Programme Specification

Programme Specification Title: Logistics Management Final Award: Master of Science (MSc) With Exit Awards at: Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Master of Science (MSc) To be delivered from: 1 Sep 2014 Level Date Masters or Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Masters or Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Masters or Master of Science (MSc) Page 1/24

Table Of Contents 1. Introduction... 3 2. Basic Programme Data... 4 3. Programme Description... 5 3.1 Overview... 5 3.2 Aims and Objectives... 6 3.3 Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance... 8 4. Programme Outcomes... 9 4.1 Knowledge and Understanding... 9 4.2 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills... 9 4.3 Subject Specific Practical Skills... 9 4.4 Transferable Skills and Attributes... 9 5. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies... 11 5.1. Learning and Teaching Strategy... 11 5.2. Assessment Strategy... 11 6. Programme Structure... 13 Appendix I - Curriculum Map... 14 Appendix II - Assessment Map... 16 Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis... 19 Appendix IV - Benchmark Statements(s)... 22 Page 2/24

1. Introduction This document describes one of the University of Lincoln's programmes using the protocols required by the UK National Qualifications Framework as defined in the publication QAA guidelines for preparing programme specifications. This programme operates under the policy and regulatory frameworks of the University of Lincoln. Page 3/24

2. Basic Programme Data Final Award: Programme Title: Exit Awards and Titles Master of Science (MSc) Logistics Management Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) Master of Science (MSc) Subject(s) Logistics Management Mode(s) of delivery Full Time Is there a Placement or Exchange? UCAS code Awarding Body Campus(es) School(s) Programme Leader Relevant Subject Benchmark Statements Professional, Statutory or Regulatory Body Accreditation No University of Lincoln Lincoln Campus Programme Start Date Lincoln Business School Gary Ramsden (gramsden) Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) Page 4/24

3. Programme Description 3.1 Overview The managerial discipline associated with logistics continues to transform the competitive landscape and have become one of today s key business drivers. Both the academic and business world now accept the need to adopt a more holistic view of logistics and acknowledge that it should be treated as a distinct management operation and function in its own right. Consequently, interest in the professional study of logistics continues to grow in all private and public sector organizations. Hence, this programme provides students with the opportunity to explore practice as it develops in the context of relevant contemporary theory and research in the field of Logistics. The programme provides students with a framework for improving their own professional practice and thereby, the fitness for role of their own departments, or organisations. This is achieved by the systematic acquisition of advanced academic knowledge coupled with appropriate support to explore and develop high-level skills in the field of Logistics and is intended to act as a catalyst for change at both a personal and an organisational level. Moreover, this programme matches the professional and research interests of staff with the motivation of students to extend their own competence in academic understanding and professional practice. The programme aims to develop the strategic vision of the students to manage their own sphere of activity, focuses on the development of creative thinking and innovative management, and encourages context and situation specific learning. The existing programme already has formal professional accreditation from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and following on from discussions with representatives of these institutes we are confident that this accreditation will continue post successful completion of the revalidation process. The specific aims of the programme are to provide: An opportunity for study at an advanced level into the theoretical and practical bases of logistics. A framework to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, management skills and experience that will enhance the students ability to contribute to their own organisations effectiveness in logistics. A framework within which a participant can negotiate tasks to suit his/her own individual needs and areas of experience. The opportunity to engage in reflective debate with peers as to theory and practice. A foundation for future advanced academic and professional development. This MSc Logistics Management focuses on the development of competence in the areas of creative thinking, reflective debate and practice and action-centred management and will be delivered in a continuous programme. Progression will be based on the single criterion of academic activity evidenced by successful completion of module assignments. On this evidence students will be shown as continuing at examination and awards boards. Students who withdraw from the programme before completing the MSc will be entitled to the award of PgCert on completion of the initial four modules and PgDip on completion of all eight modules. Progression to Dissertation and Full Masters will only be available to those students who are eligible for the award of PgDip. Page 5/24

