Global Supply Chain Management MSc

About the Course

This course provides the opportunity to study contemporary theory and practice relating not only to the nascent field of supply chain management but also to logistics, operations and project management. Students will gain sophisticated knowledge of the breadth and function of logistics and supply chains, the role of procurement, their history and development, as well as insights into the IT systems and tools that underpin complex systems.

Aims

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain and critically apply theories on logistics and supply chain management, operations and project management, business modelling and simulation;

• Integrate theories and appraise strategies on managing supply chain operations (stemming from logistics and operations management frameworks) within the context of global business management;

• Understand the inter-relationship between logistics and supply chain management and contemporary social issues;

• Gain insightful knowledge into the development of outsourcing and the role played by outsourcing organisations..

Enquiries

Sharon Coote

Course Enquiries
For questions about the degree itself or Home/EU enquiries prior to application.
Contact: Sharon Coote
Email: masterbbs@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0)1895 267124 or 265278
 
Application Enquiries (Home/EU)
For Home/EU applications already submitted.
Email admissions@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0)1895 265265

International Students
For ALL questions related to this degree or to follow up on your application.
Email brunel-international@brunel.ac.uk
Tel +44 (0)1895 265519

Special Features

The Business School is home to five research centres undertaking research into a range of business and management topics including the Operations and Supply Chain Systems Research Centre (OASIS).

Brunel Business School was ranked amongst the top 21 UK Business Schools in the Financial Times’s 2010 ranking of European Business Schools.

Accreditation

This programme is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) as well as by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT).

The CIPS is the leading body representing the field of purchasing and supply chain management and exists to promote and develop high standards of professional skills, ability and integrity.

Candidates who successfully complete the programme and meet the conditions specified may apply for full membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. Acceptance will be subject to the submission of a formal application form and evidence of three years’ experience in purchasing and supply management in a position of responsibility. Students enrolling on this programme will receive free membership of CIPS during the course of their studies at Brunel.

The CILT is the pre-eminent body for individuals associated with logistics, supply chains and all transport throughout their careers.

Course Content

Core Modules

Procurement Fundamentals

The aim of this module is to explore of the role of procurement in both service and manufacturing organisations and to equip students to apply procurement techniques in a range of supply situations. Topics will include a study the origins and development of purchasing as well as its strategic importance. Students will also gain an enhanced understanding of the impact of environmental factors on the purchasing function, and explore supplier selection models, contract management, purchasing law and ethics.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management

This module offers the chance to explore logistics and supply chain management perspectives in depth. You will gain a sophisticated appreciation of logistics and supply chain management issues including inventory management, transportation and warehousing, retail logistics and relevant information technology. You will also consider the relationship with customer service and gain an understanding of demand-driven and market-driven logistics as well as of the outsourcing of key logistics functions and logistics in a global context.

Operations and Project Management

During this module you will explore the tools and techniques for managing operations. You will gain a greater awareness and understanding of the strategic issues involved in the way organisations manage their operational activities and facilities – both within and beyond the organisation’s boundaries. Students will also gain greater insight into the role of project work as an enabler of organisation performance and improvement.

Business Modelling and Simulation in Supply Chains

Systems modelling is an integral part of any complex decision making process. After studying this module students will have been introduced to a range of modelling and simulation methods, tools and practices to help equip them with the capability to structure and solve supply chain, logistics and operations management problems, and the ability to evaluate different approaches.

Global Outsourcing

This module explores the development of outsourcing and analyses the role played by outsourcing organisations, the development of outsourcing tools and the implications of the outsourcing decision for client organisations. In addition, the module explores vendor assessment procedures, the importance of effective procurement strategies and the legal aspects associated with outsourcing.

Understanding Business and Management Research

This module provides students with a balanced view of social science and business research methods enabling a critical understanding of research information. It provides students with knowledge of relevant research methods and techniques for the Master's level project work.

Dissertation

A research-based dissertation is an integral element of the programme to which considerable importance is attached. It offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their academic competence and professional potential. There are few constraints on the research topic other than that it must be directly relevant, amenable to enquiry and of appropriate intellectual depth. The dissertation involves the full cycle of proposal development, literature review, methodology, evaluation, and final reporting.

Elective Modules (one from)

Strategic Management

This module enables students to appreciate the issues and challenges that confront managers responsible for strategic management. It introduces students to concepts, topics and methodological approaches and tools relevant to the analysis of the strategic position of the organisation and the development and implementation of strategies and policies, and their major operational implications.

International Business Strategy

During this module you will explore the sources of competitive advantage and comparative advantage when firms operate in international markets. You will gain an understanding of how to evaluate the key strategic issues facing the multinational enterprise. You will also explore the dynamic inter-relationships between international corporate governance, strategy and innovation.

International Business Ethics, Sustainability and Corporate Governance

This module provides students with the chance to consider business ethics, corporate social responsibility and corporate governance in the international context. These issues will be addressed from both the ‘business’ side and the ‘society’ side, and for both large corporations and small firms, using a combination of empirical studies and the theoretical resources of moral philosophy.

Knowledge Management, Social Networks and Innovation

This module explores the intersection between knowledge, social network technologies and innovation. It examines how organisations create, utilise and communicate knowledge in the global knowledge-based economy and the wider social and economic factors affecting knowledge transfer. The module identifies the exploitation of Web 2.0 which enables social engagement and processes for business development. 

Teaching and Learning

Over the course of two semesters, students take six core modules and one elective. For each of the modules, key principles and concepts are outlined and discussed through a series of lectures. To gain a deeper and broader understanding of the subject matter, students are expected to carry out extensive study of the relevant academic and professional literature.

Assessment

Assessment of the seven taught modules is by a mixture of examination and coursework with the ratio of examination to coursework being roughly 50:50. Students take examinations in May.

Particular importance is attached to the dissertation that students undertake after they have completed their examinations in May. The dissertation offers students the opportunity to demonstrate their academic competence and professional potential. There are few constraints on the actual topic other than it might be directly relevant, amenable to enquiry and of appropriate intellectual depth.

Careers

This exciting programme is suitable for recent graduates and those seeking to enhance or extend their career opportunities in the field of supply chain and logistics management.

Fees for 2012/13 entry

Home/EU students: £7,130 full-time

International students: £12,650 full-time

Read about funding opportunities available to postgraduate students

Fees quoted are per annum and are subject to an annual increase.

Entry Requirements for 2012 Entry

A good honours degree (2:1 or above) in management, business studies or a cognate discipline. Mature candidates with non standard qualifications; graduates with only a lower second class degree (2:2), or those with the Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Supply (Level 5) or the Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply (Level 6) of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), may be considered provided they can demonstrate significant, relevant occupational experience.

Students whose first language is not English will be expected to demonstrate proficiency in English, typically IELTS 6.5 (with at least 6.0 in Writing and at least 5.5 in all the other sub-tests). 

Entry Requirements for 2011 Entry (click to expand)

English Language Requirements

• IELTS: 6.5 (min 6 in all areas)
• TOEFL Paper test: 580 (TWE 4.5)
• TOEFL Internet test: 92 (R20, L20, S20, W20)
• Pearson: 59 (51 in all subscores)

Brunel also offers our own BrunELT English Test and accept a range of other language courses. We also have a range of Pre-sessional English language courses, for students who do not meet these requirements, or who wish to improve their English.