module specification

This module will enable the student 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 students to the different theories, methodologies and data sources which will allow them 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 students with an understanding of the nature of logistics studies.
2. To ensure that the students are able to explain the different theories and techniques applied to the study of  logistics
3. To define and explain to the students supply chain management concepts, such as the trade-off between inventory and transport costs, which have influenced the production strategies of multinational enterprises.
4. To enable students to understand the types of logistics companies and the processes they use in moving goods around the world.
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.
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 development of supply chain theory and practice, from Just-in-case manufacturing to Just-in-time. The development of import, and value added for re-export. The trade-offs between labour costs, costs of transportation and stock holding costs which have shaped the globalisation of production. The consequent increasing importance of international transport and the changing nature of the industry to meet supply chain needs.

The international logistics process. How are goods moved from Asia to Europe or North America? Which types of logistics company are involved and how do they interact with customers, customs authorities, banks and other organisations? Case studies of some of the challenges faced by leading global logistics providers.

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 and Alibaba transforming retail and manufacturing supply chains through their international logistics strategies?

The anatomy of the global logistics industry. What role is played by freight forwarders, shipping lines, air cargo operators, rail and road freight operators. The micro-economics of each sector which influences their development.

Emerging markets: the transformation of the international logistics market through the economic growth of countries such as China, India and Brazil. The increasing complexities of supply chains as these markets develop into the world’s largest consumers of goods rather than solely manufacturing hubs.

The risks involved in international supply chains. Best practice for ensuring resilient supply chains. Case studies examining the impact on supply chains of some of the worst natural disasters in recent years. Problems of Piracy. The consequences of international sanctions.

Ethics, environmental impact and profitability: successful companies need integrated strategies encompassing all three factors to ensure they are successful and sustainable. Case studies of best practice.

The future of globalisation. With growing protectionism, the failure to secure free trade agreements and the development of disruptive technologies such as robotics, automation and 3D Printing, will manufacturers either be able to access or need to use low cost labour forces in emerging markets?

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

The student will be able to

1. Analyse and explain the on-going developments in international logistics at a global level, and be able to assess the consequences both in terms of overall economic development and also in the social effects associated with that expansion.
2. Explain the international logistics process, including the role of the many intermediaries involved and their value add.
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. Anticipate the consequences of development for future supply chain investments and trading plans and relations
6. Understand the risks involved in international supply chains and explain the strategic decisions made by multinational enterprises in their sourcing and production plans.
7. Be able to make suitable proposals both at the corporate, governmental and intergovernmental level for actions to facilitate further beneficial  changes for emerging markets’ logistics infrastructure

The module will be assessed through three pieces of work:

(a)  The first will be a report of a visit to a logistics facility (30%)

(b)  The second will be a group presentation on a current international supply chain issue, related to the advanced industrial nations (30%)

(c)   The third will be an exam with a seen case study (40%)

Main Text (s)

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

Secondary Texts
Christopher. M., Logistics and Supply Chain Management (4th Edition)  Financial Times

Manners-Bell, J. (2014) Supply Chain Risk, Kogan Page.

Manners-Bell, J. (2017) Supply Chain Ethics, Kogan Page.

Manners-Bell, J. (2014)   Logistics and Supply Chains  in Emerging Markets
Kogan Page.

Whybark, D.C., Jacobs,F.R., Vollmann, T.E., and Berry W.L. (2011) Manufacturing Planning and Control for Supply Chain Management  McGraw Hill (APICS/CPM Certification edition)

Dani., S.D. (2015) Food Supply Chain Management and Logistics: From Farm to Fork.  Kogan Page

Morana, J. (2013) Sustainable Supply Chain Management. Wiley.

Trautrims, A., Wong, C.Y. & Grant D.B. (2015) Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Revised Edition). Kogan Page. 

Chick G. and Handfield R.B. (2015) The Procurement Value Proposition: The Rise of Supply Management.  Kogan Page.

Journals

The International Journal of Logistics Management viz Issue 1 2013 Special Issue: Ocean freight logistics.
International Journal of Logistics Systems and Management
International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications
International Journal of Logistics Management
Logistics Research
The Asian Journal of Shipping and Logistics (AJSL)
Journal of Business logistics
Logistics.
Logistics Manager
Supply Chain Management:
Operations and Supply Chain Management
Transportation
Journal of Sustainable Transportation,

Significant Web sites

http://www.ciltuk.org.uk/ContactUs/AssociatedSites.aspx

http://www.waco-system.com/

https://www.humanitarianlogistics.org/

http://ufofreight.com/

http://www.fta.co.uk/

http://www.export.org.uk/

You Tube items: examples

GS1 Australia (EPICS)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqrh_qDpIhc

UK Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B9X_QEzJrU

Walmart Supply Chain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZC4neLax5o

Reference:

Simchi-Levi. D., Kaminsky. P., Simchi-Levi  E., Designing and Managing the Supply Chain 3e with Student CD 3rd Edition