📖Program Curriculum
Course modules
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.
Supply Chain Strategy and Sustainability
Module Leader
Dr Heather Skipworth
Aim
This module is intended to provide you with a sound foundation to the course by introducing the main concepts and principles that underpin Logistics and Supply Chain Management, including the important issue of sustainability. It presents the fundamental principles of contemporary logistics and supply chain management within a business context. This unit will explore the ways in which good practice in these fields can contribute to achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Overarching aspects of Supply chain sustainability are explored, such as corporate responsibility and ethics. Further the Global Supply Chain Game will enable students to understand through an interactive and competitive business game the principles of building an efficient global sourcing and supply chain under conditions of uncertainty so as to achieve high levels of profit and product availability.
Global marketplaces are characterised by shortening product life cycles, increasing product variety, and highly variable demand that is difficult to forecast. The module explores how the competitive landscape is constantly changing, and the role of logistics and supply chain management in meeting the challenges raised. Research from Cranfield faculty is integrated with our own case studies, originating from a network of companies in a range of sectors to demonstrate particular concepts around agile and lean supply chains.
Syllabus
The module comprises the following content:
Supply chains and competitive advantage introduces the principles of logistics and supply chain management and the potential impact on a focal firm’s competitive position and its organisational vision and performance.
Supplier relationships covers the different types of supplier relationships from arm’s length transactional to Joint Ventures, explores the nature of collaboration between supply chain members and supplier networks.
Managing the lead-time and lean thinking explains how to measure and improve lead-time gap and describes the implementation of lean thinking, identifies the seven deadly wastes and techniques to reduce waste in the supply chain.
Agile supply chains are necessary to thrive in volatile demand situations experienced in many markets today. This session compares and contrasts agile with lean, provides a framework for agile supply chains, including capabilities and practices to improve agility.
Variety challenge focuses on proliferating product ranges and strategies that can be employed to deal with this, such as mass customisation, form postponement and design for the supply chain.
Segmented supply chain strategy explores how supply chain strategy can be differentiated to meet different customer needs, and new market strategies/business models.
Integrating the supply chain explores internal integration between functions and external integration between supply chain members, integrations effect on firm performance and how it can be improved.
Sustainable retail analyses sustainability issues in relation to the retail supply chain, examines sustainability practices followed by major retailers and discusses sustainability of omni / online retail supply chain.
Supply chain sustainability concepts examines some of the global trends impacting on the sustainability of supply chains and discusses some of the strategies to improve the performance of SCs against the triple bottom line (i.e. environmental, social, and economic/technological implications).
Corporate responsibility and ethics understands the business case for major brands to convert to sustainable sourcing and addresses the challenges of aligning suppliers behind a major market transformation effort.
A web-based simulated supply chain game which is played in teams and enables the participants to experience how the performance of an organisation’s supply chain is impacted by alignment between functions, strategy and its execution and alignment between partners in the supply chain.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
Analyse and debate the basic principles underlying supply chain management and understand how the performance of an organisation’s supply chain is impacted by alignment between functions, strategy and partners in the supply chain and changing customer demands and supply chain risks.
Understand approaches to measuring the lead-time gap and evaluate ways to improve it, including the application of lean thinking.
Evaluate how agile supply chains can be applied in practice to provide high variety and customised products and how they can be combined with lean approaches in a segmented approach to deliver high performing supply chains.
Evaluate approaches to supply chain integration, both internally and externally, distinguishing supply relationships from arm’s length to Joint Ventures.
Evaluate the concepts of sustainable development, sustainable retailing, corporate responsibility, environmental impact and ethics.
Principles of Strategic Procurement
Module Leader
Dr Farooq Habib
Aim
The course will explore the subject of procurement and supply in the industrial and commercial context, explaining its role and purpose within the supply chain. Students will learn how procurement has developed, the skills and information needed by procurement professionals, the academic theory and knowledge accumulated on the subject area and the use of specific tools and techniques employed in managing the procurement function. In addition we will explore and use some of the recently emerged technologies within e-procurement which are designed to improve both process and cost management.
