Business Administration, Sustainable Supply Chain Management, Second Cycle, 7.5 credits

Learning outcomes

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of the course, students should be able to

• explain the meaning and significance of fundamental concepts and models for two different supply chain philosophies: Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Managing in Supply Networks, as well as their background and history,
• give an account of sustainability issues related to these supply chain management philosophies,
• describe different supply chain management systems from an overall perspective.

Competence and skills

On completion of the course, students should be able to

• apply fundamental concepts of relevance to problems in supply chain management,
• identify the different components of the supply chain management system, how they are linked, and how they work as a whole,
• analyse an industry-specific sustainability problem within the supply chain management system used by applying the analytical tools discussed on the course, as well as give a presentation thereof, in writing and orally,
• reflect on their own learning.

Judgement and approach

On completion of the course, students should be able to

• reflect on the role of sustainability issues in the supply chain management system,
• reflect on the respective roles of the purchaser, goods owner, transportation provider and consumer in the supply chain management system.

Content

The course comprises an introduction of two supply chain management philosophies: Supply Chain Management (SCM), and Managing in Supply Networks. The differences between the two perspectives are discussed. This theme then looks into the evolution of SCM and the shifts towards the Managing in Supply Networks. Sustainability issues under these two different perspectives are then discussed.

The course covers the following themes

• Two supply chain management philosophies and the difference between the two
• The difference between logistics and SCM
• The evolution of SCM
• From SCM to Managing in Supply Networks
• Sustainability issues in relation to SCM and Managing in Supply Networks
• The purchasing process and sustainable purchasing
• Strategic aspects of purchasing and supply chain management issues
• Chain of custody and responsibilities backwards in the supply chain

The above topics are introduced through lectures by teachers and possibly industry representatives. During the course, students will enhance and dig deeper into specific topics through their group assignments where they apply this knowledge to a case study

Examinations and grades

Concepts and Principles, 4.5 credits (Code: A003)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

Sustainability Analysis of Supply, 3 credits (Code: A004)
Grades used are Fail (F), Sufficient (E), Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) or Excellent (A).

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 determine which grading system is to be used. The grade must be determined by a teacher specifically nominated by the university (the examiner).

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

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

Comments on grades

On the course, the grading scale, E-A is used where Fail (F), Sufficient (E) Satisfactory (D), Good (C), Very Good (B) and Excellent (A). To be awarded a Pass for the whole course, students must earn at least the grade (E) on both the written examination (code A001) and the hand-in assignment (code A002). The grade for the whole course is awarded as a weighted average of the written examination (code A001) and hand-in assignment (code A002).

Modes of assessment

Concepts and Principles, 4.5 credits (Code: A003)
Written Examination.

Sustainability Analysis of Supply, 3 credits (Code: A004)
Written and Oral Examination.

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

For further information, see the university's local examination regulations.

Specific entry requirements

First-cycle courses of 75 credits in Business Administration or first-cycle courses of 60 credits in Business Administration and a first-cycle course of 30 credits in another field of study including an independent project/bachelor thesis of 15 credits. The applicant must also have qualifications corresponding to the course "English 6" or "English B" from the Swedish Upper Secondary School.

For further information, see the university's admission regulations.

Other provisions

The language of instruction is English.

Make-up assignments are to be completed as soon as possible and as instructed by the lecturer.

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.

Reading list and other learning resources

Required Reading

Håkansson, Håkan, Snehota, Ivan (Eds.), 2017. No Business is an Island: Making Sense of the Interactive Business World. Emerald Publishing Limited. Studentlitteratur, 352 sidor

McKinnon, Alan (senaste upplagan)
Decarbonizing Logistics: Distributing Goods in a Low Carbon World
London: Kogan Page Limited, 328 sidor

Additional literature, maximum 200 pages, will be added.