School of Business, Management and Economics Department of Business and Management MSc in Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management Course Handbook 2013/14 2013 Entry Table of Contents School of Business, Management and Economics... 1 Course Handbook 2013/14... 1 Introduction... 2 Course Outline... 3 Course Structure... 3 Modules and Convenors... 3 Syllabus... 3 Course Aims... 4 Learning Outcomes... 5 Assessment and Academic Progress... 6 Study Skills... 6 Essential Information... 6 Formal Documentation... 7 PG Assessment Criteria... 8 Transferring to a different course... 10 Contact details... 10 Information in this handbook may be subject to change. This version is correct as of August 2013.
Introduction This handbook summarises the most important aspects of practice and procedure in the management of the department of Business and Management s Postgraduate taught courses, and is designed to provide you with: a clear outline of what you should expect in the management of your degree course; a clear indication of what is expected of you during your time in Business and Management; a convenient source of information about the mechanics of some of the more common administrative procedures used during a student s progress from admission to examination. Message from the Director of Postgraduate Studies It is my pleasure to welcome you to Sussex and to wish you an enjoyable and productive time during your studies at the University. You join Sussex at a period of significant growth and at a time when the University has increased its presence both nationally and internationally. Our programmes are delivered by world class academics and by a network of successful practitioners who provide valuable insights into the very real challenges faced by organisations in both the public and private sectors. Your studies at Sussex will be challenging but rewarding and will prepare you to become the next generation of business thinkers. I wish you every success and believe that you have made the right decision by coming to the University of Sussex. Dr Des Doran Director of Postgraduate Studies Message from the Course Convenor You are embarking on a programme which has been tailor made for supply chain and logistics professionals. The course will introduce you to the tools and techniques of supply chain and logistics management and will demonstrate how these can be used within organisations. There will be a distinct practitioner element to this course with a series of visits and guest lectures which are designed to stimulate your thinking and to allow you to apply academic study to the very real problems that businesses face on a day to day basis. I wish you well on this CIPS-accredited course! Dr Des Doran Course Convenor 2
Summer Spring Autumn MSc in Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management Course Handbook 2013/14 Course Outline Course Structure This course has been constructed to provide you with a clear understanding of how organisations operate in a connected world. With this in mind, the course covers areas which we feel are critical to your development as a supply chain or logistics professional. The course is accredited the the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), the leading Supply Chain body in the UK and Europe. When you successfully complete the course you are entitled to submit for full member of CIPS and to use the letters MCIPS after your name. Modules and Convenors You will study five modules in the first term, four modules in the second term and one module and work on your Research Project through the third term. Each module carries 15 or 30 credits, therefore you will study a total of 180 credits through the year. Each module is organised by a Module Convenor a member of faculty who designs and delivers the module, and manages the assessments. Module material (including a handbook and lecture slides) is provided by the Convenor on the Study Direct site. Assessments are held in the same teaching block in which the module is delivered for coursework, but in the formal assessment block before the start of the next term, for exams. Syllabus Term Status Modules Credits Core Supply Chain Management (718N1) 15 Core Essentials of Procurement (719N1) 15 Core Global Business (734N1) 15 Core Managing Operations and Quality (745N1) 15 Core Outsourcing (746N1) 15 Core Research Methods (725N1) 15 Core Logistics Management (747N1) 15 Core Managing Complex Projects, Products and Systems (890N1) 15 Core Management of Negotiation (749N1) 15 Core Personal and Professional Development (714N1) 15 Core Research Project Management (756N1) 30 3
Course Aims The MSc Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management is aimed at postgraduate students who wish to gain a contemporary and forward-looking perspective on approaches to the world of supply chain and logistics management. Managers need a skill-set to enable them to react to the changing world and a vision to interpret the next step for their organisation. In preparing for these challenges, this programme provides an in-depth in the following areas: To further develop the career of Supply chain managers through giving the opportunity to apply new knowledge to their chosen areas of the Supply chain; Give students the opportunity to develop a high level strategic awareness of the whole Supply chain and apply new knowledge to inform and develop Supply Chain Management strategy; Apply relevant systems modelling techniques to real Supply chain operations for an in depth understanding of current scenarios and development of significant systems/process improvement (e.g. warehouse movements, movement