MSc Logistics & Supply Chain
Management
SCM7001
Procurement and Operations
Management
MODULE GUIDE
2023/2024
Semester 3
Level HE7
0
Contents
1. Key Information.............................................................................................2
2. Module Communications...............................................................................2
3. Module Description........................................................................................2
4. Learning and Teaching: Campus Plus...........................................................2
5. Graduate Attributes.......................................................................................3
6. Learning Outcomes and Assessments...........................................................4
7. Assessment Deadlines..................................................................................4
8. Assessment Feedback...................................................................................4
9. Module Calendar...........................................................................................5
10. Formative Assessment................................................................................6
11. Indicative Reading.......................................................................................6
12. Guidelines for the Preparation and Submission of Written Assessments....6
13. Procedures for Other Assessments.............................................................7
14. Academic Misconduct..................................................................................8
15. Assessments...............................................................................................9
16. General Assessment Criteria for Written Assessments.............................14
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1. Key Information
Module Tutor (Bolton) Dr LakshmiNarasimhan Vedanthachari
Module Tutor (Malawi) Dr Andy Kalinde
Module Tutor Email [Link]@[Link] ;
[Link]@[Link]
Availability and Contact Scheduled drop in hours available for support
Method(s) - on campus and/or online
Weblink to Moodle Class [Link]
[Link]?id=28040
Weblink to Module See [Link]
Specification
2. Module Communications
The Module Tutor’s contact details are provided above. You must check your
University of Bolton email address and the Moodle area dedicated to this
module regularly as many module communications are channelled through
these media.
Your Module Tutor will normally aim to respond to your email messages within
2 full working days of receipt. However, responses will be longer in holiday
periods.
3. Module Description
This module aims to enhance students’ expertise and understanding of the
procurement process, and operations management. In doing so, it will assist
students to critically understand the context and significance of procurement
and operations management in the supply chain, allowing them to evaluate
typical procurement and operations management processes, and specify
appropriate processes for given situations.
[Link]
4. Learning and Teaching: Campus Plus
This module is delivered over two workshops delivered in person at Malawi
Institute of Government. The first workshop will be delivered by Chari and the
second workshop will be delivered Andy. There will be two online sessions
aimed at providing additional support to exam and assessments. The dates
for the online session will be determined after consultation with the students.
Face to Face sessions comprise of a combination of lecture and workshop
activities. If you are unable to attend a session due to factors outside your
control, you are expected to inform your tutor and engage in the activities set
before the next scheduled session.
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Throughout the course duration Guided Individual Learning Tasks (GILTs) will
take place which will provide you with the opportunity to discuss your
progress on the module and receive feedback on assessments. This may be
face-to-face or online as arranged.
To complete the module successfully you must allocate a substantial amount
of independent study time, which will include undertaking set activities and
carrying out assessment activities.
To complete the module successfully you must allocate a substantial amount
of independent study time, which will involve undertaking directed study and
assessment activities. Directed study activities will include reading essential
reading materials, solving case studies and undertaking further research.
5. Graduate Attributes
Graduate attributes are the personal qualities and skills which the University
of Bolton community values, and which a student is expected to develop
during their time at the University. Graduate attributes act as a point of
reference for a student’s personal development and support the articulation
of employability and transferable skills. This is an interesting and exciting
module that provides new knowledge and best practices related to
procurement and operations management. During the four days of face to
face workshops, there will be plenty of opportunity to work together and
influence others. The assessments are geared towards enhancing critical self-
evaluation through reflection. Exams are designed to demonstrate skills
mastery towards the subject.
6. Learning Outcomes and Assessments
Module Learning Outcomes Assessment No.
and Type
LO1: Critically analyse the complexities and Assessment 2:
significance of procurement and operations Exam
management in the supply chain. Assessment 1
LO2: Critically evaluate supply chain positioning Assessment 2:
options and develop justifiable and creative Exam
recommendations
LO3: Develop and defend solutions to improve Assessment 1:
procurement activities. Report
LO4: Critically appraise operations to suggest Assessment 2:
appropriate inventory, capacity, and customer Exam
service management techniques.
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7. Assessment Deadlines
Assessment item Due Date Weight
Practical Exercise and
Assignment:
1 Reflection Report of 2,000 50%
19/10/2023 (Thu)
words (50%)
2 Examination 18/11/203 (Sat) 50%
8. Assessment Feedback
Feedback on items of assessment can be formal (such as on a signed
feedback form) or informal (such as advice from a tutor in a tutorial).
