University of Bolton
and Supply Chain Management
Professional Centre
BSc (Hons) Supply Chain
Management
Module Guide: SCM6001
Sustainable Supply Chain Strategy
Cohorts 20 and 21: 20172
Contents
1. Overview 3
2. Learning and Teaching Strategy 3
3. Module Communications 4
4. Module Content 4
5. Expected Learning Outcomes and Assessment 4
6. Items of Assessment 5
7. Formative Assessment 5
8. The First Workshop 6
9. The Second Workshop 7
10. GILTs 7
11. Indicative Reading 7
12. Guidelines for the preparation and submission of assignments 9
13. General Assessment Criteria, Level HE6 11
14. Assessments 123
1. Overview
Module Tutor: Mr. Nachiappan S/O Suppiah
Room: N/A
Tel: +603-79549868
Email: [email protected]
Local Tutor: Tn. Haji. Azmi
Office Availability: n/a
Level: HE6
Credits: 20
Module Prerequisites: None
This is a level HE6 core module that aims to enhance students’ knowledge and
understanding of the steps managers need to follow in order to develop and
implement supply chain strategies, and understand the strategic role and objectives
of supply chains.
Students will learn to design supply chain network and distribution systems, to
understand issues of capacity and inventory in terms of buyer-supplier relationships,
location and management. Other key themes include sustainability and how to
measure performance in a supply chain.
The module aims to provide students with a ‘toolkit’ of methodologies that can be
used to analyse existing situations, allowing a strategic direction for future operations
to be proposed.
2. Learning and Teaching Strategy
The module makes use of formal lectures, plus workshops, seminars and case
studies that allow students to explore concepts of Supply Chain Strategy in depth,
with reference to logistics, sustainability, risk and performance measures including
financial issues.
The module will be delivered in two blocks when a significant portion is delivered by
the Module tutors. The time spent with tutors during formally timetabled classes is
only a small part of the learning time identified for the module. In addition to the
contact time with lecturers, a significant amount of personal study should be
undertaken. A module (20 credits) should equate to approximately 200 learning
hours. This personal study time should be spent, for example, engaging in general
background reading, preparing for scheduled activities and working on assignments.
To enable ease of understanding about the subject area and develop research skills,
various group activities have been designed. You can enrich your knowledge and4
test your understanding through these activities and are encouraged to participate in
them fully.
Additional material is provided on the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) Moodle on
the following page: http://moodle2.bolton.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=3424
3. Module Communications
The Module Tutor’s contact details are provided in Section 1. Please only use your
University e-mail address when contacting your tutors, and include your student ID
number and cohort number in the message. You must check your University email
address regularly, and also visit the Moodle site that has been created for this
module. Communications will usually be by these means.
The Moodle site for the module offers forums, and online learning activities that are
meant to enhance your understanding. Engaging with the online activities is a
mandatory part of the module.
4. Module Content
The indicative content for the module includes the following topics that you may wish
to pursue when reading textbooks and other sources:
• The strategy formulation process
• Strategic alignment
• Alignment to customer, financial, and sustainability targets
• Corporate, business and functional strategies
• Supplier selection, relationship development and management
• Information systems strategy
• Capacity, inventory and customer service strategy
• Distribution strategy
• Strategy evaluation and continuous improvement
• Sustainability in the design and operation of supply chains
5. Expected Learning Outcomes and Assessment
The learning outcomes for the module are summarised in Table 1.5
Table 1: Learning Outcomes and Assessment Methods
Discussandevaluatetheinternalandexternal
influences on a business that affect its position in the
supplychain
Coursework
Apply appropriate methodologies to formulate long
term capacity, facilities and distribution plans
Coursework
6. Items of Assessment
To complete the module and gain 20 credits, you must pass both items of
assessment, as detailed in Table 2. The pass mark is set at 40%.
Table 2: Assessed items
Coursework: strategy development
report (2500 words)
17th April 2017 50%
7. Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is aimed at preparing you for summative assessment. This is
done by clarifying, sharing and ensuring that you understand goals for learning and
the criteria for success. This will be implemented through effective classroom and
online discussions, activities and tasks. Verbal and written feedback will be offered
that moves learning forward and activates you as owner of your own learning and as
learning resources for one another. This will take place during seminar and tutorial
activities with group and individual interaction with tutors. Methods used will include
question and answer sessions, written questions or exercises with short, extended or
multiple choice answers, and case study workshops where you will work in groups or
individually.
