Supply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 1 of 14 Instructions to Student:  Answer each question using the case as a reference point and relevant literature sources.  Date of submission: As mentioned in the MIG  Submission form: Soft copy to be submitted through Moodle at Turnitin.  Due date: Week 13 as per MIG.  Late submission shall be penalised as per the norms of MEC mentioned in the Module Information Guide.  Plagiarism policy is as per the MEC guidelines as mentioned in the Module Information Guide.  Assessment is subject to MEC viva policy.  Marks to be weighted to 30% after marking in line with MEC policy.  Student feedback will be given two weeks from submission deadline. Oman's Logistics Industry With its deep-rooted traditions in early logistics, Oman is now renewing its quest to become a modern-day logistics leader, explains Warith Al Kharusi, chairman of Oman Logistics Association. Oman has a strong heritage in logistics, with a seafaring tradition dating over 4000 years. The ancient town of Salalah itself houses the ruins of the fortified town of Sumharam, a port city that controlled Individual Assignment- Spring 2017 Module: Supply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS 1502) ID NUMBER Level: 5 Max. Marks: 100 Duration: 3 weeks Scaled down to 30%Supply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 2 of 14 the thriving maritime trade of frankincense back in 100BC-400AD. From the old silk routes to the camel trains used to transport wares, one could say that logistics has long been in the blood of the Omani people. The country’s economy has shown a steady growth over the past 40 years, with the government encouraging both private and foreign investments into the country. With regional trade and consumer demand for imports on the rise, logistics firms are increasingly being drawn to Oman as their regional base for operations. With the firm backing of the country’s visionary ruler Sultan Qaboos Bin Saeed, Oman’s government has been eager to invest in its transport hubs and road infrastructure, despite the recent global economic recession. The key driving factor behind this has been the government’s agenda for diversification – moving away from sole reliance on its successful oil and gas industry and looking at other ways to supplement the country’s GDP. “If anything, the government has used the recession as a stimulus for growth,” comments Warith Al Kharusi, chairman of the country’s recently formed logistics forum – OLA (Oman Logistics Association). “Oman views the growth as part of the country’s diversification and there is no doubt that the logistics industry is going to play a huge part in this.” The past ten years have been testimony to this commitment, as the region has seen vast improvements in the size and efficiency of its transport hubs and road infrastructure. Even forty years ago, Al Kharusi points out, Oman only had a handful of cars on a few kilometres of road. “Today we are looking at thousands of kilometres of excellent roads, dual carriageways and super-highways,” he adds. As well as road infrastructure, Oman has been investing heavily into its ports and reaping the benefits. The Port of Salalah is recognised as one of the fastest growing ports in the world, offering a reduction in sailing time for ships coming from Europe and traveling to the Far East. “In terms of a strategic geographical area of Oman, it is well placed out in the sea, with a coastline of 1800km. Plus you don’t have the restriction of the bottlenecks found in the Gulf or the Red Sea,” emphasises Al Kharusi. All three of the region’s main ports, Sohar, Salalah and Sultan Qaboos, recorded growth in terms of cargo volume this year. The Port of Sohar is promising even bigger developments in the future, withSupply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 3 of 14 more than US$12 billion being pumped in for its development in a joint venture agreement between the government and the Port of Rotterdam through the Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC). The airports too have been undergoing a major transformation, with the country’s main hubs in Muscat and Salalah due to grow five-fold in the next five years. New regional airports are in the pipeline including in Haima, Sohar Ras Al Had and Duqm. One of the leading hydrocarbon exploration and production company, Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), has itself built three private airports to support its oil and gas activities. A rail network providing connectivity between Sohar and Muscat with a hub in Barka is also on offer, with plans for the rapid extension of the network. All these facts considered, one can fully appreciate why global players will be drawn to Oman’s growing logistics proficiency. Being able to offer lower costs and higher resource availability compared to some of its Middle Eastern neighbours, Oman has been working hard to sell its attractiveness to the outside world. Building on its free trade agreements, the Sultanate is keen to boost up the development of free zones to encourage more global businesses into the region. “The free trade zones are now available where international companies can work 100% independently,” explains Al Kharusi. “The country views investment as a joint affair, by encouraging investment and allowing