Syllabus
General issues affecting P&S and the role of Procurement, including drivers, context, structures, objectives
Supply strategy and segmentation approaches & matrices; buyer-supplier collaboration and partnerships; and trust and power issues
Managing complex inter-organisational relationships across multiple and diverse stakeholders
Supplier selection, development and evaluation, including make versus buy decisions, negotiation and contract,
e-Procurement – approaches, benefits and limitations
New trends in purchasing: retail industry
International sourcing, supply risks, and sustainability challenges
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should:
Have an understanding of the purpose of the procurement function and its role in the organisation.
Have knowledge of both strategic and tactical issues in the management of procurement.
Have an appreciation of the processes involved in procurement and their wider relevance to the supply chain processes of the organisation.
Have practical knowledge of the role and use of automated and web-based applications used in procurement and supply operations.
Be able to use tools and techniques to analyse and evaluate suppliers and supply markets.
Be able to apply segmentation models to spending within an organisation.
Be able to develop a procurement strategy, relevant to the supply chain and operational needs of the organisation.
Inventory and Operations Management
Aim
To provide comprehensive overview of the role of operations in the organisation’s collaborative/constructive working environment, business models and performance, within the overall context of supply chain management/external environment, and enable them to analyse and design effective supply chain operations with the ultimate goal to improve the match between demand and supply.
Syllabus
The module covers:
Supply Chain operations analysis
Value Stream Mapping (VSM)
“Push and Pull” systems
Just-in-time
Manufacturing Planning and Control Systems
Demand Management and Forecasting
Sales & Operations Planning
Inventory Management
Capacity Management, Sequencing and Scheduling
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Analyse and map operations within a supply chain context to identify where activities add values.
Contrast between push and pull systems in order to formulate the future manufacturing operations.
Appraise different inventory and resource management approaches within the supply chain.
Appraise different tools and techniques used in the Manufacturing Planning and Control Systems, including demand planning and master production planning.
Formulate operational strategies for matching demand and supply.
Assess alternative improvement opportunities within the supply chain to address changing markets, risks and sustainability challenges.
Accounting and Finance for Supply Chain Management
Module Leader
Dr Matthias Nnadi
Aim
The aim of the Accounting and Finance module is to introduce a number of traditional and contemporary accounting approaches that will increase the visibility of financial information and support management decision making.
Syllabus
The module has four main themes:
Interpretation of financial statements.
Exploring the relationship between accounting information, supply chain management decision making, financial strategies, and financial performance.
Applying traditional and contemporary accounting tools and techniques, which can be applied to support business supply chain management decisions.
Exploring the many cost trade-offs between business processes in the supply chain (Make vs. Buy).
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Judge the effect of decisions, transactions and events on financial performance;
Create simple sets of accounts from basic information.
Understand the main variables affecting working capital management;
Interpret financial statements to support decision making, planning and control;
Apply an appropriate costing approaches to solve a range of business issues;
Apply a number of financial tools and techniques to appraise alternative capital investment opportunities;
Use financial information to make informed management decisions.
Analytical Techniques for Supply Chain Management
Module Leader
Professor Emel Aktas
Aim
Managerial decisions in logistics and supply chain management are heavily based on quantitative analysis using models from the management science discipline. Data, models, and available software have dramatically changed the operations in manufacturing, services, and logistics sectors. The module aims to provide students with an introduction to the role and the relevance of analytical techniques in logistics and supply chain management.
From simple graphs to deterministic and stochastic optimisation models, it offers transferable skills to use associated techniques for the practice of these disciplines. Students will develop the ability to model and solve realistic decision problems in the context of logistics and supply chain management. This process will be facilitated by spreadsheet-based software packages where the students will have an opportunity to build their own spreadsheet models with emphasis on appropriate application of methods and interpretation of model outputs.
Syllabus
This module will cover:
Introduction to Analytical Techniques
Probability Distributions
Sampling
Hypothesis Testing
Regression
Linear Programming Model Build
Linear Programming Solution
Decision Trees
Multiple Criteria Decision Making
Module Close and Assignment Q&A
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
Discuss the theoretical principles that underpin a range of statistical methods and analytical techniques as they apply to supply chain management.