of goods across the supply chain); Provide a blended delivery, PG programme with theory, sufficient variety, practical problem solving and rigour to enable students to innovate and improve success within supply chain /logistics; Provide an intellectually challenging, postgraduate learning opportunity that enhances students confidence and potential as senior and strategic managers within the sector; Develop ability to apply knowledge and understanding of specific supply chain topics systematically and creatively to inform, develop and apply operational improvement strategies within the Supply chain\logistics sector; Develop relevant transferable professional and cognitive skills to enable students to make a valuable contribution to their current and future employment; and Support individual participants' endeavours for personal self-development and life-long learning. The overall purpose is to provide a vocationally relevant and academically challenging programme in the broad areas of supply chain and logistics management. 4
Learning Outcomes The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, skills and qualities in the following areas: Skills Area Learning Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding To determine the key elements within an organisation which impact its operational effectiveness. The different contexts of Supply Chain and Logistics management. Select appropriate methodologies and application of theory to investigate Supply Chain /Logistics scenarios, problems or issues. Undertake a significant piece of independent research. The Learning through reflection on practice and experience skill is assessed through the use of PDP. Intellectual Skills Critical analysis and evaluation of theoretical frameworks, and application to an organisational context. Critical evaluation of changes/improvements to services and/products and processes and how these impact on the internal and external operations, and the overall success of an organisation. Apply methods and techniques for identifying improvement opportunities within an organisation and its supply chain and logistics provision. Identify relevant organisational information and knowledge, make analysis and evaluate options for business improvement. Evaluation techniques to critically evaluate, synthesise and quantify information relating to complex organisations and to support decision making. Adopt a self-critical and reflective approach to learning. Practical Skills Apply business improvement methodologies to the Supply Chain/Logistics environment. A critical awareness of current and potential future issues and considerations for effective management of the Supply Chain and Logistics function on a national and global basis. Research into specific Supply Chain/Logistics management issues and present findings in an appropriate manner. Identify Supply Chain and Logistics corporate social responsibilities, 5
including opportunities for improving sustainability and ethical performance. Transferable Skills Qualitative and quantitative data research and analysis skills. Techniques for evaluating business process and systems. Communication skills, including listening and presentation skills; oral and written communication using a range of media. Assessment and Academic Progress Much information is available on the University website regarding how to study, how you will be assessed, and how your degree is classified and awarded. Here are some of the sites that you will find most helpful. An External Examiner, who is a senior academic in another educational institution, reviews all assessed work that contributes to the degree award. Reports on all submitted and assessed work by the External Examiner, are presented to the meeting of the Progression and Award Board, usually in October or November each year. The External Examiner for the Global Supply Chain and Logistics Management MSc, is Dr Mihalis Giannakis, of the University of Warwick. Study Skills You are very strongly recommended to use the S3 site regularly; it contains vital information and will answer many of the questions you may have: Study Success at Sussex (S3) http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/ The following pages are particularly useful: Reading and research http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/?id=24 Assessments: essays, reports, etc. http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/?id=25 Writing well (including referencing) http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/?id=26 Revision and exams http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/?id=28 Essential Information The Student Handbook is a comprehensive guide for Sussex students. Access it here: Student Handbook http://www.sussex.ac.uk/students/essentials/studenthandbook/ It very clearly explains the services, facilities and conventions of Sussex. This is all essential information and it includes pages on assessment 6
Formal Documentation The definitive source of information on regulatory matters associated with assessment and classification is published by the Academic Office, and is available here: Examination and Assessment Handbook for Postgraduate Students http://www.sussex.ac.uk/academicoffice/documentsandpolicies/examinationandassessmenthand books This is a version of the handbook used by Exam Board members when making progression and classification decisions. It describes the regulations in formal terms. 7