good commercial governance in a mature way to make global companies feel very secure.” By taking steps to streamline customs procedures and improve road safety, Oman’s agenda is definitely focused on attracting international firms into its field. “Oman wants to be a global player with responsibility and is environmentally conscious as well,” agrees Al Kharusi “International players will feel confident with such solid standards.” The country recognises that the key to the successful growth of its logistics industry lies in what Al Kharusi has termed ‘strategic partnering’. “Oman encourages having global strategic partners to give it a leapfrog opportunity,” he highlights. “If you have strategic partners who already have a lot of knowledge and expertise together with a local partner that has the right infrastructure and resources, the growth potential is explosive.” Indeed the country has become a living testimony to this philosophy, with many of its most successful ventures coming from a strong strategic partnership base with a global player. For example, currentSupply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 4 of 14 logistics partnerships include US-based BDP International’s joint venture with Oman’s Mustafa Sultan Enterprise to offer international logistics and supply chain solutions. Dubai’s own Aramex also has a joint venture with Oman’s Zubair Corporation to build an integrated logistics centre in the sultanate. The newly-forming OLA has an important role to play in the market’s growth. “For Oman to support its development and attractiveness to international players, the logistics profession has to be grown,” says Al Kharusi, who is also chairman of the forthcoming TransOman 2010 event. “Institutes such as Sultan Qaboos University and Sohar University are taking a leading role in building the right curricula in logistics and skills training. We also want to encourage young people to be attracted to the industry, and give them better guidance.” Source: Times of Oman Newspaper; Ministry of Transport of Oman; Ministry of Higher Education in Oman. Questions to be answered by the student: Q1. Do an analysis of the major challenges and opportunities facing Oman in the logistics and supply chain field with reasons why these challenges are there and offer possible solutions as a logistics and supply chain student. Justify your answer with an applied Oman example. (25 marks) (Doing analysis of the major challenges and opportunities facing Oman in the logistics and supply chain field with reasons why these challenges are there plus solutions is 15 marks. Justifying answer and giving an applied Oman example is 10 marks). Q2. There is a suggestion that the new proposed rail system for Oman and the GCC would be highly beneficial. Critically explain the advantages and disadvantages of rail transport for Oman and the GCC. (25 marks) (Critically explaining the advantages is 13 marks; and explaining disadvantages of rail transport for Oman and the GCC is 12 marks). Q3. Oman recently introduced the globally connected Oman Logistics Centre and the Oman Supply Chain Association. New degrees have also been introduced in Supply Chain and LogisticsSupply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 5 of 14 Management in Oman colleges/universities. Critically explain the contribution of these institutions to the development of logistics and supply chain in Oman. Why is there less research output in logistics and supply chain in Oman when compared to the United Arab Emirates? (20 marks) (Critically explaining the contribution of academic and research institutions to the development of logistics and supply chain in Oman is 15 marks, and explaining why there is less research output in logistics and supply chain in Oman when compared to the United Arab Emirates will be 5 marks). Journal articles: Students are required to use a minimum of five (5) relevant journal articles in the body of the assignment and reference them correctly under Reference section. Any assignment without the required journal articles will not qualify for A Grade as a rule. Evaluation criteria: There will be an Assignment Proposal in Week 4 but it has no marks. This will help students get focused and get guidance from teachers before doing the assignment. Proposals will be uploaded on moodle as usual. Proposals cover:- PROPOSAL QUESTION Q1. Analysis of the major challenges and opportunities facing Oman in the logistics field with reasons why these challenges are there and offer possible solutions as a logistics student. Justify your answer with an applied Oman example. Q2. There is a suggestion that the new proposed rail system for Oman and the GCC would be highly beneficial. Critically explaining the advantages and disadvantages of rail transport for Oman and the GCC. Q3. Oman recently introduced the globally connected Oman Logistics Centre and the Oman Supply Chain Association. New degrees have also been introduced in Supply Chain and Logistics Management in Oman colleges/universities. Critically explaining the contribution of these institutions to the development of logistics and supply chain in Oman. Why is there less research output in logistics and supply chain in Oman when compared to United Arab Emirates? ConclusionSupply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 6 of 14 Referencing- scholarly sources and CU-Harvard style of referencing Format Introduction- a snapshot of the discussion points of the assignment 5 mark Q1. Do an analysis of the major challenges and opportunities facing Oman in the logistics and supply chain field with reasons why these challenges are there and offer possible solutions as a logistics and supply chain student. Justify your answer with an applied Oman example. (25 marks) (Doing analysis of the major challenges and opportunities facing Oman in the logistics and supply chain field with reasons why these challenges are there plus solutions is 15 marks. Justifying answer and giving an applied Oman example is 10 marks). 