Programme Specification

Transcription

1 College of Business BSc (Hons) Logistics Management (Top-Up) Programme Specification Commencing September 2014 JACS code N100 Programme Code UN1AW Valid for delivery at University of Derby Kedleston Road

2 Programme Title BSc (Hons) Logistics Management Award title and interim awards Final Award: Undergraduate Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Logistics Management Mode of Study The programme will be delivered on a full-time and part-time basis. Programme start date / review date Start date: September 2014 Period of Validation: Indefinite Awarding Institution University of Derby College Managing the Programme College of Business Institution(s) Delivering the Programme University of Derby Relevant external subject benchmark statement(s) QAA Degree Subject Benchmark Statement for General Business and Management (2007) External Accreditation The programme will be put forward for accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (UK) JACS Codes N100 Programme Specification last updated July 2015

3 SECTION TWO: OVERVIEW AND PROGRAMME AIMS OVERVIEW The University of Derby has identified logistics and supply chain management as key sectors within its future development and critical to the regional economy. In 2013, the Centre for Supply Chain Improvement was launched providing a focus for specialist work within this area. Our central location and close proximity to companies such as Rolls-Royce, Toyota, Bombardier and JCB means we are ideally placed to keep in touch with latest industrial trends. It ensures our thinking is always relevant, meaningful and clear. Derby is positioned as a midlands hub for road, rail and air logistics. Employers regularly draw on our expertise in areas such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and lean process design. Our industrial partners include large organisations such as DHL, the NHS, Tesco Express Toyota and Caterpillar as well as SMEs across a broad range of industries. We are also actively engaged in supporting the step changes needed to achieve a low carbon economy and to meet the demands of the European Trading Scheme and Carbon Reduction Commitment. Efficient supply chain operations are vital to the growth of the economy and for servicing daily needs of industry and consumers. There is an increasing need for logistics and supply chain managers who can support international trade and enhance competitiveness. The logistics sector employs 1.94 million in England alone and offers great opportunities for well qualified managers. With this background, the one year top up degree, BSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management, specifically addresses the needs of those who wish to specialise in this exciting business area. It builds on previously acquired business knowledge and skills focusing on the complexities of transport logistics, warehousing and supply chain strategy. Additionally, the top up programme is a pathway for students who want to continue their studies in logistics and supply chains at post graduate level, which can be achieved on the MSc Supply Chain Improvement. The programme is intended for students who have already completed a sub-degree programme such as the Higher National Diploma, Foundation Degree or equivalent and who wish to further their studies to Honours degree level. Students on BABS and BABA programmes may wish to transfer onto this programme in their 3 rd year of study if they wish to specialise in Logistics and/or Supply Chain Management. The programme has an academically challenging curriculum which provides the solid base from which the practicalities of logistics and supply chain management will also be experienced. Students will benefit from a high level of employer participation within modules and within their independent study, facilitated through our close relationship with regional employers making it attractive to both UK based and international students. PROGRAMME AIMS The programme aims for each programme within the Undergraduate Business Programme scheme consist of generic aims common to all programmes, which are then supplemented by programme specific aims. The generic aims have been derived from the three purposes of business and management programmes listed in the QAA Subject benchmark statements: General Business and

4 Management. The benchmarks, taken from the QAA document are: 1. Study of organizations, their management and the changing external environment in which they operate 2. Preparation for and development of a career in business and management 3. Enhancement of lifelong learning skills and personal development to contribute to society at large. Generic aims for the generic business programmes derived from these three core guidelines are: 1. To prepare a student for a career in a rapidly changing business and social environment. 2. To provide a challenging, integrated programme of study that equips students with a sound general knowledge of organisations, their management and the global environments in which they operate. 3. To progressively develop cognitive, intellectual and practical skills within a relevant business and management context. 4. To offer students an opportunity for high levels of employer participation within an appropriate business environment. 5. To progressively develop transferable graduate skills as a foundation for lifelong learning. 6. To develop personal, self-learning and team-working skills necessary for successful employment in business and management. The overall aim of the business suite of degrees is to develop and nurture an understanding of the symbiotic relationship between all business functions, thus enabling the student to become a more effective practitioner in any business situation. The programme in logistics management seeks to respond to an important market for both UK based and international students who, having studied to sub degree level in generic business areas, now wish to tailor their knowledge and skills to enable them to build careers within the logistics and supply chain sector. Specific programme aims are: 1. To extend the knowledge and application of business theories, concepts and frameworks to the global logistics environment 2. To further develop specialist academic skills and apply them to the logistics and supply chain sector. 3. To encourage independent working and critical thinking. 4. To demonstrate mastery of general business concepts skills and techniques through logistics industry based critical analysis and evaluation. 5. To continue the personal development of key skills as a basis for lifelong learning. 6. Demonstrate an ability to use appropriate methods, models and approaches to analyse and synthesise information about complex supply chains and provide innovative and creative solutions and/or recommendations for implementation or other courses of action.

