Programme Specifications

Programme summary

1. Programme Aims

• To provide students with an in-depth understanding of logistics and supply chain systems in a modern business context, and the range of managerial decisions related to the planning and operations of these systems.
• To enable students to apply a broad range of analytics methodologies, techniques and tools that effectively support problem-solving and decision-making in logistics and supply chain systems.
• To enhance students’ lifelong learning skills and personal development in preparation for a professional career in logistics and supply chain business functions, or as preparation for further research in these fields.
• To enable students to develop understanding of contemporary issues in the practice of logistics and supply chain management through a constantly updated programme with close links with logistics and supply chain management experts in business and government.

2. Relevant subject benchmark statements and other external reference points used to inform programme outcomes:

• The QAA benchmark statement for Master's awards in business and management.
• The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications.
• University Learning and Teaching Strategy.
• The increasing take-up of analytics within business and government.
• The research interests and specialisms of the School of Business and Economics academic staff and their professional involvement in their disciplines.

3. Programme Learning Outcomes

3.1 Knowledge and Understanding

On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and understanding of: 

K1    business logistics and supply chain operations in national and international contexts, together with their associated decisions, data involved and current research issues;

K2    a range of analytics approaches, techniques and tools for analysing big data and making informed decisions, together with their expected benefits and limitations;

K3    sustainability, corporate social responsibility and contemporary issues relevant to analytics and logistics and supply chain system operations;

K4    behavioural decision making and the influence of human behaviour in logistics and supply chain system operations;

K5    the role of the analytics professional and the process of deploying effective analytics, logistics and supply chain projects in organisations.

3.2 Skills and other attributes

a. Subject-specific cognitive skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

C1    analyse theoretical and practical issues and problems in logistics and supply chain by using appropriate models and methods;

C2    construct original analytics-driven insights that draw on appropriate evidence from a variety of data sources;

C3    critically appraise the relative importance and relevance of different sources of data to the deployment of analytics tools for logistics and supply chain operations, and recognise and address issues relevant to management of big data;

C4    recognise opportunities to apply a wide range of analytics approaches in organisations and deploy them effectively and critically in either expert or facilitative modes, to a wide range of problem and decision situations.

b. Subject-specific practical skills:

On successful completion of this programme students should be able to:

P1    apply model-supported problem structuring and decision analysis skills to formulate decision problems in logistics, supply chain and other business functions, by defining objectives, preferences, constraints and assumptions, and creating and evaluating options;

P2    make effective and appropriate use of information and communication technologies, including the suitable selection and competent application of a range of relevant computer software for deploying analytics;

P3    conduct research effectively and efficiently into the fields of analytics and logistics/supply chain operations, using a variety of data, information and knowledge sources;

P4    undertake, and manage effectively, an analytics-driven project in a problem or decision situation in logistics, supply chain and other business functions, by selecting and employing various methodologies, techniques and tools as appropriate, and developing helpful interactions with analytics users or experts.

c. Key transferable skills:

On successful completion of the programme students should be able to:

T1    communicate complex ideas and arguments effectively, both orally and in writing and using a range of media, to expert and general audiences;

T2    work effectively with others in a team environment, recognising and utilising individuals’ contributions in group processes, and displaying effective collaboration and project management skills when needed; 

T3    demonstrate high personal effectiveness, including critical self-awareness, self-reflection and self-management, sensitivity to diversity in people and situations, time management, and the ability to take responsibility for their own learning, and to continue learning through reflection on practice and experience;

T4    use information technology to scan, organise and assess relevant information for problem solving, decision making and sharing knowledge;

T5      analyse complex problems, develop novel solutions, and apply numerical reasoning appropriately in problem solving processes. 

4. Programme structure

Compulsory modules (total modular weight 150 credits)

Optional taught modules (total modular weight 30 credits)

In addition to the listed compulsory taught modules, students will choose two modules (total modular weight 30) from the following list:

5. Criteria for Progression and Degree Award

In order to be eligible for the award, candidates must satisfy the requirements of Regulation XXI. In addition, candidates are required to obtain the following:

(i)             PGCert – a total modular weight of 60 credits from modules other than BSPXXX (Logistics and Supply Management Project).

(ii)            PGDip – a total modular weight of 120 consisting of a minimum of 100 credits from modules other than BSPXXX (Logistics and Supply Management Project) and Module Marks of not less than 40% in remaining modules with a weight up to 20.

(iii)          MSc – a total modular weight of 180 consisting of a minimum of 150 credits and Module Marks of not less than 40% in remaining modules with a weight up to 30. 

With the exclusion of module BSPXXX (Logistics and Supply Management Project), provision will be made for candidates who have the right of re-assessment to undergo re-assessment in the University’s Special Assessment Period (SAP).

6. Relative Weighting of Parts of the Programme for the Purposes of Final Degree Classification

N/A