Unit information: Supply Chain Analytics & Projects in 2021/22

Unit name	Supply Chain Analytics & Projects
Unit code	EFIMM0073
Credit points	20
Level of study	M/7
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Professor. Holland
Open unit status	Not open
Pre-requisites	Nil
Co-requisites	Nil
School/department	School of Management - Business School
Faculty	Faculty of Social Sciences and Law

Description including Unit Aims

Analytics plays four distinct roles in a supply chain context:

1. To provide input into the supply chain strategic planning process by means of forecasts and predictions relating to potential strategy option. This may be termed predictive analytics.
2. Once strategy is selected, the operations function must work out a means of implementation. Analytics provides models to advise on optimal decisions in this context. This may be termed prescriptive analytics.
3. To assess the success or otherwise of any supply chain initiative; and metrics that need to be identified to measure performance. This may be termed descriptive analytics.
4. How the above analytics can provide useful knowledge for supply chain enhancement purposes and inputs to associated project management activity.

The aim of this unit is to introduce the key concepts, models and computing software tools in each of these three domains and to work through the challenges of successful implementation in real world cases and situations.

A key element will not only be a focus on appropriate choice and implementation of approach, but communication of the output from such methods and software for supply chain improvements and their subsequent project management.

Intended Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate understanding of the main descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytical models and tools for supply chain and project management
2. Apply the main descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytical models and tools available for analysing supply chain and project data
3. Use computer software for analysing and modelling projects and problems.
4. Interpret analytical results to form an opinion on a given business question
5. Demonstrate a critical approach to the selection of analytical tools for a given problems and the opportunities and limitations inherent in both the tool and the application environment.
6. Distinguish different approaches when communicating technical information, whether orally or written, to different audiences, whether specialist or generalist, strategic or tactical.
7. Demonstrate the ability to study independently and work within a small group.

Teaching Information

Teaching will be delivered through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous sessions including lectures, tutorials, drop-in sessions, discussion boards and other online learning opportunities.

Assessment Information

Summative 1: 1,000 word individual assignment (50%) Summative 2: 2,500 word group assignment (50%) Formative: weekly quizzes

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. EFIMM0073).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the Faculty workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. If you have self-certificated your absence from an assessment, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (this is usually in the next assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any extenuating circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.