PG Assessment Criteria When grading all modes of assessment the marker will refer to the following generic criteria. More specific criteria may be provided for particular modules. Category Mark Check List Description High Distinction 80 + High level of reflective learning Advanced knowledge of subject area Critically reflects on established literature and theory Evidence of extensive or intensive and appropriate data collection and analysis Well researched, written and argued in a compelling manner Extensive research-level references New insights emerging from reading research or student s own experiences The work demonstrates a mastery of the subject that goes well beyond basic reading to critically explore alternative perspectives The argument presented is well developed, complete and coherent, and is written in a compelling manner Perhaps most importantly, an 80+ piece of work is characterised by a spark of creativity, or by new ideas and insights that emerge from the student s reading and experience Distinction 70 79 High level of reflective learning Excellent knowledge of subject area Extensive and appropriate use of literature Evidence of extensive or intensive and appropriate data collection and analysis Well argued Arrives at innovative understanding Merit 60 69 High level of reflective learning Good knowledge of subject area Uses a range of texts not just text books and including refereed journals Evidence of appropriate data collection and analysis Logically structured and argued Demonstrates learning from the project The work demonstrates excellent understanding of the subject that has been gained through a thorough critical analysis of themes and issues It draws effectively on the relevant literature and concepts to build a comprehensive and cohesive argument Work graded at 70 and above is characterised by persuasive reasoning backed up by appropriate illustrative examples The work demonstrates proficient understanding of the subject gained from working with key sources Major themes and debates in the extant literature are recognised and are at least referred to if not taken up completely throughout the project
Category Mark Check List Description Pass 50 59 Achieves reflective learning Shows understanding of most of the issues relating to the subject Uses texts and some journals Evidence of appropriate data collection and analysis but these are at the most basic level The arguments developed in the project, the language used and the writing style are competent but are somewhat incomplete in places Marginal Fail 40 49 There is a credible, if poor, attempt at all components of the project Achieves reflective learning but does not grasp any wider perspective of the subject Has read some texts but not really understood the concepts Investigation and analysis falls short of pass standard, but could be raised to this standard if the student applies sufficient time and effort to revise their work The arguments developed in the project, the language used and the writing style are not competent or incomplete Fail 0 39 Fails to achieve reflective learning A major problem in one or more significant areas: literature, methodology, language, etc. Lack of sufficient reading Fails to extend beyond concepts and readings already taught and examined elsewhere Poorly designed and superficial analysis Argument is incoherent and/or inconsistent The work demonstrates a basic competence in the subject It draws on some relevant literature, but provides only a limited critical analysis of this material Examples are used, but without a critical, analytical context The arguments presented have some gaps Work of this grade is characterised by sufficient coverage of the subject, but unsophisticated understanding and analysis The work demonstrates only a limited degree of competence in the subject It has some sense of academic debate and/or rational argument There is a tendency towards reportage rather than any form of interpretation Work of this grade is characterised by just acceptable comprehension in all elements, but the work could be improved to achieve a pass grade if the student puts in sufficient effort The work demonstrates a lack of understanding of the subject There are significant gaps in the interpretation of literature and relevant concepts, and the reasoning presented is flawed, inconsistent, contradictory, or incoherent Unacceptable work is characterised by incompleteness and inadequate comprehension 9
Transferring to a different course We hope that you will be happy with your initial choice of degree, but a small minority of students will wish to transfer to another degree. If your chosen new degree is offered by another school then it is less likely that you will be able to transfer. However, if you wish to choose an alternative degree from amongst those offered by the Business and Management Department, then this may be possible, but the change must be completed by 4 October 2013. If you wish to consider transferring to a new degree, please make an appointment with your Academic Advisor to discuss the options available, as soon as you can. Contact details You should also keep in touch with your Academic Advisor, and contact the Student Life Centre for help with any personal issues you face. Your course convenor should be able to help you find an answer to any questions you have during your studies. Other useful contacts: MSc Management Course Convenor & Academic Adviser Director of Postgraduate Studies Dr Des Doran D.Doran@sussex.ac.uk (01273) 872969 Head of Department Prof Carol Alexander c.alexander@sussex.ac.uk (01273) 873950 Business and Management Postgraduate Programme Co-ordinators Ms Elizabeth Tuudah E. Tuudah@sussex.ac.uk (01273) 872723 Ms Jackie Guillemard jackiegu@sussex.ac.uk (01273) 872717 Mr Daniel Barrow D.M.Barrow@sussex.ac.uk (01273) 873950 Mr Chris Griffin C.A.Griffin@sussex.ac.uk (01273) 873199