Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2019-2020 (archived)

Module BUSI40M15: OPERATIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (ONLINE)

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI40M15: OPERATIONS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (ONLINE)

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2019/20 Module Cap
Tied to N2K507
Tied to N5K407
Tied to N1N107
Tied to N6K207
Tied to N1KY07
Tied to N6K107
Tied to N5K107
Tied to N2K307
Tied to N5K507

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.

Content

  • Introduction to Operations and Supply Chain Management.
  • The Design Process.
  • Inventory Planning and Control.
  • Quality Planning and Control.
  • Purchasing and Supply Base.
  • Buyer-Supplier Relationships.
  • Information and Demand.
  • e-Supply Chains.
  • Logistics and Future Trends.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • To be able to understand the challenges involved in identifying, acquiring and managing the various resources which are required in both manufacturing and service industries.
  • To be able to recognise the need/opportunity to use the main operations and supply chain management techniques.
  • To be familiar with the language required to discuss the use of these techniques with functional experts.
  • To have specialist knowledge of the pitfalls in trying to manage such complexity within the business environment.
  • To 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:
  • 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 module is delivered via online learning, divided up into study weeks with specially produced resources within each week. Resources vary according to the learning outcomes but normally include: video content, directed reading, reflection through activities, opportunities for self-assessment and peer-to-peer learning within a tutor-facilitated discussion board. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and facilitate discussion board communication as well as being available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and Skype).
  • The summative assessment of the module is designed to test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding, and skills of application and interpretation within the business context.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Video content, directed reading, self-assessed assignments and guidance for further reading 150
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual written report 3000 words (maximum) 100% Same

Formative Assessment:

A written assignment of 1,500 words, or its multimedia equivalent, which may involve some group work.


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