Coursework: Consultant’s report on
case study (2000 words plus 10–15
Powerpoint slides)
29th May 2017 50%
Assessment item Due date Weighting
Place the supply chain management task into longer
term strategic supply chain development
Coursework
Deployappropriateformulationmethodsforstrategic
supplychaindecisionmaking
Coursework
Learning outcomes Mode of assessment6
8. The First Workshop
Planned activities for the first workshop are detailed in Table 3.
Table 3: Timetable for the First Workshop
Session1
1½ hours
Introduction to module, definitions, topic area, reading lists, and
questions.
Lecture 1: Definitions, public and private sector supply chains,
supply chain management versus supply chain strategy, three
elementsof supplychain strategy
Session2
1 hour
First case study (MFI Furniture)
Session3
1½ hours
Lecture 2: Strategy formulation, external environment analysis.
Session4
2 hours
Second casestudy(seeMoodle)
Lecture 3: Strategy content, supply chain positioning, make or buy,
outsourcing,supplychainuncertainties
Session5
1½ hours
SettingofCoursework
Session6
1½ hours
Lecture4:sustainablematerials,sustainableprocurement,
sustainable transportation
Final Q&A
Please note that the module calendar may be subject to change. Also, the SCMPC
modules are unusual because contact time is compressed into two short workshops.
To succeed you must take part in guided independent study at other times.
Break
15minutes
Day 2 begins
Break
15minutes
Lunch
1 hour
Break
15minutes
Session and
duration
Topic7
9. The Second Workshop
The local tutor workshops is an important part of the module. During the workshop
you will have the opportunity to go into more detail and to participate in discussions.
Discussions are an important element of the learning process and you are
encouraged to join in. Ensure that you have made progress in your learning since
the first workshop so you will be able to participate fully.
10. GILTs
In addition to workshops, we offer GILT activities (Guided Independent learning
Tasks) that provide a structured way for you to undertake the additional study in the
same topic area as your fellow students. Each of the GILTs requires you to engage
with other students via the forums in Moodle. All of the GILTs are designed to build
on the content of the workshops and while they are not directly assessed, your
performance in the GILTs may be taken into consideration if the question of
reassessment arises (in a borderline fail situation).
11. Indicative Reading
The following sources have been identified as being useful when studying this
module. (You may well be able to find others that you also find valuable: please
share your experiences via Moodle.)
Christopher, M (1998) Logistics and supply chain management: strategies for
reducing cost and improving service. 2nd ed. London: Financial Times Pitman. –
available as an eBook
Frazelle, E. (2002) Supply Chain Strategy: The Logistics of Supply Chain
Management. New York: McGraw-Hill Professional. – available as an eBook
Harrison, A, Hoek, R (2008) Logistics management and strategy: competing
through the supply chain. 3rd ed Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall. –
available as an eBook
Hines, T (2004) Supply chain Strategies: customer-driven and customer-focused.
Oxford: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann. – available as an eBook
Poirier, C. (1996), Supply Chain Optimization: Building the Strongest Total
Business Network. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
Poirier, C (1999) Advanced Supply Chain Management: How to Build a Sustained
Competitive Advantage. London: McGraw-Hill.8
Russell, R and Taylor, B (2009) Operations Management: Along the supply
Chain. Chichester: John Wiley
Slack, N, Chambers, S, Harland, C, Harrison, A, and Johnston, R, (2010),
Operations Management, 6th ed. Harlow: Financial times, Prentice Hall. –
available as an eBook
Journals
Many relevant journals are available via the University of Bolton library, and other
services such as Google Scholar and ResearchGate. See http://www.bolton.ac.uk/
library/ for assistance in finding sources. Journals that may be of interest include:
• Supply chain management review
• The journal of supply chain management
• The international journal of logistics management
• International journal of logistics
• Logistics management
• Purchasing and supply management
Useful University of Bolton Study Skills Sources
Rudd, D. (2005) Cite Me, I'm Yours – Harvard Version: References,
Bibliographies, Notes, Quotations, etc. Bolton: Learning Support and
Development, University of Bolton. Also available on-line:
http://www.bolton.ac.uk/learning/helpguides/studyskills/harvard.pdf
Rudd, D. (2004) Report Writing: A Guide to Organisation and Style. Bolton:
Learning Support and Development, University of Bolton. Also available on-line:
http://www.bolton.ac.uk/learning/helpguides/studyskills/reportw.pdf
Additional Useful Websites
http://www.ciltuk.org.uk/pages/home
http://www.cips.org/
http://www.supplychainmovement.com
http://www.supplychainstandard.com
http://capacify.wordpress.com9
12. Guidelines for the preparation and submission
of assignments
Assignments should be word-processed in a clear font, such as Arial 12 point. There
should be a title page detailing the programme, module title, assignment title, student
number, marking tutor and date of submission. It is good practice to put your student
number in the top left hand side of the header of each page, and the date of
submission in the top right.