Critically evaluate the limitations, strengths, and weaknesses of a range of statistical and analytical techniques.
Appraise the options and select the appropriate technique to solve a given problem.
Demonstrate effective use of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques within the context of supply chain management.
Construct mathematical models comprising a decision objective and associated constraints and use these models to solve decision problems and interpret the results.
This module is distinctive because it provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of quantitative tools and techniques to solve realistic supply chain problems using appropriate software tools.
Freight Transport
Module Leader
Professor Melvyn Peters
Aim
The Freight Transport module provides a sound foundation in road, rail, air and sea freight transport. The focus is primarily from a user perspective in order to provide a logistics and supply chain management viewpoint. However, in road freight, the module also covers more detailed fleet management and operational aspects, recognising that many organisations operate their own road transport fleets but also reflecting the importance of road freight as the primary inland freight mode in most geographies for national and urban freight traffic.
Syllabus
Freight transport in the supply chain
Landed cost modelling
Modal freight exercise
Guest Lecturer/s – Air or Sea freight
Road freight - vehicle selection
Road freight - operations
Road freight - routing and scheduling (workshop)
Urban/City logistics
Freight transport models and collaboration costing?
TMS and freight in the future?
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
Categorise and critically discuss modal attributes, operational/environmental issues and market structures for different transport modes..
Construct and apply freight transport cost models and assess the cost/service trade-offs inherent in the proposed transport solution.
Evaluate and choose between the different transport modes and combine them with other elements to form an efficient and effective supply chain.
Plan and construct routes and schedules in a single depot environment and determine the impact of constraints on road freight vehicle productivity.
Information Systems and eBusiness
Module Leader
Dr Abhijeet Ghadge
Aim
To provide theoretical and practical knowledge about:
The value of information and the role of information systems (IS) for supply chain management.
The role and impact of information systems in e-business.
The opportunities and implementation challenges provided by information systems in supply chain management.
Syllabus
ERP Principles and Implementation
ERP hands-on
Data Quality and Security in Supply Chains
E-Business Models
Blockchain Technology for Supply Chains
Data Analytics for Supply Chains
Technological Trends in Supply Chains
Technological Trends in Supply Chains
GS1 e-learning (Barcode and RFID)
Innovation for Digital Supply Chain Management
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
Identify the functionality of ERP systems for managing operations of companies.
Assess the value of information for managing supply chains by recognising the importance of data quality and data security.
Evaluate appropriate eBusiness models/solutions for supply chain problems.
Formulate the processes for implementing internal and inter-organisational information systems.
Critically evaluate and identify the appropriate technology/information systems required for supporting different functions related to managing supply chains.
Project Management Introduction
Module Leader
Dr Denyse Julien
Aim
This is an introduction to the subject. However, it is our contention that projects are the building blocks of strategy. Also, the module provides a logical and simple process by which you may approach their own modules and objectives, and may well be a valuable source of confidence for taking on major elective projects later in the.
Project Management Introduction (PMI) demonstrates how management respects no boundaries (either in terms of functional silos – departments, etc. or theoretical disciplines). PMI provides additional opportunities to practice personal communication skills, and generally the module provides a basis for personal development and increased confidence and self-awareness.
Students share their experiences of Project Management Introduction week.
Logistics
Syllabus
The central aims of this module are to develop an introductory understanding of:
The fundamental principles of project management applied in the contemporary environment of enterprise projects.
The application of the main techniques and processes of project management in a team-based application of the planning/execution/control cycle.
On completing this module, students should be able to:
Identify key task sequences and the critical path using network (logic) diagramming.
Set up a graphical representation of the schedule using the bar chart (Gantt), and track progress against the baseline schedule.
Use knowledge of resource availability to adjust schedules (resource levelling) and establish realistic milestones, lead times and deadlines.
Recognise appropriate levels of detail for the scoping and scheduling process, the change management, the progress reporting requirements and the delivery.
Develop and manage budgets and cash flow for a project.
