Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2015-2016 (archived)

Module BUSI48Z15: GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN LEADERSHIP

Department: Business School (Business)

BUSI48Z15: GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN LEADERSHIP

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2015/16 Module Cap None.
Tied to N2P909

Prerequisites

  • None

Corequisites

  • None

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None

Aims

  • Provide a multi-faceted perspective on how leaders make decisions in modern global supply chains.
  • Introduce the theories and practices of leadership models and of their application to a supply chain scenario.
  • Provide an overview of how decisions are made in complex supply chains and the role of leadership in strategically managing a global supply chain, with reference to real-life case studies.
  • Provide a critical understanding of analytical methods of decision-making and introduce the students to managerial issues being faced by supply chains.

Content

  • Global Supply Chains and Leadership:
  • Drivers for economic globalization (labour costs, resources, regulation, etc.)
  • Corporate strategy
  • Design of Supply Chains
  • Impacts and Alternative Visions for Supply Chains
  • Cultural impacts
  • Human and environmental health impacts
  • Decision Making and Operations:
  • Outsourcing and Partnering decision making
  • Conflict resolution in partnerships and contracts
  • Inventory policy decisions
  • Trademark, protection of intellectual property
  • Litigation and dispute resolution across borders

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • By the end of the module, candidates will be able to demonstrate a critical understanding of:
  • The key success factors and pitfalls in decision making issues at a supply chain level.
  • The emerging trends in current and future global supply chain leadership.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Ability to identify the underlying assumptions and theoretical differences in different leadership strategies as applied to green supply chain management and logistics systems.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication; planning, organising and time management; problem solving and analysis; interpretation of data; computer literacy.

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

  • Lecture sessions: theory will be outlined together with the relevant research evidence to enable a critical and evidenced-based approach. Seminars will take the form of tutorials and site visits designed to facilitate students to reflect on and apply the knowledge gained of green legislation to real-life cases and industrial companies.
  • These themes will be explored through a variety of media including videos, written cases and practical exercises. In this way each student will be challenged to apply the theoretical and evidence-based material from lectures and also gain an appreciation of the tools and techniques commonly used by leaders and followers.
  • The summative written assignment (which will be topic or case based) will test students’ theoretical understanding, their knowledge of relevant evidence, and their ability to apply these to contemporary settings

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Lectures 9 Weekly 2 hours 18
Seminars 4 Fortnightly 1 4
Reading, project work and preparation 128
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual written assignment based on a specific topic or case study 2500 words (max) 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

A range of formative assessment methods will be used, including case-study based exercises, group presentations and group discussions, simulation exercises and business games.


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