Word Count
You are expected to revise and edit your assignment to remain within ±10% of the
allocated word limit for that piece of work. In order to ensure that word counts can
easily be checked you should include a note of the word count as identified by your
word processing package. A deduction should be made from the word count for all
tables, figures, quotations, references and appendices as these do not count
towards the overall word limit.
Students who exceed a specified indicative word length for a written assignment will
be subject to the following penalty system:
Up to 10% over the specified indicative word length = no penalty
10 – 20% over the specified indicative word length = 5 marks subtracted. (However if
the assignment would otherwise have gained a pass mark then the final mark will be
not be reduced below 40%).
More than 20% over the indicative word length = grade will be capped at a maximum
of 40%.
Assignments shorter than the indicative word length will not have marks deducted
(even if these are more than 10% short). However, note that only a highly unusual
piece of work will cover the assignment requirements fully in much less than the set
word count less 10%.
Referencing
All written work must be referenced using the Harvard System. Use references to
support your arguments with evidence, to demonstrate the depth of your background
reading, and to acknowledge the work of others. You are expected to cite 15 – 20
sources in a piece of work at this level, and this should include the use of journal
articles. You will have been introduced to the Harvard referencing system, and
provided with a referencing guide, during induction.10
All your coursework will be submitted electronically, via the ‘Turn-it-in’ system within
Moodle. (To do this, please follow the instructions provided by your module tutors,
and on the assessment brief.) Turn-it-in will check your submission against all known
sources and highlight any groups of words that may have been copied and pasted
from elsewhere. You are strongly advised to upload your assignment early and check
the originality report. If the final version of your document contains a passage of
text that Turn-it-in reports is largely copied from a source that you have not
cited, you may be accused of Academic Misconduct. If you have cited a source
but failed to indicate the full extent of the copied section, you could likewise be
accused of Academic Misconduct – or you might simply lose some marks for poor
academic practice.
Penalties for Late Submission
Uploading of assessments can be done on or before the published submission date.
Assignments not uploaded (without an extension being granted and without
accepted Mitigating Circumstances) will thereafter be considered late unless an
extension has been previously agreed.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure that the assignment is submitted in
the format/s specified in the Module Guide and/or on the Assessment Brief.
YOU SHOULD ALWAYS ENSURE YOU KEEP A COPY OF ANY
ASSIGNMENT SUBMITTED
YOU SHOULD REGULARLY MAKE BACKUPS OF THE COURSEWORK YOU ARE
PRODUCING. E-MAILING COPIES TO YOURSELF IS A GOOD WAY TO ENSURE
THAT YOUR WORK CANNOT BE LOST IF YOUR COMPUTER FAILS, OR IS
STOLEN.
In the case of exceptional and unforeseen circumstances, an extension of up to one
week after the assessment submission deadline may be granted by your module
tutor. Requests for extensions for periods longer than one week must be made using
the Mitigating Circumstances procedure. Please see your Programme Handbook for
further details, or speak to the administrative staff at your centre.Relevance Knowledge Argument/Analysis Structure Presentation Written English Research/Referencing
Class I
(Exceptional
Quality)
80%+ As for Class 1(70-79%) but exceptional work
70-
79%
Directly relevant to title.
Addresses most or all of
the implications and
assumptions of the title.
Demonstrates an excellent
knowledge/understanding of theory
and practice for this level.
Demonstrates the ability to identify
and critically appraise the most
important issues, themes and
questions.
Makes creative use of
appropriate arguments and/or
theoretical models. Contains
some distinctive or
independent thinking.
A comprehensive evaluation
of the material resulting in
clear, logical and illuminating
Coherently
articulated and
logically
structured.
An appropriate
format is used.
The presentational
style & layout is
correct for the type
of assignment.
Effective inclusion
of figures, tables,
plates (FTP).
A very well written
answer with standard
spelling and grammar.
Style is clear,
resourceful and
academic.
All sources accurately cited in
the text and a very extensive
reference list in the correct
style is provided.
conclusions.
Class II/i
(Very Good
Quality)
60-
69%
Directly relevant to title.
Addresses some of the
implications of the
issues addressed by the
title.
Demonstrates a comprehensive
knowledge/understanding of theory
and practice for this level.
Demonstrates the ability to identify
and critically appraise key issues,
themes and questions.
Uses appropriate arguments
or theoretical models.
A sound evaluation of the
material resulting in clear and
logical conclusions.