5 SECTION THREE: PROGRAMME LEARNING OUTCOMES The for sections below detail the programme learning outcomes which are all set at level 6 of the Framework for Higher Education Qualification. Knowledge and Understanding of: 1. The research, analysis and critical evaluation of business concepts, theories and techniques particularly in relation to logistics and supply chain management. 2. Strategic decision making processes and client facing problem solving 3 Reinforcement of the holistic nature of all business operations. 4. The activities of business in a global economy, within the context of a sustainable and ethical framework. 5. The continuing development of specialist academic skills related to a practical and solution oriented business environment. 6. The further development of subject specific knowledge and understanding of logistics and supply chain management. Intellectual Skills: 1. Critically evaluate theories, strategies and plans. 2. Develop awareness of strategic decision making in changing scenarios. 3. Demonstrate an independence of thought in developing solutions to a range of business related problems. Practical and Subject Specific Skills: 1. Exhibit correct referencing and bibliographic skills when presenting the solutions to a variety of practical business scenarios. 2. Show the ability to treat all aspects of business as a whole rather than as separate disciplines. 4. Demonstrate a solution based approach to storage and handling of goods. 5. Evaluate the integration of transport modes. 6. Integrate the role of logistics and supply chain strategy and management into the wider business environment. Transferable Skills: Students will demonstrate an ability to 1. Communicate ideas effectively, both orally and in writing. 2. Manage time and work to deadlines. 3. Use information technology to retrieve, analyse and present data. 4. Work effectively and constructively as part of a group. 5. Work independently, demonstrating self-direction. 6. Self-appraise and reflect on the application of theory to practice.

6 SECTION FOUR: PROGRAMME STRUCTURE Structure and Curriculum: Semester 1 Semester 2 Warehouse Management (20 credits) Core Transport Management (20 credits) Core International Purchasing & Supply Chain Management (20 credits) Core Supply Chain Strategy (20 credits) Core Independent Studies (40 credits) Core The programme has been constructed to build on generic business knowledge and skills and apply these to key aspects of the logistics and supply chain sector, as shown by the modules. The Independent Study will be 40 credits and run over 2 semesters. Whilst some research methodology will be covered in the first semester, the main independent research will take place in the second semester. This research will be very practice based. The research will be linked to a live business issue and the student will spend significant time with that organization. The programme can be studied on a full or part time basis and those students who have significant experience within the sector may be eligible for accreditation of prior learning. However, the normal route through the programme will be as indicated above, with the technical areas of Transport and Warehouse Management being studies prior to the overarching strategy module. Part time students, may attend the modules as scheduled for full time students, but cover the programme over two years. Whilst the Research Methodology associated with the Independent Study can be studied in the first year, it would normally be anticipated the independent research associated with module would take place in the second year of study. The order in which Warehouse Management, International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, Transport Management and Supply Chain Strategy are taken could vary for part time students. Warehouse Management, Transport Management, Supply Chain Strategy and Independent Study will draw on real-life scenarios developed with local employers and students will work closely with these employers in both formative and summative aspects of the module. Personal Development Planning Personal Development Planning (PDP) was described in the Dearing Report (1997) as the means by which students can monitor, build and reflect upon their personal development. The University is fully committed to helping students to become independent, autonomous learners, aware of their own development. In this way, they will be able to sustain both their personal development and their contributions to the world of work and to wider society. The integration of Personal Development Planning into the programmes is therefore regarded as an essential requirement towards supporting student centered learning. Introduction to PDP will begin during induction, to be supported by the Personal Tutor

7 system and within modules through reflective learning. Students will be encouraged to maintain a copy of their PDP. It is envisaged that the copy will form the basis for discussions during personal tutorial meetings. SECTION FIVE: PROGRAMME DELIVERY Learning and Teaching Methods Teaching and learning methods are designed ultimately to maximize employability options for students. Theory and practice, knowledge and skills are all integrated within the learning process so that the transition from classroom to employment is not a huge step and that students feel confident in the knowledge they have and how this can be utilized to support business improvement within their future careers. The programme employs a variety of teaching and learning methods aimed at enabling students to achieve the learning outcomes. Modules will feature theoretical and evidence based lectures, seminars which focus on practical application and critical evaluation and tutorial opportunities for personalization of learning. A key feature of the programme is that it will enable those who have to date, studied a class based business qualification, to really apply this learning to the logistics and supply chain sectors. In order to fully contextualize this learning, practical experience of live logistics and supply chain activities will be integrated into the learning and employer engagement will feature heavily. This practical element of the learning will be subject to the realities of live business operations but to ensure the required breadth of learning and safe learning environment, class based case studies may also be used. Guest lectures by industry practitioners and site visits will further strengthen the integrated learning which ensures theory and practice are tightly aligned, such that students can develop evaluative skills and be confident in making judgments and recommendations. At different stages, students will develop their skills of team working, whilst at others; they will be encouraged to work confidently as an individual and increasingly to develop autonomous learning skills which will sustain them through their careers. Communication skills for managers within the logistics and supply chain sectors are particularly important. Managers often have large teams and/or remote workers; they often need to communicate across language barriers and cultural differences in an international business. Formative and summative assignments will encourage development of written skills, summarizing skills and oral presentation skills. Learning Resource Centre staff will supplement class input on how to make the best use of library facilities to support research. Module handbooks provide guidance on the production of assessed coursework. Students are required to comply with research governance and ethics principles whilst undertaking their programme of study. This is of particular importance when conducting research involving other people e.g. for module assessments. Information on these principles can be found on the University web site at