This programme will be delivered to 2 distinct groups of students and will utilise appropriate and differing delivery modes. Civilian Students. Will be enrolled as Full Time students and will attend on Campus lectures and seminars. Military Students. Will be enrolled on 2 set dates per calendar year as agreed in an on-going contract with the Ministry of Defence and administered in partnership with the Defence College of Logistics, Policing and Administration (DCLPA). Students will be taught at the Logistics Management Training Squadron (LMTS) at RAF Cranwell during a series of 8 residential weeks. One module will be delivered in each week. These weeks will be spread out over an 18 month period with students attending LMTS once every 10 weeks. Students will complete their assessment in the intervening period and will be supported via the VLE (Blackboard) and through the application of Work Based Distance Learning tutor interaction. The intention is to bring civilian and military students together for joint on Campus lectures and seminars when military students are in residence at RAF Cranwell, thereby promoting knowledge exchange and development and exploitation of best practice and experience across both sectors. 3.2 Aims and Objectives Rationale and philosophy: There has been a recent increase in interest in the subject of Logistics both globally and in the UK, from businesses and government, as well as within the wider context of society and the community. The result has been an increase in publication of articles and books and a growing provision of Logistics courses and modules at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels within universities. Key factors informing the need for a Masters degree in Logistics Management include: A growing interest in logistics in the workplace The demand-side of the labour market suggesting interest in this area. It can also be seen from the supply-side where many organisations are seeking labour An interest in logistics as a high level skills issue, which is focused on enhancing management capability to deal with value chain issues throughout the whole organisation MSc Logistics Management is distinctive in that the programme builds upon the programmes already available in Lincoln Business School, for example at Undergraduate level there are two degrees, BSc (Hons) Engineering Management and BSc (Hons) Logistics Management. Drawing on the University of Lincoln's Student as a Producer Strategy, the programme has been designed to utilise the research interests of staff in this area and of participants who want to understand the limitations and possibilities of their own careers. The programme team believe that the way the programme is structured gives participants the opportunity for reflective and reflexive practice before continuing on the next study block with colleagues who are like-minded. The MSc Logistics Management degree programme at the University of Lincoln provides students with the opportunity to explore practice in the context of relevant contemporary theory and research in the field of Logistics Management. Page 6/24

The specific aims of this programme are to provide: An opportunity for study of an advanced nature into the theoretical bases of Logistics Management; A framework to facilitate the acquisition of knowledge, management skills and experience which will enhance the participants ability to contribute to their own organisations effectiveness; A foundation for future advanced professional development; The opportunity to engage in reflective debate and practice; A course framework within which a participant may negotiate tasks and areas of experience to suit their own individual needs. The programme seeks to develop the strategic vision of the participants to manage their own sphere of activity. It focuses on the development of creative thinking and proactive management. The programme recognises that all organisations are constantly changing and seeks to ensure that managers develop the necessary knowledge and competencies. The programme of study allows for context and situation specific learning. The programme team has had discussions with external representatives from the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and undergraduate students to synthesise academic and vocabulary needs from student feedback and externality. Subsequently, this degree programme is accredited with both CIPS and CILT. Therefore, students are encouraged to become Associate Members of CIPS and/or CILT as they commence their studies, offering them the benefit of membership and access to institutional websites as they progress through their degree studies. Moreover, upon successful completion of the MSc Logistics Management degree programme graduates are afforded the opportunity to upgrade their membership to MCILT and/or MCIPS. MSc Logistics Management course will be offered in three distinct stages: Postgraduate Certificate in Logistics Management Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics Management MSc in Logistics Management Students will be admitted to the Postgraduate Certificate Stage only but will be able to graduate from any stage on successful completion of all of the stage units. Students who withdraw from the programme before completing the MSc will be entitled to the award of PgCert on completion of any four modules and PgDip on completion of all eight modules. Progression to Dissertation will only be available to those students who are eligible for the award of PgDip. Subject benchmarks: This programme has been developed in accordance with the QAA benchmarks for Masters Programmes in Business and Management. While the subject benchmark for General Business and Management are not directly applicable to the programme, the teaching team have identified those particulars that are relevant and have used these as the basis for modular and overall programme development. Enshrined in the strategy for the Lincoln Business School is the development of a high quality, clearly defined portfolio of postgraduate programmes that allows resources to be directed towards a delimited, but academically strong, range of activities. Specifically, this programme represents an Page 7/24

extension of our current provision of degrees to meet with a broad and diverse range of requirements, from individual student needs to the wider international and UK based logistics community. This coverage may include UK MOD and other International Armed Forces as well as corporate clientele within the field. This degree therefore represents a unique collaborative venture for the delivery of a bespoke, professionally relevant and academically rigorous programme. 3.3 Variations to Standard Regulations and Guidance None Page 8/24