Use Earned Value techniques to assess achievement and produce forecasts.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
Apply the key tools and techniques in project management.
Map and define both the stakeholders and also the risk management approaches for the simulation project.
Identify, define, scope, schedule, track and bring to completion a project.
Apply financial management process in a project management context.
Reflect on the key learnings from the entire project and identify areas for improvement.
Physical Network Design
Module Leader
Dr Nicky Yates
Aim
The heart of any logistics and supply chain operation is its physical network. The location of factories, distribution centres, suppliers, customers and so forth and the means by which they are linked, fundamentally affects the efficiency with which an organisation’s network operates. This module aims to introduce the concepts and techniques of network theory and analysis and use these to demonstrate how physical networks are designed, redesigned and optimised and how current supply chain trends and challenges are influencing this design. All aspects of the module are illustrated by the use of practical examples, ranging from manual calculations through to computerised network optimisation software.
Watch the Physical Network Design module video
Syllabus
Introduction to Physical Network Design modelling.
Principles of Network Modelling – including manual and spreadsheet models.
Advanced modelling techniques and their application in network design and logistics.
Network Algorithms for tactical planning.
Optimisation in Network Design.
Emerging trends in supply chain network operations and the impact on their design.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Apply knowledge of practical aspects of supply chain strategy and the underlying cost trade-offs.
Apply the concepts of good design to the analysis of the Physical Network of a Supply Chain.
Evaluate the use of a range of network analysis concepts and techniques and select the appropriate techniques for the design of a new or the analysis of an existing network.
Develop analytical models using a variety of manual and computer based techniques.
Assess the impact of current logistics trends on the supply chain network operations and design.
Warehousing
Module Leader
Dr Hendrik Reefke
Aim
The module provides a thorough grounding in the role and operation of warehouses including the range of storage and handling equipment, the design of warehouses and the use of information technology. It emphasises on the strategic use of methods to analyse the wide range of available options. Additionally, the module focuses on developing the students’ ability to discern and use appropriate warehouse design techniques.
This module is taught in light of the wider context of an organisation’s supply chain strategy and, thus, equips students with the means to tackle the warehousing aspects of complex supply chain problems.
Syllabus
The module covers:
Introduction to warehousing
Conventional palletised systems
Automated palletised systems
Non-palletised storage and handling systems
Order picking
Receiving and despatch
Warehousing information systems
Warehouse design
Computer aided design and simulation
Warehousing in modern supply chains
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you should have:
A sound appreciation of the role of warehousing within modern supply chains.
A comprehensive knowledge of the range and applicability of equipment types used for warehouse operations.
A practical understanding of recent developments and trends in warehouse technology and information systems.
A conceptual understanding of principles, methodologies and practices employed in the design and management of warehouses and their operations.
A systematic understanding of how warehouse design decisions should be made with regard to the various options for layout, equipment, staffing and operational processes.
The ability to analyse alternative methods of warehouse operations in a systematic way, with regard to layout, equipment, processes and supporting information technology.
The ability to summarise and critically discuss how a warehouse should be designed to meet an organisation’s supply chain strategy.
The ability to assess and evaluate warehousing issues within complex supply chains.
Elective modules
A selection of modules from the following list need to be taken as part of this course
Logistics Outsourcing
Module Leader
Professor Melvyn Peters
Aim
The outsourcing of logistics has developed rapidly over the last ten. The 3PL (Third party Logistics) providers have become part of a very competitive and dynamic industry. The overall aim of this elective is to take you through the various aspects related to selecting (tendering) and working with a third party logistics contractor. Additional aspects, covering the development of new logistics outsourcing business models (Fourth Party Logistics- 4PL), will also be covered.
Syllabus
This module will cover:
The development of Third Party Logistics.
3PL Contractor Selection Framework Tender Evaluation.
Implementation and Contract Management.
Contract Management and Dispute Resolution.
New logistics outsourcing business models.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
Contrast the relative advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing logistics operations.
Construct a tendering framework for a logistics outsourcing process and select an appropriate tender evaluation tool and metrics.