25 marks Q2. There is a suggestion that the new proposed rail system for Oman and the GCC would be highly beneficial. Critically explain the advantages and disadvantages of rail transport for Oman and the GCC. (25 marks) (Critically explaining the advantages is 13 marks; and explaining disadvantages of rail transport for Oman and the GCC is 12 marks). 25 marks Q3. Oman recently introduced the globally connected Oman Logistics Centre and the Oman Supply Chain Association. New degrees have also been introduced in Supply Chain and Logistics Management in Oman colleges/universities. Critically explain the contribution of these institutions to the development of logistics and supply chain in Oman. Why is there less research output in logistics and supply chain in Oman when compared to the United Arab Emirates? (20 marks) (Critically explaining the contribution of academic and research institutions to the development of logistics and supply chain in Oman is 15 marks, and explaining why there is less research output in logistics and supply chain in Oman when compared to the United Arab Emirates will be 5 marks). 20 marks Conclusion 5 marks Referencing - scholarly sources and CU-Harvard style of referencing 15 marks Format 5 marks Total 100 marksSupply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 7 of 14 Note:  All assessments shall be evaluated out of 100 and then scaled down to the corresponding assessment weightage as given in the assessment matrix. However, the complexity of the assessment shall remain as per that weightage. For e.g.: Q.P. for the Individual in-class closed book test having a weightage of 20 will be set out of 100 marks and the corresponding answers will be evaluated out of 100 marks. If the student scores 75 marks for this test, then his/her actual mark for this assessment component will be 15 out of 20.  The course marks will be provisional until the External Exam Board approves it. Assessment Grading Criteria 90-100% Outstanding Exceptionally detailed and original response to the assignment, with critical use of independently sourced contextual material. Outstanding demonstration of linked understanding of relevant theory, concepts and models. Extremely well structured with high level of analysis. No obvious errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate. 80-89% Excellent Very full, independent response to the assignment with totally relevant material which is well beyond any module input, demonstrating independent study. Excellent understanding of relevant theory, concepts and models. Very clear logical structure. Very few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate. 70-79% Very good Full response to the assignment with all content relevant and focused. Very good understanding of relevant theory, concepts and models. Application of appropriate theory to examples/practice, demonstrating a rigorous approach to a variety of ideas, contexts and frameworks. Few errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate. 60-69% Good Answers most if not all detailed aspects of the question. Content mainly relevant. Good knowledge and understanding of relevant theory and concepts and application of theoretical models. Evidence of a developingSupply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 8 of 14 appreciation of contextual issues. Some small repeated errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate 50-59% Competent Main issues addressed and solid attempt to answer question. Some relevant content applied. Sound knowledge and understanding of relevant theory and concepts and identification of main issues Some repeated errors in referencing or grammar or syntax as appropriate. 40-49% Basic Satisfactory attempt to address question/issues with some content relevant to assignment topic. Material engages with relevant module materials, but largely repeats taught input and lacks development or personal interpretation. Some general understanding of topic theory and concepts. Lacks coherence. 30-39% Retrievable fail Some learning outcomes and / or assessment criteria not met. Questions not answered fully. Content not wholly relevant. Little or no evidence of understanding of relevant theory. Very repetitive of taught input – no development or application. The use of extensive quoted passages evident. Evidence of sufficient grasp of learning outcomes to suggest that the participant will be able to retrieve the module on resubmission. 20-29% No learning outcomes fully met. Little attempt to engage with the module materials or ideas. 10-19% Little attempt to engage with assignment brief and has not met learning outcomes. Inadequate demonstration of knowledge or understanding of key concepts, theories or practice. 