4. Programme Outcomes Programme-level learning outcomes are identified below. Refer to Appendix I Curriculum Map for details of how outcomes are deployed across the programme. 4.1 Knowledge and Understanding On successful completion of this programme a student will have knowledge and understanding of: 1 relevant literature and theory in the field of logistics management 2 key concepts and models in the area of logistics management 3 theoretical frameworks for teamwork, leadership and technical aspects of procurement projects 4 creative processes in logistics management 5 the role of business finance in the successful implementation of logistics management and procurement strategies 4.2 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 6 Critically analyse the evidence using the main theoretical perspectives of Logistics Management 7 Increase capability in identifying major problem areas within the operations function 4.3 Subject Specific Practical Skills On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 8 Investigate and report on professional practice in the area of International Logistics 9 Design and execute an appropriate investigation into any area of Logistics 10 Apply appropriate evidence-gathering techniques in a named area of practice 4.4 Transferable Skills and Attributes On successful completion of this programme a student will be able to: 11 Show an active synthesis of learning undertaken in reviewing the academic discipline and the investigation of practice within logistics and supply chain management 12 Recognise and critically appraise the core concepts and theories within the function of Supply Chain and Quality Strategy 13 Identify and reflect on inter-relationships between methods, processes and outcomes 14 Present conclusions regarding appropriate leadership, management and learning strategies Page 9/24

at organisation level 15 Draw implications for the improvement of practice and theory. For details of each module contributing to the programme, please consult the module specification document. Page 10/24

5. Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategies 5.1. Learning and Teaching Strategy The teaching and learning strategy adopted within Lincoln Business School derives from and builds on the University s plan and overall 'Student as a Producer' approach, as it applies to the post-experience, post-graduate nature of learning. Students are encouraged and expected to play an active role in their individual learning as they propose and agree assessment topics with their module tutors, which are focussed on the direct linkage between the theoretical and practical contexts. Thus, this degree programme makes a significant contribution to the University s mission to provide our students with the best life and employment prospects and to equip them to become lifelong learners. The underpinning values that guide MSc Logistics Management stem from Lincoln Business School s commitment to satisfy students needs and to contribute societal challenges through the overall 'Student as a Producer' strategy. The teaching and learning strategy adopted within MSc Logistics Management degree programme derives from the School s Teaching and Learning Strategy. The key Lincoln Business School strategic objectives driving the Teaching and Learning Strategy are: To provide all students with a high quality teaching and learning environment To constantly seek to review the quality of the teaching and learning processes Improve student achievements and value added indicators Reduction of student non-completion Increase in graduate employment Attainment of high ratings from professional bodies and external agencies Improvement in the reputation and external positioning of the faculty. The modules will utilise methods of teaching and learning which are appropriate to the learning outcomes of the MSc Logistics Management degree programme. Although a proportion of the contact time will be spent in didactic teaching situations, more emphasis will be placed upon the use of the Student group as a resource for learning. There will be group discussion of practical management situations and problems, making use of case studies, simulation materials and participants' own experiences. An added feature of this course is that where practicable successful business people with a specialism in Operations and Logistics will be asked to contribute to the delivery of the programme. As the programme develops, on-line learning resources, bulletin boards and discussion groups will be developed. The University s Blackboard will be used as a platform for this facility. Every module is evaluated by means of on-going discussion with students and also individual evaluation sheets. 5.2. Assessment Strategy Lincoln Business School believes that as wide a range of assessment strategies as possible should be used. The key objective is that the Intended Learning Outcomes of the programme are, where desirable, tested through a summative assessment process. However, formal assessment is not the only vehicle for measuring success, as not all skills and capabilities can be assessed. Lincoln Business School strongly believes in a progressive model of formative learning. Students are Page 11/24

