Unit information: Global Supply Chain Management in 2020/21

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Unit name Global Supply Chain Management
Unit code EFIMM0074
Credit points 20
Level of study M/7
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12)
Unit director Dr. Burger
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

Nil

Co-requisites

Nil

School/department University of Bristol Business School
Faculty Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

Description including Unit Aims

The ultimate objective of global supply chain management is to link the market place, distribution network, manufacturing and procurement activity in such a way that customers receive the highest level of service at the lower cost; in the short and long term. The rise of the global supply chains raises strategic questions concerning new business models, local/global sourcing/purchasing, transportation/logistics, environmental sustainability, ethics and local economic development.

The aim of this unit will be to:

  • Learn how multinational corporations (MNC) strategically manage and internationalize their supply chains by leveraging inclusive and sustainable growth agendas to penetrate emerging markets and remain strong incumbents. How these organisations seek sustainable competitive advantage over time is of particular interest.
  • Introduce the theoretical and practical elements of the global supply chain management of MNCs that also consider the associated economic, social and environmental impacts.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

  1. Evaluate what global supply chain management and global sourcing entails in the business world i.e. the nature and components;
  2. Interpret the cultural differences and similarities between different countries/continents/global regions and analyse potential impact on the supplier relationships with a view to mitigating and reducing risk;
  3. Critically appraise the leadership role of MNCs in the adoption of sustainable practices in emerging/existing markets;
  4. Analyse and differentiate stakeholders of MNCs and their roles in pursuit of sustainability strategies.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions including lectures, tutorials, drop-in sessions, discussion boards and other online learning opportunities.

Assessment Information

Formative: This will include a small range of methods including in class and/or on-line quizzes, debates and case evaluation; Summative: 3000 word individual assignment (100%)

Reading and References

Students are encouraged to read extensively around their subject to inform their knowledge. Students should draw from a range of sources which may include academic texts and papers, practitioner books and journals, market reports and online sources.

Core Texts for this Unit:

J. Mangan and C.L. Lalwani (2016), Global Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 3rd edition, Wiley.

E-resources

Institute for Supply Management (publish world class research on global sourcing)

https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/scforum

Stanford’s Global supply chain forum

https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/scforum

Recommended Reading:

Each session has a number of recommended journal articles to read (See Black Board).

Related links