module specification

This module will enable you to understand the actual processes of the exchange of goods and services between partners in global trade, and the logistical arrangements within transnational corporations across state and regional boundaries. The focus will be on the economic imperatives which have influenced the development of global supply chain management, the micro-economic dynamics affecting the transport and logistics sector and the disruptive trends which are transforming the industry. It will include increasingly relevant concerns such as ethics and sustainability in global supply chains and the importance of understanding risk, especially in developing markets.

The module aims to introduce you to the different theories, methodologies and data sources which will allow you to monitor and understand the logistical strategies developed by the major global producers and consumer goods intermediaries. These connections and processes are part of the development of global trade and economic growth, and have profound consequences for economic and social development.

The aims of the module are:

1 To provide you with an understanding of the nature of logistics studies.

2 To ensure that you are able to explain the different theories and techniques applied to the study of logistics

3 To enable you to understand the types of logistics companies and the processes they use in moving goods around the world.

4 To define and explain to you supply chain management concepts, such as the trade-off between inventory and transport costs, which have influenced the production strategies of multinational enterprises.

5 To outline the types of technologies used to provide visibility in the supply chain and increase efficiency.

6 To provide an overview of the disruptive innovations which are being developed to make international logistics more efficient, and the impact these will have on supply chain strategy.

7 To explain the increased level of risk, which has evolved through the relocation of production processes to developing countries and how multinational enterprises should deal with it. Global waste recycling issues.

8 To provide a background to the increasingly important role which ethical and environmental factors play in the development of sustainable and economically viable supply chains. The circular economy.

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The nature of international logistics and supply chain. How are goods moved from Asia to Europe or North America? Differences between modes of transportation. Which types of logistics company are involved and how do they interact with customers, customs authorities, banks and other organisations? The anatomy of the global logistics industry. What role is played by freight forwarders, shipping lines, air cargo operators, rail and road freight operators. Case studies of some of the challenges faced by global logistics providers and customers. LO 1

The development of supply chain theory, frameworks and practice, from Just-in-case manufacturing to Just-in-time. The trade-offs between customer service, costs of labour, costs of transportation and stock holding costs which managers then determine based on the prioritisation of risk management, lean logistics and cost optimisation. The consequent increasing importance of international transport and the changing nature of the industry to meet supply chain needs. How logistics is focused on customer service, while supply chain is focused on customer value. LO 2 & 3

The risks involved in international supply chains. Best practice for ensuring resilient supply chains. Case studies examining the impact on supply chains of natural disasters and other disruptions in recent years. Problems of Piracy. The consequences of international sanctions on supply chain. Ethics, environmental impact and profitability: successful companies need integrated strategies encompassing all three factors to ensure they are successful and sustainable. LO 2 & 3 The relationship between purchasing, sourcing, procurement and location selection. The transformation of the international logistics market through the economic growth of countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Nigeria and Brazil. The increasing complexities of supply chains as emerging markets develop into sizable consumers of goods rather than solely manufacturing hubs. LO 4

The future of globalisation and multinational supply chains. The way in which E-commerce is revolutionising the retail sector and with it the changing role of logistics companies. How are companies like Amazon, Alibaba, Temu and Flipkart transforming retail and manufacturing supply chains through their logistic and supply chain strategies? The interaction between increased scale, new technologies and regulatory barriers and disruptions. LO 5

The mix of lectures and talks will be supported by prepared seminars. The later will involve pre seminar preparation and discussions of case studies, which will provide the basis for understanding the overall logistics cycle and the consequent actions and results.

On successful completion of this module students will be able to:

1) Critically evaluate international logistical processes, including the role of the many intermediaries involved and their value added: analyse the on-going developments in international logistics at a global level, assessing its consequences for economic development, and the social effects associated with that expansion.

2) Demonstrate a conceptual and practical understanding of the risks involved in international supply chains and the strategic decisions made by multinational enterprises in their sourcing and production plans, anticipating the consequences of development for future supply chain investments and trading plans and relations

3) Understand the reasons behind out-sourcing and unbundling of production processes to remote locations; the costs and benefits this has brought to manufacturers and consumers as well as the workers involved both in developed and developing markets.

4) Understand the development needs of a range of emerging markets, and be able to assess the appropriate forms of investment and trading activities that would best support those developments

5) Be able to make suitable proposals both at the corporate, governmental and intergovernmental level, for actions further to facilitate beneficial changes for emerging markets’ logistics infrastructure

Reading List Talis Link:

https://bblearn.londonmet.ac.uk/webapps/blackboard/content/launchLink.jsp?course_id=_43544_1&tool_id=_2924_1&tool_type=TOOL&mode=cpview&mode=reset

Core Texts

Mangan, J., Lalwani, C. and Calatayud, A (2021) Global Logistics and supply chain management. John Wiley & Sons

Mentzer, J.T., Myers, M.B. and Stank, T.P. (2007) Handbook of global supply chain management

Manners-Bell, J. (2016) An Introduction to Global Logistics. Kogan Page.

Havenga, J., Witthoft, I., Bod, A. and Simpson, Z. (2020) From logistics strategy to macrologistics: imperatives for a developing world

Other Texts, Journals and Websites

Please see talis link