| Unit name | Supply Chain Technology and Digitalisation |
|---|---|
| Unit code | EFIMM0075 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Zhang |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
EFIMM0072 (Global Operations and Supply Chain Management MSc students only) |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | School of Management - Business School |
| Faculty | Faculty of Social Sciences and Law |
Why is this unit important?
To date, technology has revolutionized our daily life. It creates amazing tools and resources to make all the information we want at our fingertips. As the future practitioner of managing various supply chains, it is essential to know how technology development enables supply chain management to reduce cost, increase efficiency and being more socially and environmentally responsible. Indeed, the understanding of information flow, financial flow and product flow that data generate supports effective decision-making in relation to all links of a supply chain. The growth of Data Science (more often we have known it as big data), and various advanced analytic techniques has been seen the most influential factors in today supply chain management. However, in the face of massive technologies that are available to use, it is commonly confused with how to find the most appropriate technique to fit the specific context of supply chain and to tackle the practical problems.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study
In the context of the MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management, the 'Supply Chain Technology and Digitalisation' unit is a compulsory unit of the program. This unit is designed to equip students with the evolving landscape of supply chain management, emphasizing the critical role of technology and digitalisation. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how digital tools and technologies are transforming supply chains, enhancing efficiency, and enabling more effective management of global operations. By exploring topics such as digital supply networks, analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in supply chains, this unit equips students with the skills to apply these technologies in practical settings.
An overview of content
The unit deals with the digital, technological aspects of global operations and supply chain/network processes. It will introduce students to a range of digital technologies (e.g. Sensors, IoT’s, RFID, Bar code, etc.) and issues related to information systems in global operations, logistics and supply chains. The theories and principles underpinning supply chain technologies and their implementation in practice are presented and discussed.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Students will be equipped with a robust set of skills and knowledge in three critical areas. Firstly, they will possess deep understanding of cutting-edge technologies in supply chain management, including AI, blockchain, IoT, and data analytics, complemented by an awareness of how digital tools enhance supply chain efficiency and transparency. Cognitively, they will develop enhanced critical thinking abilities, learning to strategically analyse complex problems in technology-driven supply chains and think creatively to devise innovative solutions. Practically, they will gain hands-on experience with digital tools and platforms, applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios and utilizing data analysis skills for informed decision-making.
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit, students will be able to:
A series of lectures (2 hours/week) will be provided on the topics related to supply chain technology. Lectures will also include short case studies and real-life problems to understand the key technologies used in global operations, logistics and supply chain operations. Online and multi-media resources will also be used to communicate the knowledge effectively. Each lecture will be followed by a tutorial/seminar (1 hour/week) to review the key themes learnt. Students will be asked to analyse/discuss short-case studies in groups to enhance their learning. This approach fosters an interactive and inquiry-based learning environment, essential for understanding and applying complex concepts in supply chain technology. Secondly, the blend of lectures, case studies, group discussions, and simulations ensures a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, aligning with the unit's learning outcomes. This structure not only prepares students for the formative and summative assessments but also equips them with practical skills and knowledge applicable in real-world industry settings. Such an approach is instrumental in creating a dynamic learning experience that encourages reflection, critical thinking, and problem-solving in the context of supply chain technology and digitalisation.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
The formative assessment include an individual analysis of a case study 1,500 words due in Week 6 – (ILOs 1,2 and a formative group presentation analysing digital supply chain anagement, with peer review feedback and formative assessment by tutor (ILOs 1,2). These formative tasks are crucial for several reasons. They provide students with opportunities to apply their learning in practical contexts, enhancing their understanding of digital supply chain management. The tasks also serve as a stepping stone to the summative assessments, allowing students to progressively build their skills and knowledge. By engaging in these formative tasks, students gain confidence and are better prepared for the more comprehensive assessments later in the unit.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
Individual assessment (65%; ILOs: 1,2,3):
Group Project (35%; ILOs: 1,2,3,4):
In the Group project (2500 words), all students, regardless of their programme cohort, will analyse a digital supply chain to demonstrate their critical understanding of the theories and technologies. They will apply these to a real-world global supply network. They will recommend and formulate changes to the supply network based on available technology and theoretical concepts researched.
When assessment does not go to plan
When a student fails the unit and is eligible to resubmit, failed components will be reassessed on a like-for-like basis.
Individual Re-assessment:
If student failed the integrated assessment in MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management, they are expected to resubmit an equivalent essay (2000 words) that addressing the specific tasks in supply chain technology and digitalisation unit. (ILO 1, 2, 3)
If the student from other programmes fail an individual assessment, they are expected to resubmit an equivalent essay based on the new questions set by the unit lead. (2,000 words) (ILO 1, 2, 3).
Group Project Self-Reflection (35%):
If student failed the group project, regardless of their programme, they are expected to submit a 500-word self-reflection report to analyse their role and learning in the group report and how this influenced their approach to the individual tasks within the group project (Assessed ILO 1,2,3,4)
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EFIMM0075).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