Feedback is therefore not just your grade or the comments written on your
feedback form, it is advice you get from your tutor and sometimes your peers
about how your work is progressing, how well you have done, what further
actions you might take.
We recognise the value of prompt feedback on work submitted. Other than in
exceptional circumstances (such as might be caused by staff illness), you
can expect your work to be marked and feedback provided not more
than 15 working days from the deadline date. However, please note that
such feedback will be provisional and unconfirmed until the Assessment
Board has met and may therefore be subject to change.
Please take time to read or listen to your assessment feedback. This can be
very useful in determining your strengths and key areas for development, and
can therefore help you improve on future grades.
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9. Module Calendar
Time Activity
02.09.2023
09:00 to Module Welcome
1030 Introduction to Procurement
Procurement Structure, Policy, Process and Procedures
1030 to Break
1045
1045 to Group Activity:
1215 Students work in groups – choose an organisation of
choice and present their purchasing structure, process
and discuss challenges and value added
1215 to Procurement Strategy
1300
1300 to Lunch
1400
1400 to Decision Making in Procurement – from Whom to buy?
1515 Supplier Selection and Evaluation
1500 to Break
1515
1515 to Group Activity – Selex Supplier Selection Exercise
1630
1630 to Summary and Reflection
1700
03.09.2023
09:00 to Decision Making in Procurement – How much to buy? –
1030 Inventory Management
1030 to Break
1045
1045 to Group Activity: Inventory Problem Analysis
1200
1200 to Decision Making in Procurement – Negotiation
1300
1300 to Lunch
1400
1400 to Negotiation Game
1630
1630 to Reflection and Module Summary
1700
23.09.2023
0900 to Module Recap and Contract Management
1030
1030 to Break
1045
1045 1300 Activity - Negotiation
1300 to Lunch
1400
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1400 to Global Sourcing Discussion – Actions that can be taken to
1515 mitigate risks related to global sourcing
1515 to Break
1530
1530 to Services Procurement
1615
1615 to Activity – Case Study Analysis
1700
24.09.2023
0900 to Lean Principles
1030
1030 to Break
1045
1045 to Quality Planning and Control
1130
1130 to Activity
1300
1300 to Lunch
1400
1400 to Legal Aspects of Procurement
1515
1515 to Break
1530
1530 to Ethical Issues related to procurement
1615
1615 to Module Summary
1700
10. Formative Assessment
Formative assessment is employed to support your learning on the module,
allowing you to reflect on feedback on your progress from your tutors and
peers. It takes a variety of forms such as group activities, one to one
meetings with tutors and from GILT activities.
11. Essential Reading
Books
Lysons, K., & Farrington, B. (2012). Procurement and supply chain management. Pearson UK.
ProQuest Ebook Central, [Link]
Heizer, J., Render, B., & Munson, C. (2019). Operations management : Sustainability and supply
chain management, global edition. Pearson Education, Limited.
ProQuest Ebook Central, [Link]
Further learning materials are provided in the moodle page
Journals
1. International Journal for Physical Distribution and Logistics Management
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2. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal
3. Journal of Supply Chain Management
4. International Journal of Logistics Research and Applications
5. Journal of Operations Management
6. International Journal of Operations and Production Management
7. Journal of Business Logistics
8. Journal of Purchasing and Supply Management
9. Production Planning & Control
Databases:
Logistics and Supply Chain is a dynamic field and it is important to keep track about the updates
from industry. I would strongly recommend you to regularly visit the following portals and
subscribe for updates
1. [Link]
2. [Link]
3. [Link]
4. [Link]
5. [Link]
Follow professional bodies
CIPS, CILT, ASCM
Journal databases include Emeraldinsight, Sciencedirect, Business Source Complete, IBIS world
12. Guidelines for the Preparation and Submission of
Written Assessments
1. Written assessments should be word-processed in Arial or Calibri Light
font size 12. There should be double-spacing and each page should be
numbered.
2. There should be a title page identifying the programme name, module
title, assessment title, your student number, your marking tutor and the
date of submission.
3. You should include a word-count at the end of the assessment (excluding
references, figures, tables and appendices).
Where a word limit is specified, the following penalty systems applies:
Up to 10% over the specified word length = no penalty
10 – 20% over the specified indicative word length = 5 marks subtracted
(but if the assessment would normally gain a pass mark, then the final
mark to be no lower than the pass mark for the assessment).
