This module is not currently running in 2021 to 2022.
This module allows the student to put into practice the knowledge and skills gained in the other modules on the MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Working under the guidance of an academic supervisor and with a Logistics company (or data from a logistics company), students solve practical problems that require an application-oriented thinking. The problems are varied and interesting, such as routing and distribution, supply chain systems design, strategic role of procurement within an organisation, warehouse layout optimisation, strategic and sustainable sourcing and marketing decisions, offshoring decisions and evaluation and sourcing from international suppliers, contract management, demand forecasting and bus route network design.
Total contact hours: 15
Private study hours: 585
Total study hours: 600
Main assessment methods
Project Proposal (10%)
Oral Presentation (10%)
Project (10000 – 12000 words) (80%).
Reassessment methods
100% project.
Journal papers and web sites will be used throughout the project
Christopher, M. (2011) Logistics & Supply Chain Management (4th edition), London: Pearson.
Davies, M.B. (2007) Doing successful research project (using qualitative or quantitative methods), Andover: Palgrave
Rushton, P. Croucher P and P. Baker (Eds) (2014) The Handbook of Logistics and Distribution Management: Understanding the supply chain (5th edition), CILT (UK), London: Kogan Page
Saunders, M, Lewis, P and Thornhill, A. (2009) Research methods for business students, (5th edition), Harlow: Prentice Hall
Weyers, J. and McMillan, K. (2007) How to Write Dissertations and Project Reports,
Harlow: Prentice Hall
See the library reading list for this module (Canterbury)
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Explore all the activities of the supply chain for a given company and concentrate on one or two logistical drivers.
- Understand the complexity of the problem and select the appropriate methods to be used through appropriate literature review and recent articles in specific areas of logistics.
- Think critically, analyse and evaluate information, and provide the company with possible solution scenarios for further investigation.
- Produce technical reports using a variety of media.
- Use statistical and computational tools and packages.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Carry out an effective literature search using electronic sources such as Web of Knowledge and Google Scholar; accurately summarise the literature sources and critically evaluate their relevance.
- Specify what data they will need to collect to carry out the project and how they will go about obtaining it.
- Learn research skills and a range of qualitative and quantitative research methods that might be necessary to analyse the data and to solve problems that arise in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
- Understand the ethical issues that may arise during the research.
- Prepare and give an oral presentation that can be accessible and interesting to those from the company and others non specialists in the area.
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