Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2007-2008 (archived)

Module BUSI55215: Operations and Supply Chain Management

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI55215: Operations and Supply Chain Management

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2007/08 Module Cap
Tied to N1K607

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • To provide students with an in-depth understanding at an advanced level of the complexities of managing operations and supply chains. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating the principal processes which add value, primarily in manufacturing but also in service sectors.

Content

  • The nature and scope of operations strategy
  • Design of products and services
  • Process design
  • Management of materials
  • Planning and control
  • Quality management
  • The nature and scope of supply chain management
  • Supply network design
  • Inter-organisational relations, e.g. partnerships, trust and power

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • be able to understand the challenges involved in identifying, acquiring and managing the various resources which are required in both manufacturing and service industries;
  • be familiar with the language required to discuss the use of the main operations and supply chain management techniques with functional experts;
  • have specialist knowledge of the pitfalls in trying to manage the complexities of operations sand supply chain management within the business context;
  • have a critical appreciation of the assumptions, implications and limitations of operations and supply chain management.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • By the end of the module, students should:
  • be able to recognise the need/opportunity to use the main operations and supply chain management techniques.
Key Skills:
    Enhanced skills of: written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; using initiative; computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • The bulk of the module will consist of conventional class-room teaching and the use of written case studies. The module will also include a number of sessions delivered by guest speaker practitioners and site visits which will constitute "real world" case studies.
  • The summative assignment will test students' knowledge and understanding of the subject-matter and their ability to apply it in a particular context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 7 2 hours 14
Seminars 4 1 hour 4
Lectures by guest speakers 4 1 hour 4
Preparation & Reading 128
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written assignment 3,000 words maximum 100%

Formative Assessment:

Written assignment of 1,500 words (maximum)


Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University