Durham University
Programme and Module Handbook

Postgraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2024-2025

Module BUSI4X615: Digital, Resilient and Sustainable Procurement

Department: Management and Marketing

BUSI4X615: Digital, Resilient and Sustainable Procurement

Type Tied Level 4 Credits 15 Availability Available in 2024/2025 Module Cap None.
Tied to N2P909

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combination of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To provide an overview of the latest research and leading practices related to embedding sustainability in procurement
  • To provide an overview of the latest research and leading practices related to sourcing risk management and to develop resilience in supply chains.
  • To provide an understanding of the adoption of digital technologies in procurement and how digital technology adoption can impact the overall performance of the organisation.

Content

  • Purchasing Portfolio Management
  • Designing Procurement Processes and Organising Procurement function
  • Supplier Selection and Contracting
  • Supplier Collaboration and Supplier Relationship Management
  • Sustainable Procurement
  • Procurement Risk Management
  • Digital Technologies in Procurement.

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:
  • Developed a critical understanding of the role of procurement on overall organisational performance.
  • Developed advance knowledge of the procurement process in an organisation
  • Explored the risks and challenges associated with procurement and gained insight into strategies for mitigating these risks and building resilience in supply chains.
  • Analysed the importance of sustainability considerations in procurement decision-making, including how environmental and social factors can be integrated into sourcing decisions to support long-term sustainability goals.
  • Gained an understanding of the role of digital technologies in procurement processes and the ways in which these technologies can be leveraged to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance sustainability and resilience in supply chains.
Subject-specific Skills:
  • Demonstrate a critical understanding of the role of procurement in reducing costs, minimizing risks and in providing value to customers.
  • Apply critical thinking to evaluate sourcing decisions to ensure that supply chains can be designed to be sustainable and resilient.
  • Evaluate the potential impact of different digital technologies in making the procurement function efficient, sustainable and resilient.
Key Skills:
  • Written communication.
  • Planning, organising and time management.
  • Problem solving and analysis
  • Interpretation of data and analytical skills

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

  • Lecture sessions: theory and concepts will be outlined together with the relevant research evidence to enable a critical and evidenced-based approach. Seminars reflect on and apply the knowledge gained through real-life cases and to the procurement function of companies across industries.
  • Module content will be delivered through a variety of media including videos, case studies and practical exercises. Thus, 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 used by leading organisations.
  • The summative written assignment will test students' theoretical understanding, their knowledge of relevant theories and concepts, and their ability to apply these to contemporary settings.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Activity Number Frequency Duration Total/Hours
Wokshops 10 weekly 3 hours 30
Preparation and reading 120
Total 150

Summative Assessment

Component: Written Assignment Component Weighting: 100%
Element Length / duration Element Weighting Resit Opportunity
Individual written assignment 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 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