Develop and justify key performance indicators for on-going contract management.
Appraise the different contractual types with respect to 3PL outsourcing and the new emerging business models.
Performance Measurement in the Supply Chain
Module Leader
Professor Andrey Pavlov
Aim
Performance measurement and management (PMM) has been on the agenda of both academics and practitioners in both private and public sectors for several decades. However, despite the substantial resources invested in PMM by organisations, research shows that PMM-related initiatives, such as the implementation of scorecards or the adoption of PM procedures, can often fail to bring the intended benefits. Moreover, sometimes they turn out to be detrimental to the performance of the organisation!
If organisations are to realise value and become more sustainable in the longer term, it is crucial to understand how exactly performance measurement and management practices deliver improved performance. Even more, when several interconnected organisations form a part of a supply network, the measurement task is particularly complicated. Does performance measurement in supply networks deserve special treatment? Do the general principles of organisational performance management still apply? These are some of the questions the module will address.
This module will focus on the types and structures of performance measurement systems such as the Balanced Scorecard and the Performance Prism and on the design of appropriate strategy and success maps, performance targets, and indicators.
Syllabus
This module covers:
The roles of performance measurement;
Target gaming and unintended consequences of performance measurement;
Performance management;
The Balanced Scorecard and the Performance Prism;
Developing performance indicators and assessing their robustness;
Visualising performance data for communication and decision making;
Conducting performance management reviews.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Be able to identify and discuss the key aspects of performance measurement systems;
Understand the key processes associated with the design of a performance measurement system;
Be familiar with current research in performance measurement in general and performance measurement in supply networks;
Be able to explain the theoretical underpinnings of performance measurement and management practices;
Be able to analyse and evaluate an existing performance measurement and management system in an organisation;
Be able to evaluate the robustness of a wide range of performance indicators;
Be able to discuss the issues and nuances of measuring performance in supply networks;
Guide strategy execution through a comprehensive organisational performance measurement system;
Develop strategy/success maps;
Design and evaluate performance indicators;
Explain and communicate their decisions about the key aspects of performance measurement and management in organisations.
Business Process Outsourcing
Module Leader
Dr Soroosh Saghiri
Aim
Business process outsourcing (BPO) is a strategic initiative by which an organisation sub-contracts to a third-party provider activities and responsibilities of specific business processes. This can include processes related to Customer Service, Information Technology, Procurement, Logistics, Accounting or Human Resources. The aim of this module is give you the knowledge and skills to evaluate where and when BPO initiatives are appropriate and to understand how maximise the value and minimise the risk from BPO relationships.
Syllabus
This module will cover the following topics:
Outsourcing and Business Strategy
Managing the Outsourcing process
Developing the Business Case for Outsourcing
Selecting Outsourcing Service Providers
Managing the Outsourcing Relationship
Contracting and Negotiating for Outsourcing
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Critically evaluate the reasons that motivate an outsourcing decision.
Develop and justify a business case for Business Process Outsourcing.
Describe and explain the key stages in the process of outsourcing.
Identify and analyse the key factors for outsourcing supplier selection.
Understand how to manage an outsourcing relationship.
Recognise potential risks in outsourcing and prescribe mitigating actions.
Designing and Managing Resilient Supply Chains
Aim
The main thrust of this elective is that organisations can and should develop supply chain resilience as means to building routines for non-routine events. In today’s interconnected world future supply chain professionals have to recognise potential risks of experiencing a supply chain disruption and be able to prepare for, react to and recover from the unforeseen supply chains, i.e. to develop resilience. This module explores the dimensions, approaches, decision-making and causalities of resilience. Insights from retrospective and real time case studies will provide the basis for understanding the vulnerability of today’s global supply chains. Moreover, they will enable you to experiment both with the perspectives of supply chain planners anticipating supply chain risks and improving the resilience of the supply chain design and supply chain continuity managers responsible for ensuring rapid recovery after a disruptive event.