For the most part
coherently
articulated and
logically
constructed.
An appropriate
The presentational
style & layout is
correct for the type
of assignment.
Effective inclusion
of FTP.
Well written with
standard spelling and
grammar. Style is
clear and academic.
All sources accurately cited in
the text and a wide range of
appropriate references cited in
the reference list in the correct
style.
format is used.
Class II/ii
(Good Quality)
50-
59%
Generally addresses the
title and its implications,
but sometimes
addresses irrelevant
issues.
Demonstrates a good
knowledge/understanding of theory
and practice for this level, through the
identification and critical appraisal of
some key issues, themes and
questions.
Provides a coherent
argument, but some loss of
focus and consistency. Some
issues lack clarity, or
theoretical models expressed
in simplistic terms.
Adequate critique, with some
Adequate
attempt at
articulation and
logical structure.
An acceptable
format is used.
The presentational
style & layout is
correct for the type
of assignment.
Inclusion of FTP
but lacks selectivity.
Competently written
with minor lapses in
spelling and grammar.
Style is readable and
mainly academic.
Most sources accurately cited
in the text and an appropriate
reference list in largely the
correct style is provided.
descriptive or narrative
passages. Conclusions are
fairly clear and logical.
Class III
(Satisfactory
Quality)
40-
49%
Some degree of
irrelevance to the title.
Superficial consideration
of the issues.
Demonstrates adequate
knowledge/understanding of theory
and practice, with appraisal of some
basic issues, themes and questions.
An argument is evident but
lacks clarity and coherence in
places. Issues are only
broadly stated.
Some analysis with
descriptive or narrative
passages. Conclusions are
not always clear or logical.
Some attempt at
articulation and
logical structure.
An acceptable
format is used.
The presentational
style & layout is
largely correct for
the type of
assignment.
Inappropriate use
of FTP or not used
where clearly
needed to aid
Generally competent
writing although
intermittent lapses in
grammar and spelling
pose obstacles for the
reader.
Style limits
communication and
tends not to be
Some relevant sources cited.
Some weaknesses in
referencing technique.
understanding. academic.
Borderline
Fail
35-
39%
Some significant degree
of irrelevance to the title
is common. Only the
most obvious issues are
Demonstrates weaknesses in
knowledge/understanding of theory
practice for this level. Key issues not
identified or appraised.
A basic argument is
presented, but largely
descriptive or narrative in
style with contradictory
Poorly
structured. Lack
of articulation.
Format deficient.
For the type of
assignment the
presentational style
&/or layout is
Deficiencies in
spelling and grammar
makes reading
difficult.
Limited sources and weak
referencing.
addressed at a analysis. Conclusions are lacking. Simplistic or
superficial level and in neither clear or logical. FTP ignored in text repetitious style
unchallenging terms. or not used where impairs clarity.
clearly needed.
Fail
<34%
Relevance to the title is
intermittent or missing.
The topic is reduced to
its vaguest and least
challenging terms.
Demonstrates a lack of basic
knowledge of either theory or practice
for this level, with little evidence of
understanding.
Severely limited arguments.
Descriptive or narrative in
style with no evidence of
critique.
Conclusions are sparse.
Unstructured.
Lack of
articulation.
Format deficient.
For the type of
assignment the
presentational style
&/or layout is
lacking.
FTP as above.
Poorly written with
numerous deficiencies
in grammar, spelling,
expression and style.
An absence of academic
sources and poor referencing
technique.
13. General Assessment Criteria, Level HE6
1112
14. Assessments
Assessment 1 Report (50%)
Assessment Title Strategy Development Report
Assessment length 2500 words maximum
Submission Deadline 17th April 2017
Submission Method Submitonline viaMoodle
Learning outcomes
This assignment tests whether you have achieved the following learning outcomes of
the module:
1. Apply appropriate methodologies to formulate long term capacity, facilities and
distribution plans.
2. Place the supply chain management task into longer term strategic supply
chain development.
Assignment Brief
This assignment requires you to develop an outline supply chain strategy for a
company. You can choose from:
A public sector organisation, e.g. a hospital
An online retailer
A manufacturing company
A company or organisation of your choice, such as the organisation that you
work for
You are required to hand in a 2,500 word “Strategy Development Report” that
assesses the situation of the company, and proposes strategic changes that will
make it more competitive.
