This course critically analyses the increasing need for effectively managing the global supply chain. This aspect of an organisation is seen as a ‘strategic asset’ which can improve efficiency, customer satisfaction and financial results. As a consequence, managing the supply chain is key in terms of how an organisation performs with regard to its goals and strategy.
Through a series of case study approaches, both live and historic, you will gain an appreciation of the vast nature of the supply chain, from tangible raw materials to the often intangible transfer of knowledge. You will critically analyse the infinite relationships involved in inward and outward logistics through the upstream and downstream operations. And through this gain an appreciation of how these chains should be managed to maximise customer satisfaction and value added, and therefore performance.
The course will facilitate the analysis of the pressure to improve internal operations, how logistics strategies should evolve and be implemented and how integrated supply chains are developed. You will gain a critical appreciation of a breadth and depth of disciplines and how they culminate in impacting upon the supply chain, and how these impacts should be managed.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, you will be able to:
- Critically analyse the management of resource within the global supply chain
- Critically evaluate the need to either outsource or in-source elements of the supply chain, from a global, national or local perspective
- Critically evaluate backward and forward growth in the supply chain, and how to manage supply chain risk
- Undertake comprehensive and critical research of both academic and organisational materials, showing a suitable breadth and depth of sources in the development of reasoned conclusions
Course content
- Introduction to the development of Management Accounting
- Managing intangibles in a changing environment – such as supply chain relationships
- Managing information, knowledge management, learning organisations
- Understanding value chain integration
- Impact of technology across the supply chain
- Contingency Theory and Institutional Theory related to the design of processes and systems. Leading to Continuous improvement, Lean Thinking, JIT, TQM
- Outsourcing of elements, or all, of the supply chain – supply chain management as a service
- Link to M & A activity – backward and forward integration in the Supply Chain – the consideration of the internalising of transactions
- Measuring supply chain costs and performance
- Risk Management of the supply chain
Pace of study
For this short online course, we recommend about 20 hours of study per week to complete one 20-credit module over a 10-week trimester.
Assessment method
This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as essays, research reports, presentations, group work and practical reports which will be handed in and assessed at the end of the 10 week trimester. There will be 1/2 virtual classrooms over the 10 week trimester and if you are unable to attend you will be able to download the session to view in your own time.
Offset course credits towards another qualification
Once you’ve completed this course you may be able to offset the 20 credits towards our online MBA Global. This would reduce the number of modules you would need to study and the total cost of the course.
‡2024/25 for new entrants
Starting between September 2024 and August 2025.
UK/EU fee: £1,500
International fee: £1,500
2025/26 for new entrants
Starting between September 2025 and August 2026.
UK/EU fee: £1,550
International fee: £1,550
About your fees
Prices are correct for the year of entry shown. These are subject to annual increase in subsequent academic years.
Applicants should normally hold a good honours degree (minimum upper second class) from a UK university (or overseas equivalent) in any subject or a professional qualification deemed to be of equivalent standing. Alternatively, applicants may have significant management experience and a substantial record of achievement. Applicants meeting these criteria may not have previously studied at university
We welcome and encourage all applicants as long as they can be considered adequately prepared to succeed on the programme. If learners have few or no formal qualifications, they may be able to gain entry to the programme if they have the required communication and learning skills as well as the knowledge, experience and motivation to succeed.
All applications are considered on an individual basis. Applicants may be invited to an interview, either on campus or online, as part of the application process.
English language qualifications
We welcome applications from international students. If your first language is not English you will need to have at least one of the following English language qualifications listed below. You may be exempt from providing evidence of English language proficiency if you have gained your undergraduate degree from a UK university.
- IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.5 (minimum of 5.5 in each component)
- TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 580 (paper based) 237 (computer based) or 92 (internet based)
- Pearson Test of Academic English: 51
- Cambridge Advanced Certificate: pass
- London Tests of English: we accept level 5 for postgraduate courses
- International GCE O-level English Language: grade C
- International GCSE English/English as a Second Language: grade C
Find out more about our English language requirements
Documents to support your application
In order for your application to be assessed, you will need to provide the following documents when you apply:
- Official photo identification such as a passport or driving licence
- Current CV
- Copies of certificates and transcripts or a letter of testimony for previous qualifications*
*Documents not in English or Welsh must be accompanied by a certified translation by a professional translator/translation company. Each translation must contain:
- Confirmation from the translator that it is an accurate translation of the original document
- The date of the translation
- The full name and signature of the translator, or an authorised official of the company
- The translator’s contact details
A list of approved translators can be found on the UK Government website.
Please note: failure to submit any documentation when requested, may result in your application being withdrawn.
Apply directly to the University.
Apply now
For support with completing your application, view our guide to the application process.
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