0-9% No real attempt to address the assignment brief or learning outcomes Note: Students must follow assignments instructions. Shallow and inadequate answers will be penalized and result in loss of marks. Plagiarism Policy: Clarification on Plagiarism Policy As per MEC policy, any form of violation of academic integrity will invite severe penalty. Plagiarised documents, in part or in whole, submitted by the students will be subject to this policy.Supply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 9 of 14 1 A. First offence of plagiarism a. A student will be allowed to re-submit the assignment once, within a maximum period of one week. However, a penalty of deduction of 25% of the marks obtained for the resubmitted work will be imposed. b. Mark deduction: When the work is resubmitted, the marking will be undertaken according to the marking criteria. In compliance with this policy, the 25% deduction is then made on the marks obtained. For example, in an assessment that carries a maximum of 50 marks, suppose a student were to obtain 30 marks for the resubmitted work, the final marks for that assessment will be 22.5 (after deducting 25% of the marks actually obtained for the resubmitted work). c. Period of resubmission: The student will have to resubmit the work one week from the date he or she is advised to resubmit. For example, if the formal advice to resubmit was communicated to the student on a Sunday (latest by 5 pm), the student will have to resubmit the work latest by next Sunday 5 pm. d. If the re-submitted work is also detected to be plagiarized, then the work will be awarded a zero. e. Resubmission of the work beyond the maximum period of one week will not be accepted and the work will be awarded a zero. B. Any further offence of plagiarism a. If any student is again caught in an act of plagiarism during his/her course of study (either in the same module, same semester or in any other semester), the student will directly be awarded zero for the work in which plagiarism is detected. In such cases, the student will not be allowed to resubmit the work. 2 C. Guidelines a. Type 1: In case plagiarism is detected in any component or part submission (submitted at different times) of one assessment (assignment), the deduction in marks will be applicable for theSupply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 10 of 14 whole assessment (assignment), even if only the component or part submission alone needs to be resubmitted. b. Type 2: In case plagiarism is detected in a group assessment, all students of the group will be considered as having committed an act of plagiarism irrespective of whether plagiarism is on account of the act of all or a few or only one member. The policy will then be applied to all students. c. Type 3: Combination of Type 1 and Type 2: In case plagiarism is detected in any component or part submission (submitted at different times) of a group assessment (assignment), the deduction in marks will be applicable for the whole assessment (assignment), even if only the component or part submission alone needs to be resubmitted. All students of the group would be considered as having committed an act of plagiarism irrespective of whether plagiarism is on account of the act of all or a few or only one member. The policy will then be applied to all the students of the group. d. Type 4: Variation of Type 1 and Type 2: In cases where the assessment consists of components or part submissions that could be a group assessment component (e.g. group assignment) and an individual assessment component (e.g. individual reflection), the following will be applicable: 1. If plagiarism is detected in the group assessment component, all students of the group will be considered as having committed an act of plagiarism, irrespective of whether plagiarism is on account of the act of all or a few or only one member. The policy will then be applied to all students of the group. In such cases the group assessment component will be resubmitted as per the policy. 2. If plagiarism is detected in the individual assessment component, the individual assessment component will be resubmitted as per the policy. The policy will then be applied to that student alone. 3. In both cases (a) and/or (b), the deduction in marks will be applicable for the whole assessment (assignment). 3 D. Amount of similar material a. The total amount of similar material in any form of student work from all sources put together should not exceed 30% (including direct quotations).Supply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 11 of 14 b. The total amount of quoted material (direct quotations) in any form of student work from all sources put together should not exceed 10%. c. The total amount of similar material in any form of student work from a single source should not exceed 7 percent. However, cases having a similarity of less than 7 percent in such cases may still be investigated by the faculty depending on the seriousness of the case. d. If faculty member find enough merit in the case of a student work with a similarity (with a single source) of more than 7 percent as not a case of plagiarism, the faculty member should provide detailed comments/remarks to justify the case. March 13, 2016 LATE SUBMISSIONS: Penalty for late submission - 5% of the maximum mark specified for the assessment is to be deducted for each working day for a maximum of one week. Note: Students must follow assignments instructions. Shallow and inadequate answers will be penalized and result in loss of marks. Plagiarism Policy: Clarification on Plagiarism Policy As per MEC policy, any form of violation of academic integrity will invite severe penalty. Plagiarised documents, in part or in whole, submitted by the students will be subject to this policy. 