expected to move in a continuous process from a dependent learning state to one of independence. At the end of the degree programme, it is expected that students will be much more autonomous and critically self-reflective individuals equipped with a set of skills, which will enable them to operate successfully in society and the world of work. Participants are asked to produce written assignments (or equivalent) totalling 4000-5000 words for each single module, apart from that for Research Methods (2,500 words). A variety of academic writing approaches are utilised with students producing academic reports, essays, group work and proposals as appropriate, within the auspice of the 'Student as a Producer' strategy. Moreover, topics for these assignments are informed by current topical research and practical logistics challenges as faced by the teaching team and student body. For the Dissertation at stage three, participants will produce a research dissertation totalling 20000 words. These assessments will vary according to module aims and objectives as well as individual student choice and practical experience. However, to meet Masters level standards, the process of study used to produce an assignment should be rigorous. Because of the nature and inherent flexibility of this type of Masters programme, and the fact that all Masters modules are designated at one academic level. All modules are participative in that, attendance adds to the overall learning experience and formative assessment strategy. Group and individual work as well as proactive peer review are used to encourage student participation and with it learning. On completion of the modular assessment activity, as part of the summative feedback, tutors indicate the level of student performance in each domain. This provides a basis for the dialogue and reflection that takes place as the student develops in line with programme learning outcomes. Page 12/24

6. Programme Structure The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert) is 60. The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Postgraduate Diploma (PG Dip) is 120. The total number of credit points required for the achievement of Master of Science (MSc) is 180. Masters Title Credit Rating Core / Optional Strategic Management (Masters) 15 Core Logistics and Operations Management 15 Core Purchasing and Supply Management 15 Core Research Methodology 15 Core Problem Solving and Innovation 15 Core Dissertation/ Project (inc Preparation for Independent Study) 60 Core Organisational Leadership and Change 15 Core Project Risk and Commercial Management 15 Core International Supply Chain and Quality Strategy 15 Core Page 13/24

Appendix I - Curriculum Map This table indicates which modules assume responsibility for delivering and ordering particular programme learning outcomes. Key: Delivered and Assessed Delivered Assessed Masters Dissertation/ Project (inc Preparation for Independent Study) International Supply Chain and Quality Strategy Logistics and Operations Management Organisational Leadership and Change Problem Solving and Innovation Project Risk and Commercial Management Purchasing and Supply Management Research Methodology Strategic Management (Masters) PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO6 PO7 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO11 PO12 Dissertation/ Project (inc Preparation for Independent Study) International Supply Chain and Quality Strategy Logistics and Operations Management Organisational Leadership and Change Problem Solving and Innovation Project Risk and Commercial Management Purchasing and Supply Management PO13 PO14 PO15 Page 14/24

Research Methodology Strategic Management (Masters) Page 15/24

Appendix II - Assessment Map This table indicates the spread of assessment activity across the programme. Percentages indicate assessment weighting. Masters Dissertation/ Project (inc Preparation for Independent Study) International Supply Chain and Quality Strategy Logistics and Operations Management Organisational Leadership and Change Problem Solving and Innovation Project Risk and Commercial Management Purchasing and Supply Management Research Methodology Strategic Management (Masters) 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Dissertation/ Project (inc Preparation for Independent Study) International Supply Chain and Quality Strategy Logistics and Operations Management Organisational Leadership and Change 100 Problem Solving and Innovation 100 Page 16/24

Project Risk and Commercial Management 100 Purchasing and Supply Management 100 Research Methodology Strategic Management (Masters) 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 Dissertation/ Project (inc Preparation for Independent Study) International Supply Chain and Quality 100 Strategy Logistics and Operations Management 25 75 Organisational Leadership and Change Problem Solving and Innovation Project Risk and Commercial Management Purchasing and Supply Management Research Methodology 100 Strategic Management (Masters) 100 Dissertation/ Project (inc Preparation for Independent Study) International Supply Chain and Quality Strategy Logistics and Operations Management Organisational Leadership and Change Problem Solving and Innovation Project Risk and Commercial Management 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 100 Page 17/24

