DCU Home | Our Courses | Loop | Registry | Library | Search DCU
<< Back to Module List

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

All Module information is indicative, and this portal is an interim interface pending the full upgrade of Coursebuilder and subsequent integration to the new DCU Student Information System (DCU Key).

As such, this is a point in time view of data which will be refreshed periodically. Some fields/data may not yet be available pending the completion of the full Coursebuilder upgrade and integration project. We will post status updates as they become available. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Date posted: September 2024

No Banner module data is available

Module Title
Module Code (ITS)
Faculty School
Module Co-ordinatorSemester 1: Paul Davis
Semester 2: Paul Davis
Autumn: Paul Davis
Module TeachersPaul Davis
James O'Connor
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Array
Description

Supply chain management plays an integral part in all modern business. Modern business is carried out in a global environment with supply networks becoming increasingly complex and elongated. This complexity is being driven by increasingly shortening product life cycle, the addition of new production and supply markets and the rapid developments in information technologies. This module through lectures and in-class exercises introduces students to the theories, principles and practice of supply chains and supply chain management.

Learning Outcomes

1. Explain what a supply chain is.
2. Assess and describe key supply chain management concepts and theories.
3. Describe and illustrate the detrimental effect of variation on overall supply chain performance, for example: demand fluctuations.
4. Analyse supply chain design decisions, for example the make V s buy conundrum.
5. Identify, analyse and report upon a real world operational supply chain.



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture8Outline of relevant, theory and practice, participation in practical exercises
Assignment Completion48Supply Chain Analysis research and reporting
Independent Study70Reading, research and library work
Total Workload: 126

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Supply Chain Introduction
This section introduces the students to the concept of supply chains and the need for supply chain management.

Demand Distortion in Supply Chains – The Bullwhip Effect
Through the use of a practical exercise students are introduced to the impact of inventory decision making in a supply chain. In particular the bullwhip effect is introduced and discussed.

Logistics & Supply Chain Transportation
This topic reviews the relationship between logistics and supply chain management including the key logistical decision areas.

Supply Chain Purchasing
Purchasing is a key component in supply chains. This section reviews the purchasing process in a supply chain context.

Supply Chain Performance Management
Traditional performance management and measurement are discussed and compared with more modern supply chain management techniques.

Information and Information Technology in Supply Chain Management
Information and IT are important facilitators for successful supply chains. The role of both information and IT are analysed in this section.

Outsourcing
What is outsourcing and what are the potential benefits of outsourcing? What are the risks associated with outsourcing - tactical and strategic?

Supply and Demand Planning
For a supply chain to operate efficiently, supply and demand must be well coordinated.

Supply Chain Design and Network Configuration
This topic reviews alternative supply chain designs and the complexities associated with supply chain networks.

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment% Examination Weight%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
EssaySupply Chain Analysis25%Week 4
EssaySupply Chain Analysis25%Week 6
EssaySupply Chain Analysis25%Week 8
AssignmentThis is a case study based on the topics covered own the course25%n/a
Indicative Reading List

  • Chopra, S. and Meindl, P.: 2007, Supply chain management: strategy, planning, and operation,, Prentice Hall,
  • Dwivedi, A and Butcher, T: 2009, Supply Chain Management and Knowledge, Integrating Critical Perspectives in Theory and Practice Management, Palgrave,
  • Fawcett, S.E., Ellram, L.M. and Ogden, J.A.: 2007, Supply chain management: from vision to implementation, Prentice Hall,
  • Jonsson, Patrik: 2008, Logistics and supply chain management, McGraw-Hill,
  • Cousins, P., Lamming, R., Lawson, B. & Squire, B.: 2008, Strategic Supply Management, FT Prentice Hall,
  • Ballou, R: 2005, Business logistics/supply chain management : planning, organizing, and controlling the supply chain, Prentice Hall,
  • Harrison, A.,& van Hoek, R.: 2005, Logistics Management and Strategy, FT Prentice Hall,
  • Simchi-Levi, D., Kaminsky, P., and Simchi-Levi, E.: 2003, Designing and managing the supply chain: concepts, strategies, and case studies, McGraw-Hill,
Other Resources

None

<< Back to Module List