Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, 7.5 credits

Aims and objectives

General aims for first cycle education

First-cycle courses and study programmes shall develop:

• the ability of students to make independent and critical assessments
• the ability of students to identify, formulate and solve problems autonomously, and
• the preparedness of students to deal with changes in working life.

In addition to knowledge and skills in their field of study, students shall develop the ability to:

• gather and interpret information at a scholarly level
• stay abreast of the development of knowledge, and
• communicate their knowledge to others, including those who lack specialist knowledge in the field.

(Higher Education Act, Chapter 1, Section 8)

Course objectives

After the completion of the course, the student will

• have a basic understanding of the supply chain and supply chain management
• have a basic understanding of the importance of logistics in the formation of business strategy and the conduct of supply chain operations
• have a basic understanding of logistics operating areas and their interrelationships
• have strengthened their integrative management analytical and problem-solving skills.

After completion of the course, the student will be able to

• discuss, compare and criticize supply chain management, its evolution, design and various strategies available and used in its management context.

After the completion of the course, the student will have the ability to

• apply this basic knowledge towards further studies in the supply chain management arena
• assess different theories and knowledge in supply chain management
• put into practice the theories and knowledge learnt in the course.

Main content of the course

The course will deal with the following aspects of supply chain management

• the supply chain including its evolution and design
• the various aspects and issues in supply chain management
• it will look at supply chain strategy including procurement and manufacturing strategies and inventory management strategies
• areas in the supply chain that can be classed as value added services
• the functional areas of forecasting, planning, order management and transportation will be discussed and explained
• the operational areas of inventory, warehousing and materials handling will be examined
• the future of supply chain management, where it is now and where it may go in the future
• the SC network
• SCM and environmental issues.

Teaching methods

The course begins as a regular course which include a lecture and presentations

• in the presentation, the teacher introduces the subject based on the course literature
• a lesson when case studies are discussed and analysed.

The course will conclude as a web based course via the internet. During the course, students will work both individually and in groups. Students will need access to a computer with an Internet connection. All submissions will be through an internet based communications tool.

In the course, student will submit a number of individual reports/papers, and the purpose of these reports is to enable the student to describe, analyze and characterise various aspects related to the area of supply chain management. There will be between 5-8 reports to be submitted for the course. The students will be given feedback and comments on the submitted works.

Students who have been admitted to and registered on a course have the right to receive tuition and/or supervision for the duration of the time period specified for the particular course to which they were accepted (see, the university's admission regulations (in Swedish)). After that, the right to receive tuition and/or supervision expires.

Examination methods

Examination, 7.5 credits (Code: A001)
Examination consists of different parts
- Submissions of individual reports/papers
- Submission of a group Major Paper and Opposition.

For students with a documented disability, the university may approve applications for adapted or other forms of examinations.

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Grades

According to the Higher Education Ordinance, Chapter 6, Section 18, a grade is to be awarded on the completion of a course, unless otherwise prescribed by the university. The university may prescribe which grading system shall apply. The grade is to be determined by a teacher specifically appointed by the university (an examiner).

In accordance with university regulations regarding grading systems for first and second-cycle courses (Vice-Chancellor’s decision ORU 2018/00929), one of the following grades shall be used: Fail (U), Pass (G) or Pass with Distinction (VG). For courses that are included in an international Master’s programme (60 or 120 credits) or offered to the university’s incoming exchange students, the grading scale of A-F shall be used. The vice-chancellor, or a person appointed by the vice-chancellor, may decide on exceptions from this provision for a specific course, if there are special grounds.

Grades used on course are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Examination
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations (in Swedish).

Comments on grades

To receive Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D) or Good (C) for the course, the student must receive Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D) or Good (C) on the Major Paper, and Pass on the assignments and opposition paper.

To receive Very Good (B) or Excellent (A) for the course, the student must achieve Very Good (B) or Excellent (A) in the Major Paper, and Pass on the assignments and opposition paper.

Detailed information on the requirements for different grade levels is given at the course start.

Specific entry requirements

General entry requirements.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations (in Swedish).

Transfer of credits for previous studies

Students who have previously completed higher education or other activities are, in accordance with the Higher Education Ordinance, entitled to have these credited towards the current programme, providing that the previous studies or activities meet certain criteria.

For further information, see the university's local credit transfer regulations (in Swedish).

Other provisions

The course is offered in English and therefore all examinations will be conducted in English.

Remaining tasks should be completed as soon as possible according to the teacher's instructions.

Reading list and other teaching materials

Required Reading

Bowersox, Donald J., Closs, David J., & Cooper, M. Bixby (Latest edition)
Supply Chain Logistics Management
Boston, Mass: McGraw-Hill, 544 pages

Additions and Comments

Additional articles/papers as required, max 100 pages.