Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2010-2011 (archived)

Module BUSI4ZF15: PURCHASING AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

Department: Economics, Finance and Business (Business)

BUSI4ZF15: PURCHASING AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

Type Open Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2010/11 Module Cap None.
Tied to N1KM07

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To enable students to acquire a specialist knowledge and understanding of the tools and techniques for effective and efficient purchasing and supply management.

Content

  • Definition of terms
  • Vision and strategy in purchasing and supply management
  • 7-Step-Purchasing-Process and category strategy formulation
  • Global supply organisation
  • Supplier relationship management
  • Supply performance management
  • Operative procurement process

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • have developed the capability to differentiate varying perceptions of the roles and tasks of purchasing and supply management.
  • have a critical understanding of the role of purchasing and supply management within different types of organisations.
  • have a critical appreciation of the advantages and disadvantages of different types of supply organisations within global organisations.
  • have a critical understanding of the necessary preconditions for the successful implementation of comprehensive category strategies.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • have an advanced understanding of, and the ability to apply, the specialist tools and techniques for supply market analyses, supplier selection and supply performance measurement
  • be able to develop comprehensive category strategies
Key Skills:
  • 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

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, group work, case studies, class exercises and discussions, supported by guided reading.
  • The assessment of the module by written assignment is designed to:
  • Test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding
  • Test skills of application and interpretation

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Full-day sessions combining lectures, group work, case studies, class exercises and discussions. 28
Preparation and Reading 122
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Written Assignment 4,000 words (max) 100%

Formative Assessment:

Classroom-based exercises involving individual and group analyses and presentations on specific business situations/problems relevant to the learning outcomes of the module. Oral and written feedback will be given on a group and individual basis as appropriate.


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