Syllabus
Introduction: Supply chain risk management, vulnerabilities and resilience
Introduction to the key concepts
Examples of large scale disasters and their impact on global supply chains
Ripple effects in supply chains
Trade-offs in supply chain resilience management (e.g. redundancy versus efficiency; centralisation versus dispersion a.s.o)
Supply chain risk and vulnerability analysis
Overview of existing methods for identifying and assessing supply chain risks and vulnerabilities
Application of a selected methodology
Resilient supply chain design principles issues and their implementation
Collaboration
Velocity
Flexibility
Visibility
Real-time case study project on supply chain risk and resilience
Presentation of a supply chain resilience case by a supply chain representative from industry
Individual written assignment related to the supply chain resilience case presented.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Describe the relationship and causalities between supply chain risk management, supply chain vulnerability and supply chain resilience.
Assess the effect of contemporary supply chain practices in routine- and non-routine situations.
Identify the key steps involved in developing and implementing resilient supply chain designs.
Evaluate the management challenges of formulating and implementing resilience into supply chains.
Identify key concepts from literature / business practice and synthesise them into a resilient supply chain design framework, which is subject to review, development and critique.
Have an appreciation of how organisations and human beings can prepare and respond to disruption in specific situations and contexts; how an effective and efficient recovery is enabled and how companies and human beings learn from past disruptions in the supply chain.
Simulation
Module Leader
Dr Nicky Yates
Aim
Increasingly organisations are realising the enormous benefits of using simulation models to test and evaluate decision alternatives before making a final investment decision. A good simulation model can provide valuable insight into the behaviour of a system (e.g. a supply chain) highlighting the dynamic interactions of which it is comprised, often illuminating unexpected issues or indeed benefits.
The overall aim of this elective is to provide you with a good appreciation of the application, strengths and weaknesses of simulation modelling techniques and the software that can be used to support decision-making in logistics and supply chain management. You will gain hands-on experience of using spreadsheet models including the use of specialist simulation add-ins and general purpose simulation software to solve decision problems in a specific supply chain management context.
By the end of this module you will have the skills and confidence to apply or recommend the use of simulation methods to address decision problems in your future career and, if needed, in your thesis project.
Syllabus
The module includes the following main subject areas:
The underlying principles/concepts of simulation techniques: The advantages / disadvantages of using simulation techniques compared to other analytical methods.
Monte Carlo simulation: Using spreadsheets and @Risk (an Excel Add-in) to solve stochastic simulation problems, e.g. forecasting, warehousing and SC process models.
Discrete event simulation: Using a general-purpose simulation software package, WITNESS Horizon, to model a supply chain operation.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of the Simulation Elective the student will be able to:
Discuss theoretical principles that underpin a range of deterministic and stochastic simulation modelling approaches.
Describe the limitations, strengths and weaknesses of simulation modelling.
Given a decision problem appraise the advantages and disadvantages of a number of simulation modelling approaches and select the most appropriate one.
Design the conceptual model for a simulation and build a simple simulation model.
Evaluate the output of a simulation model and use this to determine a preferred solution to the decision problem.
This course is distinctive because it provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of alternative simulation modelling tools and techniques to solve logistics and supply chain problems. More than 80% of the module contact hours are spent building and experimenting with simulation models.
Retail Logistics
Module Leader
Professor Michael Bourlakis
Aim
Over the past decades, retailers have increased their power in the supply chain becoming key chain members and dominating a range of logistics activities. A detailed analysis of the retailers’ logistics activities will expose and analyse these issues.
Thus, the aim of this module is twofold. Firstly it aims to provide an overview of the breadth of Retail Logistics operations in modern retail organisations. This involves raising awareness and understanding of the key strategic issues involved in the way retail organisations manage their logistics activities and facilities within and beyond the firm boundaries. Secondly, the course aims to provide participants with an understanding and appreciation of the key contemporary trends in retail logistics.
Syllabus
The module will include the following topics:
Retail buying and retail procurement.
Retail transportation & retail warehousing.
Efficient Consumer Response, Quick Response.
Customer Service and Out-of-Stocks.
Retail supply chain performance measurement.
Information technology in the retail supply chain.
Sustainability practices in retail logistics.
Evolution of retail supply chains.