More than 20% over the indicative word length = if the assessment would
normally gain a pass mark or more, then the final mark will capped at the
pass mark for the assessment.
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4. All written work should be referenced using the standard University of
Bolton referencing style– see:
[Link]
5. Unless otherwise notified by your Module Tutor, electronic copies of
assignments should be saved as word documents and uploaded into
Turnitin via the Moodle class area. If you experience problems in
uploading your work, then you must send an electronic copy of your
assessment to your Module Tutor via email BEFORE the due date/time.
6. Please note that when you submit your work to Moodle, it will
automatically be checked for matches against other electronic
information, as well as for hidden text characters and AI generated text.
You will be able to see similarity matches but not currently flags for
hidden characters and AI-generated text. The outcomes of Turnitin reports
may be used as evidence in an academic misconduct investigation (see
Section 14).
7. Late work
Late work will be subject to the following penalties:
Up to 7 calendar days late = 10 marks subtracted but if the assignment
would normally gain a pass mark, then the final mark to be no lower than
the pass mark for the assignment.
More than 7 calendar days late = This will be counted as non-submission
and no marks will be recorded.
Late submission of assessments on refer and those which are graded
Pass/Fail only, is not permitted unless an extension is approved. See
below.
8. Extensions
In the case of exceptional and unforeseen circumstances, an extension of
up to 14 days after the assessment deadline may be requested using the
standard University Extension Request Form. For approval there would
need to be an explanation and evidence of relevant circumstances.
Longer extensions for individual assessments, projects and artefacts may
be granted, at the discretion of the Programme Leader.
Requests for extensions which take a submission date past the end of the
module (normally week 15) must be made using the Mitigating
Circumstances procedure.
Some students with registered disabilities will be eligible for revised
submission deadlines. Revised submission deadlines for disability
adjustments do not require the completion extension request paperwork.
However, students should request these in writing in advance.
Please note that the failure of data storage systems is not considered to
be a valid reason for an extension. It is therefore important that you keep
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multiple copies of your work on different storage devices before
submitting it.
13. Academic Misconduct
Academic misconduct may be defined as any attempt by a student to gain an
unfair advantage in any assessment. This includes plagiarism, collusion,
commissioning (contract cheating) amongst other offences. In order to avoid
these types of academic misconduct, you should ensure that all your work is
your own and that sources are attributed using the correct referencing
techniques. You can also check originality through Turnitin.
Please note that penalties apply if academic misconduct is proven. See the
following link for further details:
[Link]
academic-misconduct-regulations-and-procedures-23-24
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15. Assessments
Assessment Number 1
Assessment Type (and Report (50%) 2000 words
weighting)
Assessment Name Reflective Report
Assessment Submission 19/10/2023
Date
Learning Outcomes Assessed: from Module Specification
LO1: Critically analyse the complexities and significance of procurement and
operations management in the supply chain.
LO3: Develop and defend solutions to improve procurement activities.
Assessment Description
During the workshops, you had the opportunity to play the role of buyer and
supplier. In the first negotiation activity, you were not educated about the
principles of negotiation whereas in the second game, you would have learnt
about best practices related to negotiation. Critically reflect on the activities
and write a report on the key lessons learnt. Some pointers for reflection:
1. What role did you play in the team?
2. How did the negotiation happen?
3. Did the team follow the stages identified in the negotiation?
4. How did the team function?
5. Did your approach change after learning about negotiation?
6. How was your approach after role reversal e.g. buyer to supplier or
supplier?
7. If you were to participate in negotiation activity in the future, what
actions will you take?
You can use established reflective models like Kolb’s reflective cycle to adopt
a structured approach while reflecting.
Finally, critically evaluate the contract you have signed with the other partner
and examine its strengths and weaknesses.
. You can video record the event so that it can be used for reference. - It is
expected that the Reference List will contain between fifteen to twenty
sources. As a MINIMUM the Reference List should include four refereed
academic journals and five academic books
*Please note the above list of questions are just an indicator for you to adopt
a structured approach, feel free to enhance as per your convenience.
