Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc

This module examines the changing market for freight transport and logistics services in a European and increasingly global context. The key modes of transport are evaluated in terms of their costs, operational capabilities and performance. Changing demands for new services are assessed. Strategic options for service providers are explored within the broader policy and planning framework.

20 credits.

This module is designed to make students aware of the external influences that companies must take into account in the design and operation of their logistics systems. Supply chains do not exist in a vacuum, and there are many issues that companies need to consider to ensure that they operate legally and responsibly in addition to meeting their own internal company objectives.

20 credits.

This module provides the foundation for studying logistics and supply chain management. A particular focus is on the retail sector, which is at the forefront of logistics and supply chain developments. The module ensures that students are aware of the components of the logistics system and how they interact with each other to influence the design and operation of retail supply chains. It focuses on the aspects of logistics operations that tend to be directly within the control of companies. New patterns of retailing and the implication for logistics are assessed. International comparisons are made.

20 credits.

The module purpose is for students to gain knowledge of the topic, including the purchasing management process, negotiation techniques, supplier appraisal and the buyer's role, purchasing in the supply chain, technology in e-procurement and collaborative relationships in the international supply system. The emphasis will be on the supply chain, both internationally and in e-business.

20 credits.

This module builds on the Research Skills for Logistics module, leading to completion of an individual research dissertation. This draws on techniques and background material introduced on the course, and incorporating original analysis. The main work phase takes place between March and September.

40 credits.

The module aims to develop your knowledge and competence of the research process and the application of research methods relevant to logistics and supply chain management. It covers an introduction to qualitative, quantitative and mixed method research and considers the contexts within which different methods are useful and how they should be applied in practice. It introduces the areas of research design, data collection and analysis, and presentation of findings. The module is intended to complement more specialised course-specific modules and provides the foundations for the Research Dissertation (Logistics) module.

20 credits.

This module is focused on the study of sustainability and green logistics, with a particular emphasis on freight transport. The first part of the module provides the context for sustainable supply chains, examining the business and public policy reasons for attempting to address sustainability issues, and examining how sustainability impacts are measured, monitored and reported. The second part of the module focuses on the freight transport element of supply chain management, looking at the strategic, operational and public policy perspectives.

20 credits.

The module explores the nature of demand for air travel and prospects for the future. It considers the role of economic regulation and impact of deregulation. Governance, economic and commercial characteristics of both the airline and airport industries are investigated and different airline models such as low-cost airlines, charter carriers and airline alliances are examined. The airline-airport relationship together with the role of marketing is evaluated. The scope for airports in developing commercial (non-aeronautical) sources of revenues, including those related to events and conferences, is also assessed. In addition, the broader impacts of air travel on the economy and the environment are explored.

20 credits.

This module considers the role of information and process integration within organisations, focusing on enterprise-wide software and business process integration. It evaluates the impact that enterprise-wide systems can have and the crucial role they play in organisational communication. The role of information in enabling process integration and how this underpins organisational knowledge and strategy provides the theoretical framework for the module. The module incorporates practical work using industry standard software packages for students enabling enhanced conceptual understanding of process integration issues.

20 credits.

The aims of this module are to provide you with a comprehensive overview of how inventory forecasting, warehousing and operations management play a significant role within the overall context of both internal and external logistics management and supply chains, in order to help companies to improve the accuracy of the correspondence between forecasting demand and supply, stock an appropriate number of products, place orders on time and make appropriate decisions based on the inventory data. This is designed to eventually achieve the ultimate goal of reducing lead time, unnecessary stock, labour costs, and increasing cash flow, as well as maximising net benefits. In addition, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) have also been taken into account across the module, such as partly emphasising the fact of the global nature of warehousing, logistics and supply chain activities. A field trip will also be carried out (subject to external influences) for students to better understand the function of warehousing and the application of operation management.

20 credits.

This module outlines the key land use and transport issues in contemporary Britain. You will look at transport in evolving urban land use systems, modelling and forecasting land use and transport relationships, transport demands and retail development, light rail and land use, and sustainable residential and workplace development.

20 credits.

This module will provide a compelling insight into the state of the art of modifying behaviour in transport, from well-established interventions (such as speed limits) to relatively new ones (such as personal travel planning).

20 credits.

The first half of the course introduces a range of theoretical concepts relating to traffic and travel behaviour in urban areas. It also familiarises you with key strategic policy issues affecting both the movement and management of urban traffic.

In the second part, you will explore practical design feasibility and management issues associated with the implementation of policy measures at the street level.

20 credits.