Omni channels / Key future trends.
Global Retail Logistics.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Reflect and evaluate the activities, functions and processes associated with managing the Retail Logistics operations.
Assess critically the significance and application of Retail Logistics theories, concepts and frameworks in the broader context of the retail organisation in its competitive and changing environment.
Discuss and explain the strategic role of logistics operations for retail firms.
Demonstrate an understanding of the key trends that have an influence and impact on modern Retail Logistics operations.
Six Sigma
Aim
The Six Sigma elective will build on and develop some of the analytical skills introduced during the core modules of the Course in terms one and two. It will be situated in the context of Quality methods and Total Quality Management (TQM) describing their development from Deming to the present day. The elective will provide an understanding and practical utilisation of the Six Sigma methodology following the Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control (DMAIC) approach. You will be able to combine theory with practical case work which will experiment with quantitative and qualitative techniques employed in the solving of typical supply chain problems. The elective is designed to bring you to the equivalent level of a 6 Sigma ‘Green Belt’, enabling them to design solutions to organisational issues.
Syllabus
The course is structured using the DMAIC methodology used widely in 6 Sigma project management:
Define: evolution of TQM & 6 Sigma: Deming, PDCA, DMAIC; designing projects for improving supply chains.
Measure: qualitative & quantitative methods used in value stream mapping and measurement.
Analyse: tools and techniques used in the analysis phase; practical exercise on use of FMEA.
Improve: based on a case study in a manufacturing company, where a process of improvement must be put in place to turn around the company’s performance.
Control: continuation and completion of the case study, evaluating how to control the newly designed solution going forward and manage benefits.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
Appraise a variety of quantitative and qualitative techniques and evaluate their use in solving logistics problems.
Evaluate a realistic case of 6 Sigma use within a manufacturing/industrial environment.
Apply 6 Sigma tools to problem solving and performance improvement in the supply chain.
Demonstrate a knowledge of TQM and 6 Sigma use within logistics & SCM.
Appraise the range of techniques and solutions deployed within the 6 Sigma toolset.
Formulate use of appropriate analytical tools to analyse and solve problems in the supply chain.
Design a supply chain improvement strategy using 6 sigma techniques.
Sales and Operations Planning
Module Leader
Dr Heather Skipworth
Aim
Sales and operations planning (S&OP) is seen by many large organisations as being a critical cross functional process where senior supply chain managers and directors are expected to show leadership This module examines how a typical Sales and Operations Planning process works in a large multi-site commercial organisation. It then explores the challenges in implementing the process and the insight that can be delivered to prevent avoidable strategic planning errors.
The module gives a thorough foundation in the methodologies that underpin an effective S&OP process so that it can be adapted to fit the different configurations of organisation in which students will find themselves employed. The module will extend students supply chain management skills involved in managing difficult interactions including:
Managing the interfaces between supply and demand led organisations driven by conflicting objectives.
Managing the tensions and behaviours driven by the unpredictability of demand and constraints in supply.
Managing the consequences of the need to prioritise and the realisation that not all markets, products and services are of equal importance.
Managing context-specific performance metrics.
Managing an S&OP process that is not working effectively.
The aim of this module is to give students a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practice of S&OP, and in doing so providing them with useful tools, techniques and approaches they can implement in their future careers.
Syllabus
Definition and discussion of what S&OP is
What the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is looking for
The S&OP Process in more detail
Challenges and tensions (including short case)
Pre-requisites for S&OP
Main interactive case study, with syndicate groups and multiple S&OP cycles
The first five parts will be delivered over four hours and give the students a thorough understanding of the principles of S&OP. The last part six is an extended case study, which will run over eight hours.
Intended learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module you will be able to:
Critically assess weaknesses and strengths of an S&OP process.
Create a plan to implement or improve an S&OP process.
Be able to participate on an informed basis in decision making discussions in S&OP balancing insights from both supply and demand.
Understand the point of view of other S&OP participants and to manage the likely behavioural drivers of dysfunctional behaviour.
Formulate or adapt appropriate performance metrics to enable effective and balanced decision making.