The following page gives more detail on the report.13
A recommended structure for the report follows:
1. Introduction to the report, stating its purpose and identifying the supply chain
you have chosen
2. Company/organisation and supply chain background – a short introduction
to the company, its operations, its customers and its main competitors
3. Review of the business strategy
4. Review of the PESTLE factors relating to that organisation, identifying both
opportunities and threats
5. Review the competitive forces using Porter’s Five Forces
6. Review customer requirements through a discussion of order winners and
order qualifiers
7. Review the performance of competitor supply chains. (For organisations with
no competition such as a government department or a monopoly, benchmark
against an equivalent organisation in another country.)
8. Describe and evaluate your selected company’s current supply chain with
subsections addressing each of the following:
Procurement activity
Operations (e.g. location, capacity)
Distribution (e.g. transportation arrangements, distribution centres)
Services provided (key skills and information systems employed)
9. Make recommendations for an improved supply chain strategy, with regard to the
same criteria:
Procurement activity
Operations (e.g. location, capacity)
Distribution (e.g. transportation arrangements, distribution centres)
Services provided (key skills and information systems employed)
Additional guidance
Depart from the recommended structure if you wish, but be sure to structure your
report logically, and cover all requested elements. Ideally, your report will include
recommendations that really would be of value to the organisation that you have14
studied, so don’t forget to look to the future. Make sure that your recommendations
relate to (or are substantiated by) the work you have presented in sections 3 to 7.
Do not to cut and paste phrases or paragraphs from published sources without citing
your sources. You should seek to use your own words to explain concepts and
theories.
If you wish to refer to specific quotes from published sources then you must use full
Harvard presentation. See the BISSTO study skills guide for assistance: http://
data.bolton.ac.uk/bissto/infoskills/useinfo/plagiarism.htm
Submission Instructions:
Submission is via the Turn-it-in link on the Moodle site for the module. Assignments
not uploaded on time will be considered late unless an extension has previously
been agreed with the Module Tutor.
It may take up to 24 hours for Turn-it-in to provide you with a Similarity Score.
Consider closely any section that is highlighted by Turn-it-in, and make sure you
reference it correctly. You will be able to upload drafts of your written work prior to
the deadline to enable you to check your Similarity Index. After the deadline, you will
not be able to overwrite your submission.
End of assignment 1.15
Assessment 2 LifeKind Case Study (50%)
Assessment Title Consultant’s report on case study
Assessment length 2000 words maximum, plus 10–15 slides
Submission Deadline 29th May 2017
Submission Method Submitonline viaMoodle
Learning outcomes
This assignment tests whether you have achieved the following learning outcomes of
the module:
1. Discuss and evaluate the internal and external influences on a business that
affect its position in the supply chain.
2. Deploy appropriate formulation methods for strategic supply chain decision
making.
Assignment Brief
This assignment casts you in the role of a consultant making recommendations in
the form of a report. It requires you to :
• Write an individual report of your findings from the LifeKind case study.
The report should be around 2000 words.
• Create a presentation (10–15 slides) that presents your findings and
recommendations in a style that ‘sells’ the changes you are
recommending. This won’t actually be presented, but the quality of your
slides forms a part of the assessment.
For both aspects of the assignment, the following structure is recommended:
Executive summary
Main problems/issues
Main recommendations
Expected benefits
The main body of the report, containing:
A resume of the current situation. This must be brief. Imagine that you
are writing the report for the management of the company who already16
know the situation. A schematic diagram of the supply chain, might be a
concise way to illustrate the current situation in an organised manner.
Statement of the main issues and problems. Again it is important not to
just reiterate and list the problems as they appear in the case. Remember
to make reference to order winners and qualifiers as a way of presenting
the background to the problems.
Recommendations. A Clear and concise statement should be given of the
preferred solution or recommended policy, together with a justification of its
choice.
Additional guidance
Depart from the recommended structure if you wish, but be sure to structure your
report logically, and cover all requested elements. Ideally, your report will feature
recommendations that would substantially improve the position of the company
described in the LifeKind case study.
Do not to cut and paste phrases or paragraphs from published sources without citing
your sources. You should seek to use your own words to explain concepts and
theories.
If you wish to refer to specific quotes from published sources then you must use full
Harvard presentation. See the BISSTO study skills guide for assistance: http://
data.bolton.ac.uk/bissto/infoskills/useinfo/plagiarism.htm
Submission Instructions
Submission is via the Turn-it-in link on the Moodle site for the module. Assignments
not uploaded on time will be considered late unless an extension has previously
been agreed with the Module Tutor.
It may take up to 24 hours for Turn-it-in to provide you with a Similarity Score.
Consider closely any section that is highlighted by Turn-it-in, and make sure you
reference it correctly. You will be able to upload drafts of your written work prior to
the deadline to enable you to check your Similarity Index. After the deadline, you will
not be able to overwrite your submission.
End of assignment 2..