Description

Learning Outcomes

1. A critical evaluation of Supply chain knowledge and a critical awareness of current supply chain problems and new thinking
2. An in-depth and critical understanding and identification of the key requirements and opportunities for supply chain strategy.
3. A comprehensive and critical evaluation of analytical techniques applicable to supply chain analysis.
4. Consideration of  how to structure, and manage a global logistics network
5. Critically identify and evaluate the most pressing challenges for logistics managers arising from the globalisation of supply chains.
6. Critically reflect on the nature of the new organizational paradigm, looking at the new tools, methods and relationship management strategies being developed to respond to the demands of a changing environment.
7. Demonstrate originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of analytical and managerial skills in order to apply this knowledge, within an overall business environment in an integrated manner.
8. Apply the tools and techniques for effective supply chain management in a different markets
9. An ability to critically evaluate and solve complex supply chain problems both systematically and creatively, make reasoned judgements in the absence of complete data  and communicate your conclusions clearly.
10. Preparing and presenting proposals effectively
11. Demonstrate self direction and originality in solving complex supply chain problems.

Assessment Overview

The final assessment for this module is an Individual coursework assignment on Supply Chain Management (100%)

Note: appendices are not included in the word count for this report.  Format is a formal written report of maximum word limit of 2500 words (word limit to be stated on the front cover) including diagrams (e.g. organisation charts) and tables. Report should comprise Title Page, Parts 1 – 3.  

Also (not included in word count): References (essential) and Appendices (if needed).

Key Components and Task:

• ‘The key to real Customer Value is effective Supply Chain Management”.  
• Discuss the above statement, using one or two at most, examples of real companies that have    either achieved (or failed) to deliver customer value via their chosen supply chain strategies.

The main objective of this assessment is to: enable students to demonstrate knowledge of effective supply chain strategies in the pursuit of customer value. Support this statement using real examples of companies operating in today’s global competitive environment, showing the importance of effective SCM strategies in successfully delivering customer value.

• Provide an in-depth critical analysis of the main argument – effective supply chain strategies can deliver customer value (literature review). Examine research which has argued that SC strategies can deliver customer value- with examples

Support this with one or two examples from companies (likely to be high profile companies, e.g. Apple; Amazon.com, Caterpillar; Samsung Electronics etc, etc) how their chosen supply chain strategies have delivered or failed to deliver customer value. 

• Short Conclusion.

Special Instructions:

• Prepare an individual assignment (no shared work).
• SCM theory from course text and relevant Journal publications is essential.
• Full references and sources of all materials must be stated
• Use your student ids for anonymity (i.e. no student names on the assignment itself).
• Students are expected to access and utilise academic articles which are accessible via the Brunel library homepage (e.g. using the “e-Journals Gateway” or the “Emerald database”).
• References should be taken in the main from Journal publications. I will accept some web references, but I would like these to be kept to an absolute minimum.
• I would expect over 80% of references to come from journal publications. The remaining >20% to come from web sites and text books.
• I would expect a minimum of 20 references for this assignment.
• Please Note: You should also all be aware of the University’s policy on Plagiarising. Anyone caught plagiarising will be dealt with SEVERLY.

Submission deadline: 11:59 am UK time Thursday, 3 September 2020

Submission Method: via the WISEflow platform

Late submission rules: as per the University’s policy

Relevant Programme regulation: Senate Regulations 3

Provision of formative assessment: Not applicable.

Marking criteria: attached (Annex I)

** All submissions will be electronically checked for plagiarism. **

Helpful resources: 

Annex I: Brunel University Generic Masters-level Grade Descriptors

These generic grade descriptors are intended to be used as a tool throughout the assessment process (in assessment design, marking/grading, moderation, feedback and appraisal) for any assessment set at Masters Level in the University. They are designed to show no disciplinary bias and are not intended to act as surrogate award or award classification descriptors. The grade descriptors should be read in conjunction with the learning outcomes associated with the assessment.

Grade A++

Work of exceptionally high quality, commensurate with publication in a highly esteemed peer-reviewed journal. Clearly demonstrates a sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the topic. Provides clear evidence of originality and clearly demonstrates the ability to develop an independent, highly systematic and logical or insightful argument or evaluation. Demonstrates exceptional ability in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at Masters Level. Shows exceptional clarity, focus and cogency in communication.

Grade Band A (A+, A, A-)

Clearly demonstrates a sophisticated, critical and thorough understanding of the topic. Provides evidence of originality of thought and clearly demonstrates the ability to develop an independent, highly systematic and logical or insightful argument or evaluation. Demonstrates excellence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at Masters Level. Shows excellent clarity, focus and cogency in communication.

Grade Band B (B+, B, B-)

Clearly demonstrates a well-developed, critical and comprehensive understanding of the topic. Clearly demonstrates the ability to develop an independent, systematic and logical or insightful argument or evaluation. Demonstrates a high degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at Masters Level. Shows a high level of clarity, focus and cogency in communication.

Grade Band C (C+, C, C-)

Demonstrates a critical and substantial understanding of the topic. Demonstrates the ability to develop an independent, systematic and logical or insightful argument or evaluation. Demonstrates a significant degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise at Masters Level. Provides evidence of clarity, focus and cogency in communication.

Grade Band D (D+, D, D-)

Provides evidence of some critical understanding of the topic. Demonstrates some ability to develop a structured argument or evaluation. Demonstrates an acceptable degree of competence in the appropriate use of the relevant literature, theory, methodologies, practices, tools, etc., to analyse and synthesise, but not at Masters Level. Provides evidence of effective communication.

Grade Band E (E+, E, E-)

Work that demonstrates significant weaknesses, but which provides strong evidence that Grade D is within the reach of the student.

Grade F

Work that is unacceptable.

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