Managerial Perspectives and Supply Chain Management D, 30 Credits

Contents

The course highlights key issues for understanding and dealing with the challenges facing contemporary organizations in a globalized world. It integrates profound theoretical insights with practical applications. The course ends with a module focusing on Supply Chain Management. The course is given an examined in English.  

Generic learning outcome.
In addition to the specific learning outcomes for each module (see below), the course has a number of goals for the development of generic competences. After completing the course, the student should be able to:

• appreciate diversity and multiculturality and work effectively in multicultural teams,
• integrate expertise from different knowledge areas in order to identify, analyze and solve organizational problems,
• plan, conduct, and present investigations, both orally and in writing, for an academic audience as well as an audience of business practitioners.

The core course consists of four modules, which will be further described below:

Module 1. Perspectives on Strategy, 7.5 credits
Module 2. People – the Human Side of Organizing , 7.5 credits
Module 3. Project Management, 7.5 credits
Module 4. Supply Chain Management II, 7.5 credits

The core course consists of four modules, which will be further described below:

Module 1. Perspectives on Strategy, 7.5 credits
This module highlights key challenges facing contemporary firms in a globalized world. The students will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of the business context and the intertwined nature of its events and processes. Alternative theoretical perspectives on strategy will be presented to provide a comprehensive platform for the forthcoming core modules. Students will practice to think strategically from both an internal and external perspective. Module 1 integrates theoretical insights with practical applications in a learning environment characterized by active participation, both individually and in groups. Throughout the module the students are encouraged to develop their own strategic approaches. During the module, students will also be introduced to the code of academic conduct, e.g. referencing, or how to avoid plagiarism and cheating.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• describe and analyze the foundations of strategy and strategic perspectives,
• propose solutions to cope with internal and external strategic challenges and complexities,
• propose appropriate strategies to meet key dilemmas concerning for example innovation, products, process, organization, marketing and business models,
• critically reflect upon the consequences of strategic choices and assess the need for further knowledge and skills,
• describe, recognize and apply academic conduct to the student’s own work.

Focus of instruction
In addition to lectures and guest lectures, the learning is supported by cases and seminars. The module requires significant amount of independent study. This means reading the assigned compulsory book chapters and articles. It is the student's responsibility to come prepared for lectures and seminars, and to participate actively in discussions. Case studies are carried out in groups with oral and written presentation.
 
Module examination modes
The basis of examination in this module consists of case reports, a written exam, and an individual test of academic conduct. Case reports are performed in groups and the exam is individual. Attendance at case-seminars is mandatory and is thus a requirement to pass the module. A passing grade for each graded part of the module is required to pass. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Module 2. People – the Human Side of Organizing, 7.5 credits
In the second module, focus is turned to the human side of organizations, with the objective to show the importance of considering individual perceptions and identity construction, as well as group interaction, in order to effectively manage and lead an organization. Furthermore, the module addresses the complexities created by issues of diversity, gender, ethics and emotions in organizational processes. Students will perform a group assignment in order to scrutinize and evaluate one of these dimensions.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

1) appreciate leadership as a matter of mutual interaction through a social identity theory perspective, including the following sub goals:

• understand how human interaction in organizational contexts emerge from social identification processes,
• critically reflect upon issues of commitment, collaboration, group dynamics, leadership etc. from the social identity point of view,
• utilize the social identity framework to analyze and solve human problems in organizational contexts,

2) scrutinize and evaluate dimensions of diversity, ethics, emotions and gender in organizational processes, including:

• critically reflect upon and apply one of these perspectives on a real-life organizational practice.

Focus of instruction
The learning is supported by lectures, seminars, individual- and group assignments. The lectures on the social identity perspective are followed by three literature seminars, each with an individual statement memo. These memos will be graded and comments will be given in order for students to develop their capacity for effective written communication. Based on the student's choice of one of the dimensions; diversity, ethics, emotions, and gender, groups are formed and will explore how the chosen dimension can be applied in an organizational setting. The group assignment will be presented in one theme literature seminar and one integrative case seminar; both prepared with a written group report.

Module examination modes
The examination consists of active participation in seminars and successful completion of group and individual assignments. A passing grade is required for each part of the module. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Module 3. Project Management, 7,5 credits
The third module attends to the present trend towards “projectification” in both business and public organizations, which calls for in-depth knowledge on the nature of projects and how to manage particular projects as well as a portfolio of projects in an organization. Students will deal with established planning and organizing techniques, examine the relationship between projects and between the project and the surrounding organization, and critically reflect upon the role of projects in wider society.

Expected learning outcomes
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• explain theories, models and concepts for management of projects, programs, and portfolios of projects in organizational contexts,
• discuss the nature of projects in an organizational and industrial context,
• explain the need for governance of multi-project settings,
• collaborate in and manage project work,
• plan for, analyze, and control project progress and changes,
• assume responsibility for his/her own learning and group learning,
• reflect upon his/her own learning in the subject.