1 A. First offence of plagiarism a. A student will be allowed to re-submit the assignment once, within a maximum period of one week. However, a penalty of deduction of 25% of the marks obtained for the resubmitted work will be imposed. b. Mark deduction: When the work is resubmitted, the marking will be undertaken according to the marking criteria. In compliance with this policy, the 25% deduction is then made on the marks obtained. For example, in an assessment that carries a maximum of 50 marks, suppose a studentSupply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 12 of 14 were to obtain 30 marks for the resubmitted work, the final marks for that assessment will be 22.5 (after deducting 25% of the marks actually obtained for the resubmitted work). c. Period of resubmission: The student will have to resubmit the work one week from the date he or she is advised to resubmit. For example, if the formal advice to resubmit was communicated to the student on a Sunday (latest by 5 pm), the student will have to resubmit the work latest by next Sunday 5 pm. d. If the re-submitted work is also detected to be plagiarized, then the work will be awarded a zero. e. Resubmission of the work beyond the maximum period of one week will not be accepted and the work will be awarded a zero. B. Any further offence of plagiarism a. If any student is again caught in an act of plagiarism during his/her course of study (either in the same module, same semester or in any other semester), the student will directly be awarded zero for the work in which plagiarism is detected. In such cases, the student will not be allowed to resubmit the work. 2 C. Guidelines a. Type 1: In case plagiarism is detected in any component or part submission (submitted at different times) of one assessment (assignment), the deduction in marks will be applicable for the whole assessment (assignment), even if only the component or part submission alone needs to be resubmitted. b. Type 2: In case plagiarism is detected in a group assessment, all students of the group will be considered as having committed an act of plagiarism irrespective of whether plagiarism is on account of the act of all or a few or only one member. The policy will then be applied to all students. c. Type 3: Combination of Type 1 and Type 2: In case plagiarism is detected in any component or part submission (submitted at different times) of a group assessment (assignment), the deduction in marks will be applicable for the whole assessment (assignment), even if only the component orSupply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 13 of 14 part submission alone needs to be resubmitted. All students of the group would be considered as having committed an act of plagiarism irrespective of whether plagiarism is on account of the act of all or a few or only one member. The policy will then be applied to all the students of the group. d. Type 4: Variation of Type 1 and Type 2: In cases where the assessment consists of components or part submissions that could be a group assessment component (e.g. group assignment) and an individual assessment component (e.g. individual reflection), the following will be applicable: 1. If plagiarism is detected in the group assessment component, all students of the group will be considered as having committed an act of plagiarism, irrespective of whether plagiarism is on account of the act of all or a few or only one member. The policy will then be applied to all students of the group. In such cases the group assessment component will be resubmitted as per the policy. 2. If plagiarism is detected in the individual assessment component, the individual assessment component will be resubmitted as per the policy. The policy will then be applied to that student alone. 3. In both cases (a) and/or (b), the deduction in marks will be applicable for the whole assessment (assignment). 3 D. Amount of similar material a. The total amount of similar material in any form of student work from all sources put together should not exceed 30% (including direct quotations). b. The total amount of quoted material (direct quotations) in any form of student work from all sources put together should not exceed 10%. c. The total amount of similar material in any form of student work from a single source should not exceed 7 percent. However, cases having a similarity of less than 7 percent in such cases may still be investigated by the faculty depending on the seriousness of the case. d. If faculty member find enough merit in the case of a student work with a similarity (with a single source) of more than 7 percent as not a case of plagiarism, the faculty member should provide detailed comments/remarks to justify the case.Supply Chain and Logistics Management (BUSS1502) – Spring 17 –CW2 BUSS 1502 (QP) Page 14 of 14 March 13, 2016