Purchasing and Supply Management Research Methodology Strategic Management (Masters) Dissertation/ Project (inc Preparation for Independent Study) International Supply Chain and Quality Strategy Logistics and Operations Management Organisational Leadership and Change Problem Solving and Innovation Project Risk and Commercial Management Purchasing and Supply Management Research Methodology Strategic Management (Masters) 49 50 51 52 EP Page 18/24

Appendix III - Benchmark Analysis This table maps programme learning outcomes to relevant QAA subject benchmark statements or PSRB guidelines. Knowledge and Understanding PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 PO1 PO2 PO3 PO4 PO5 MDBM01 MDBM02 MDBM03 MDBM04 MDBM05 MDBM06 MDBM07 MDBM08 MDBM09 MDBM10 MDBM11 MDBM12 MDBM13 MDBM14 MDBM15 MDBM16 MDBM17 MDBM18 MDBM19 Subject Specific Intellectual Skills PO6 MDBM01 MDBM02 MDBM03 MDBM04 MDBM05 MDBM06 MDBM07 MDBM08 MDBM09 Page 19/24

PO7 PO6 PO7 PO6 PO7 MDBM10 MDBM11 MDBM12 MDBM13 MDBM14 MDBM15 MDBM16 MDBM17 MDBM18 MDBM19 Subject Specific Practical Skills PO8 PO9 PO10 PO8 PO9 PO10 PO8 PO9 PO10 MDBM01 MDBM02 MDBM03 MDBM04 MDBM05 MDBM06 MDBM07 MDBM08 MDBM09 MDBM10 MDBM11 MDBM12 MDBM13 MDBM14 MDBM15 MDBM16 MDBM17 MDBM18 MDBM19 Transferable Skills and Attributes MDBM01 MDBM02 MDBM03 MDBM04 MDBM05 MDBM06 MDBM07 MDBM08 MDBM09 Page 20/24

PO11 PO12 PO13 PO14 PO15 PO11 PO12 PO13 PO14 PO15 PO11 PO12 PO13 PO14 PO15 MDBM10 MDBM11 MDBM12 MDBM13 MDBM14 MDBM15 MDBM16 MDBM17 MDBM18 MDBM19 Page 21/24

Appendix IV: Benchmark Benchmark Statement(s) Page 22/24

MDBM01 - Demonstrate a systematic understanding of relevant knowledge about organisations, their external context and how they are managed. MDBM02 - Demonstrate application of relevant knowledge to a range of complex situations taking account of its relationship and interaction with other areas of the business or organisation. MDBM03 - Demonstrate a critical awareness of current issues in business and management which is informed by leading edge research and practice in the field. MDBM04 - Demonstrate an understanding of appropriate techniques sufficient to allow detailed investigation into relevant business and management issues. MDBM05 - Demonstrate creativity in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how established techniques of research and enquiry are used to develop and interpret knowledge in business and management. MDBM06 - Demonstrate ability to acquire and analyse data and information, to evaluate their relevance and validity, and to synthesise a range of information in the context of new situations. MDBM07 - Able to evaluate the rigour and validity of published research and assess its relevance to new situations. MDBM08 - Able to extrapolate from existing research and scholarship to identify new or revised approaches to practice. MDBM09 - Ability to conduct research into business and management issues that requires familiarity with a range of business data, research sources and appropriate methodologies, and for such to inform the overall learning process. MDBM10 - Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, using a range of media. MDBM11 - Able to operate effectively in a variety of team roles and take leadership roles, where appropriate. MDBM12 - Able to consistently apply their knowledge and subject-specific and wider intellectual skills. MDBM13 - Able to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively, make sound judgements in the absence of complete data, and communicate their conclusions clearly to a range of audiences. MDBM14 - Able to be proactive in recognising the need for change and have the ability to manage change. MDBM15 - Able to be adaptable, and show originality, insight, and critical and reflective abilities which can all be brought to bear upon problem situations. MDBM16 - Able to make decisions in complex and unpredictable situations. Page 23/24

Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org) University of Lincoln Programme Specification - Master of Science (MSc) Logistics Management MDBM17 - Able to evaluate and integrate theory and practice in a wide range of situations. MDBM18 - Able to be self-directed and able to act autonomously in planning and implementing projects at professional levels. MDBM19 - Able to take responsibility for continuing to develop their own knowledge and skills. Page 24/24