Main Aim(s) of the Unit:

This unit introduces the concepts of logistics and supply chain management.  In the modern global marketplace, companies need to be efficient in relation to the movement of supplies and delivery of the final products. The unit explores issues in relation to logistics including value, managing lead time and techniques including just-in-time, and incorporating the role of technology in this process.

Main Topics of Study:

Logistics & the Supply Chain 

• Definitions
• Structuring
• Material & information flow
• Competing through logistics
• Supply chain strategies

Serving the customer 

• Customer service
• Customer service as a link between logistics and marketing
• Customer service & customer retention
• Setting customer service priorities

Value & Logistics Costs 

• Sources of value
• Representing logistics costs
• Activity based costing
• Balanced measurement portfolio
• Supply chain operations reference model

Managing logistics internationally 

• Drivers & logistics implications of internationalisation
• Trend towards internationalisation
• Challenge of international logistics and location
• Organising for international logistics
• General tendencies

Managing the lead time frontier 

• Role of time in competitive advantage
• P:D ratios & lead time
• Time based mapping
• Managing timeliness in the logistics pipeline
• Method for implementing time based practices

Just-In-Time & Lean thinking 

• Just-in-time
• Lean thinking
• Vendor managed inventory
• Quick response

The Agile supply chain 

• Market winners & qualifiers
• Agile practices

Managing the supply chain 

• Collaboration in the supply chain
• Efficient consumer response
• Collaborative planning
• Forecasting & replenishment
• Managing supply chain relationships
• Framework for managing the supply chain

Partnerships in the supply chain 

• Choosing the right partnership
• Partnerships in the supply chain
• Supply-based rationalisation
• Supplier networks
• Supplier development
• Implementing partnerships

Logistics future challenge 

• New supply chain environment
• Key management challenges
• Role of the internet
• Implementation issues

Learning Outcomes for the Unit

At the end of this Unit, students will be able to:

1. Identify issues in the development of an efficient supply chain
2. Describe techniques for enhancing logistics operations
3. Demonstrate a knowledge of logistics and supply chain in the business context
4. Identify the main elements of a robust supply chain
5. Analyse issues and potential solutions in a global context
6. Critically examine the importance to customers, suppliers and relationships in the overall implementation

The numbers in the boxes below show which of the above unit learning outcomes are related to particular cognitive and key skills.

Learning and teaching  methods/strategies used to enable the achievement of learning outcomes:

Learning takes place on a number of levels through lectures, class discussion including problem review and analysis.  Formal lectures provide a foundation of information on which the student builds through directed learning and self managed learning outside of the class.  The students are actively encouraged to form study groups to discuss course material which fosters a greater depth learning experience.

Assessment methods which enable student to demonstrate the learning outcomes for the Unit: 

Examination: 3 hours duration 100%

Indicative Reading for this Unit:

Main Text:
Logistics Management Strategy – A Harrison & R Van Hoek (Prentice Hall)

Guideline for Teaching and Learning Time (10 hrs per credit)

50 hours Lectures / Seminars / Tutorials / Workshops
Tutorial support includes feedback on assignments and may vary by college according to local needs and wishes.

50 hours Directed learning
Advance reading and preparation / Class preparation / Background reading / Group study / Portfolio / Diary etc

100 hours Self managed learning
Working through the course text and completing assignments as required will take up the bulk of the learning time.  In addition students are expected to engage with the tutor and other students and to undertake further reading using the web and/or libraries.