8 Assessment An emphasis has been placed on authentic consultative skills, aiming to encourage a solutions based approach to study, based on a mix of case studies and real problems identified by partner employees. Sound research skills (including how to present evidence based material), solutions identification, taking a holistic approach and solution selection and implementation will each be developed along with the presentation skills mentioned above. Students will be encouraged to have the confidence to make judgments and provide justified recommendations. They will be expected to draw on their previous business studies to provide solutions which can be justified from a business perspective and justify these to partner organisations. The programme modules use a large range of assessment methods (written coursework and group presentations, formative and summative assessments) that will allow students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. Feedback will be provided at every opportunity in order to enable students to monitor their own progress and development. Feedback from employers will also support the learning process. The modules feature a balanced assessment strategy as follows: Supply Chain Strategy Report plus Individual Board Report Presentation (100%) Warehouse Management Report (100%) Transport Management- Peer Assessed Group Presentation (30%), report (70%) International Purchasing and Supply Chain Strategy- Report (100%) Independent Study Written proposal (10%). Dissertation (90%) The modules feature coursework assessments to enable learning to be always applied. This programme operates within the University s Regulatory Framework and conforms to its regulations on assessment. Assessment will be through written and oral presentation. Oral presentations will take the form of individual and group presentations. It is recognized that in the workplace, oral communication skills are critical and developing skills in the area will occur through class exercises, formative assessment and summative assessment. This programme operates within the University s Regulatory Framework and conforms to its regulations on assessment. SECTION SIX: ADMISSIONS ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Within the context of the University s Mission Statement, equal opportunities and the Admissions policy, the course aims to attract a wide range of applicants. We welcome and encourage applications from those who can be considered adequately prepared in order to succeed on the programme. If students have few formal qualifications, they may be able to gain entry to the programme if they have the required communication and learning skills, together with the relevant knowledge and experience to succeed. Entry requirements would normally include a Higher National Diploma or equivalent e.g. Foundation Degree in an appropriate subject such as Business Management. This would be 240 credits at levels 4 and 5, usually 120 at each level. Transfers from second stage business programmes, such as Business Studies and Business Management may also be

9 routes into this programme. Those with practical experience of working in the Logistics and Supply Chain sectors, with other formal qualifications besides business are also encouraged to apply for a discussion with the admissions tutor eg to see how APL might be applied. Overseas applicants will require qualifications equivalent to the above, for example DUT, DEUG and BTS from France which are all classified as BAC +2, the French equivalent of a Foundation Degree. Applicants whose first knowledge is not English will be expected to provide evidence of competence in spoken and written English, as well as evidence of appropriate reading and listening skills. This will normally equate to an I.E.L.T.S. score of 6.0. For those whose first language is not English, there will be an expectation that English language and educational methodology support will be fully attended. This will be particularly relevant to students new to UK Higher Education. SECTION SEVEN: STUDENT SUPPORT AND GUIDANCE There is an induction programme for all students during which you will receive a programme handbook that provides all the essential information about the programme and the support we provide for your learning. During induction you will also be introduced to the Learning Resource Centre, Careers Development Centre and Student Support Services. The programme leader, assisted by personal tutors, oversees all students enrolled on the programme. Your personal tutor will monitor your progress on an individual basis. Module handbooks giving important information such as mode and time of assessment, plus plan of study, are issued at the start of the semester. There is also a wealth of information available on UDO. Advice is provided on module choice during regular meetings with the personal tutor. SECTION EIGHT: POST PROGRAMME OPPORTUNITIES There are very wide ranging opportunities in the logistics and supply chain sectors following graduation, at local, regional, national and international levels. Significant opportunities exist with third party logistics companies (those who specialize in transport), with manufacturing organisations, within the public sector and the third sector. The numerous engagements with employers and the workplace provide opportunities to pursue employment and past students moving into the logistics sector have been seen to make rapid progress up the career ladder. Some past students have been seen to specialize within a sub sector e.g. retail logistics; some with transport mode, e.g. rail; some have taken jobs relevant to the wider supply chain e.g. production management. For those who wish to continue their studies, our BSc (Hons) Logistics Management programme provides an excellent springboard for our MSc in Supply Chain Improvement programme.

10 SECTION NINE: EMPLOYER LINKS Employer links are particularly strong on this programme. The experience of this programme will be of an integrated approach with practitioners from the workplace and academia. The Derby Business School has held Centre of Excellence status from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply for many years and also works closely with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport who have sponsored our annual Logistics Week over recent years. Employers have been closely involved in the development of this programme and will be involved in the delivery through guest slots, visits, live case study material and student projects. Employer representatives will be invited to Programme Committee meetings to ensure that as we ensure continuous development of the programme their insight is used to maximum effect in terms of the student experience.