This module is not currently running in 2024 to 2025.
As global supply chains stretch across the globe with buyers from numerous countries on one side and multinational suppliers on the other, corporations are under pressure to unlock the working capital trapped in their supply chains. In this module, we will explore a set of traditional and technology-driven solutions that optimise cash flow by allowing businesses to lengthen their payment terms to their suppliers while providing the option for their suppliers to get paid early, resulting in a win-win outcomes and risk minimisation across the supply chain. The module will cover the following indicative topics:
- Working capital and cash-to-cash cycle approaches as indicators of supply chain efficiency and methods for improving cash flow
- Transitional stages of supply chain finance, its barriers, challenges and opportunities, the new role of financial service providers, supply chain finance options, platforms, costs, benefits and risks
- Blockchain technology and its application in supply chain financing and traceability, through smart contracts, peer-to-peer value exchange, transparent private and public distributed validation.
Total contact hours: 24
Private study hours: 126
Total study hours: 150
Main assessment methods
Group Presentation – 15-20 minutes (20%)
Individual Report (2000 words) (80%)
Reassessment method:
100% coursework.
Hoffman, E., Strewe, M. and Bosia, N. (2018) Supply Chain Finance and Blockchain Technology, Berlin: Springer Nature
Malaket A, (2014) Financing Trade and International Supply Chains: Commerce across borders, finance and across frontiers, London: Routledge Taylor and Francis Group.
Templar,S.; Findlay, C.; Hofmann, E. (2016) Financing the End-to-end Supply Chain: A Reference Guide to Supply Chain Finance, London: Kogan Page.
The intended subject specific learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate critical awareness of the impact that supply chain management decisions have on financial statements of organisations
- Comprehensively understand the cash-to-cash cycle and choose appropriate methods for managing working capital in order to improve efficiency in supply chains;
- Evidence understanding on Blockchain concepts and capabilities for supply chain finance, traceability and transparency;
- Critically evaluate the different supply chain finance options, consider the role of financial service providers and examine the disintermediating potential of Blockchain technology in the flow of cash through supply chains.
The intended generic learning outcomes.
On successfully completing the module students will be able to:
- Demonstrate the ability to independently research a topic to extract and synthesise information from a range of academic and online sources.
- Critically evaluate and interpret information from a variety of sources to formulate and support a well- reasoned and structured line of argument;
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing using appropriate media for an appropriate audience;
- Demonstrate initiative and personal responsibility in working and studying independently;
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