply chains, blending theoretical foundations, practical applications, and emerging trends. The indicative syllabus covers Supply Chain Strategy & Design and includes frameworks such as the SCOR model, and may include the following topics; Application of lead-time and lean thinking, introducing techniques to reduce waste in the supply chain; Operations and Supply Chain Management frameworks; Logistics Management; Procurement and Strategic Sourcing; Inventory and Demand Planning; Financial Management KPI’s for Supply Chains; Data-driven decision-making; Information Systems in SCM; Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning in SCM; Global Supply Chain Management; Sustainability & Ethics in Supply Chains; and Risk Management & Resilience.

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • Synthesise the principles that underpin a Lean Culture in the initiation and maintenance of a lean programme • Critically evaluate the basic tools and concepts in the lean body of knowledge including standardisation, 5S, OEE, Standard work and visual management • Construct a lean project

On successful completion of this module, students will be able to: • Analyse the impact of logistics and supply chain management on a focal firm’s competitive position and performance. • Evaluate some of the global trends impacting on the sustainability of supply chains and discuss some of the strategies to improve the performance of SCs against the triple bottom line (i.e. environmental, social, and economic/technological implications). • Formulate technology improvements improving the performance of supply chains.

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The module will be taught using a lecture and workshop approach: Lectures will be used to transfer core concepts and theories while workshops will be used to apply and embed key learning. The approach to teaching and learning aligns the student profile with module learning outcomes, methodologies and assessment. 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, group work 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.