Focus of instructions
The module consists of two parts. In the first part lectures are given on traditional project management, based on the literature. This part is assessed through a written exam. The second part dealt with project organizations, and a section on research methods via lectures and literature seminars. The second part is assessed in two ways. Partly, through an individual reflection paper, and partly through a group assignment where students choose a topic from the lectures and writes a memo in which they propose a new research idea, including a research question, literature review, and appropriate method.

Module examination modes
The examination consists of active participation in seminars and successful completion of group and individual assignments. There will also be a written comprehensive individual exam. A passing grade is required for each part of the module. The course is given and examined in English. Note as well examination modes below for the course as a whole.

Module 4. Supply Chain Management II, 7.5 credits
Supply chain management has evolved from an operational issue, focusing on the optimization of an organization’s incoming goods, to a strategic issue of understanding effects of logistical systems on the overall supply chain. This supply chain typically encompasses multiple organizations interlinked locally, regionally and globally. Supply chain management II is an advanced course on supply chain issues with considerations not only for the immediate organization, but also for the overall industrial network, society in general and the environment. Reverse logistics and outsourcing are examples of issues rapidly growing in importance. In reverse logistics, organizations need to cater for not only products produced but also incorporate waste management. In outsourcing, organizations has a direct and indirect moral and contractual obligation to handle the environmental footprint and labour rights issues created by the overall supply chain. Further, resource constraints, e.g. peak oil, and climate change poses new challenges to logistical systems.

Expected learning outcomes:
After completing this module, the student should be able to:

• demonstrate analytical and integrative skills on issues of the efficiency and effectiveness, of supply chain networks using different theoretical and value perspectives
• apply acquired knowledge to enable strategic decision-making based on supply chain considerations, including stakeholder dialogue
• analyse the impact of challenges in supply chain management networks, including resource constraints, environmental risks and labour rights
• analyse the increased role of reverse logistics and outsourcing on supply chain management
• demonstrate skills in working with and presenting advanced and integrative real-world supply chain problems in organizations.

Focus of instruction:
The learning is supported by case-studies. Students will work with one large case where conventional issues of supply chain management, such as localization, transportation, cost efficiency, customer orientation and optimization, will be at the core together with issues of environmental sustainability and global responsibility. Students’ basic understanding in supply chain management will now extend to a strategic level. In essence, students will work on a scientifically based evaluation report where they are to use their own prior knowledge of the subject matter together with contemporary research in the field of supply change management with a distinct environmental perspective.

Module examination modes
The examination consists of a larger project assignment as well as an individual written examination. A larger case will be used throughout the course where each student will fulfill a specific assignment within the overall case structure. A passing grade is required for each part of the module. The course is given an examined in English. Note as well examination modes for the course below.

Expected learning outcomes

See each separate module.

Required Knowledge

Admitted to Retail and Supply Chain Management program Umeå University.

Courses in Business Administration (75 credits) At Basic level (A-level) and Intermediate level (B-level) a minimum of 60 credits in Management, Marketing, Accounting and finance.  At the C-level (Bachelor), a minimum 15 credits.

Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B or the equivalent.

Form of instruction

See each separate module.

Examination modes

The following grading system is used:

Pass with distinction (Väl godkänd, VG, 75% or more),
Pass (Godkänd, G, 50% or more)
Fail (Underkänd U, less than 50%).

Grades on the course are awarded when the student has passed all examinations and compulsory course elements. The course is given and examined in English.
To receive the grade Pass with distinction (VG) in the 30 credits course consisting of four modules of the same size, the student must have achieved Pass with distinction (VG) in at least three out of four modules. In shorter courses for example 7,5 credit courses, 15 credit courses or 22,5 credits courses Pass with distinction (VG) is given when the student has achieved at least 75% of the total weighted points.

A student who does not pass at the time of the written examination will be offered an opportunity to sit a further examination within two months. Beyond that, additional examination opportunities normally arise every academic year, one week prior to the start of the autumn term.
In case of failure on seminar participation or individual and group assignments, compensating assignments must be completed in accordance with instructions given, no later than two weeks after the completion of the module. Mandatory assignments (seminars, written assignments, cases, computer assignments etc.) that have not been handed in within stipulated time must be done the next time the course is offered. If the form of examination does not permit repetition other forms of re-examination may be used.

When a student has failed an examination on two occasions, he or she has a right to have another grading teacher. A written request for an alternative examiner should be handed to the director of studies no later than two weeks before the next examination opportunity.

A student who has passed an examination cannot redo the examination to get a higher grade.

If a student fails to present a photo ID at the occasion of a written exam in an exam room will not be allowed to take the exam.

Disciplinary action may be taken against students who uses unauthorized help aids or in some other way tries to mislead on a test or when another type of task is being evaluated. Rules and regulations concerning the production of academic texts and correct referencing will be applicable to all written assignments. (see instructions in the thesis manual, Thesis Writing in Business Administration). Urkund records may be used for control. In addtion, Umeå University rules and regulations  for education and research applies:  http://www.umu.se/regelverk/utbildning-pa-grund--och-avancerad-niva

Educational activities are designed to facilitate students towards achieving expected learning outcomes and can explain, supplement and provide contrast to the course literature and other relevant course materials.

Other regulations

Academic credit transfers are done in accordiance with the University credit transfer regulations.