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Section/ >70% 60 to 69% 50 to 59% 40 to 49% Fail
criteria
Introducti Introduction Succinct Good Largely Missing
on is succinct, introduction introduction descriptive, most
Sets the identifies all , lacks the but lacks misses elements
scene the connection succinctnes some of the about the
effectively elements between s key negotiation
by such as theory and elements and the
providing background outcome within the roles and
a , role discussion duties
backgrou played, identified
nd about outcome
the case, and lessons
role learnt by
played backing it
and with theory.
outcome
Reflection Excellent A good Demonstrat Adequate Inadequate
: Supported and well- understandi es content content
by theory, informed ng of satisfactory with limited with limited
role played, understandi reflection knowledge depth of depth of
details ng of and the and reflection reflection
about the reflection concepts understandi and limited and limited
research and the involved ng of understandi understandi
and an concepts reflections ng of ng of
account of involved process process
how the
negotiation
developed.
Conclusio Expert Undertakes Clearly Expression Poorly
ns: conclusion a expressed is structured
Conclusion of systematic with reasonably and poorly
s with clear placement analysis of observable clear but expressed
personal and future the structure analysis is future goals
developme goals placement with limited unclear and
nt goals and future future goals goals
goals unrealistic
Reference Broad and Good range Convention Adequate Report
s relevant of al but limited relies on no
readings appropriate references use of or one
examined references and references reference;
and used used during readings during the evidence of
selectively the report used within report unexamined
in the the report personal
report opinion
Presentati The report The report The report The report The report
on: is very well is very well is well is unclear is unclear
All expressed expressed expressed; expression and
component and shows with some understandi of confusing
s clearly understandi spelling ng of information with
presented ng of errors content with several grammatica
content with spelling and l and
spelling and grammar spelling
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grammar errors errors
errors
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16. General Assessment Criteria for Written Assessments
GENERAL ASSESSMENT GUIDELINES – LEVEL HE7
Relevance Knowledge and Analysis, Creativity and Self- Research/ Written English Presentation
Learning Understanding Problem-Solving awareness Referencing and Structure
outcomes and
must be met Reflection
for an
overall pass
Work is Demonstrates an Presents an exceptional critique Provides An extensive Writing style is clear, succinct The presentational
directly exceptional breadth of advanced research material insightful range of advanced and relevant to the style and layout
relevant and and depth of resulting in clear, original and reflection and research sources requirements of the are correct for the
Exceptional Quality
expertly knowledge and illuminating conclusions. critical self- critically evaluated assessment. type of
addresses the understanding of Expertly interprets complex awareness in and selected. An exceptionally well written assignment.
requirements theory and practice matters and ideas and makes relation to the answer with only rare errors Evidence of
85-100%
of the brief. which is beyond the sound judgments in the outcomes of Sources cited in spelling, grammar and planning and
threshold expectation absence of complete data. own work and accurately in both punctuation. Uses a wide logically
Learning for the level. Demonstrates exceptional personal the body of text range of less common and structured.
outcomes creative flair and a high level of responsibility. and in the more advanced vocabulary Where relevant,
are met. Produces exceptional originality. Reference List/ and sentence types fluently there is effective
DISTINCTION
work which makes a Develops distinctive, insightful Bibliography. and flexibly to convey precise inclusion of, and
contribution to and creative solutions to meanings. Paragraphs are reference to,
knowledge in the complex problems. expertly structured with figures, tables and
subject area. linking and signposting. images.
Work is Demonstrates an Presents an excellent critique Provides A wide range of Writing style is clear, succinct The presentational
relevant and excellent breadth and of advanced research material excellent advanced and relevant to the style and layout
comprehensiv depth of knowledge resulting in clear, original and reflection and research sources requirements of the are correct for the
Excellent Quality
ely addresses and understanding of illuminating conclusions. critical self- critically evaluated assessment. type of
the theory and practice for Comprehensively interprets awareness in and selected. A very well written answer assignment.
70-84%
requirements this level. complex matters and ideas and relation to the with very few errors in Evidence of
of the brief. makes sound judgments in the outcomes of Sources cited spelling, grammar and planning and
Clearly demonstrates absence of complete data. own work and accurately in both punctuation. Uses a wide logically structured
Learning originality in the Demonstrates excellent personal the body of text range of vocabulary and Where relevant,
outcomes application of creative flair and a high level of responsibility and in the sentence types fluently and there is effective
are met. knowledge. originality. Reference List/ flexibly to convey precise inclusion of, and
Develops distinctive and Bibliography. meanings. Paragraphs are reference to,
creative solutions to complex very well structured with figures, tables and
problems. linking and signposting. images.
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Work is Demonstrates a Presents a comprehensive Provides good A range of Writing style is clear, succinct The presentational
relevant and thorough breadth and critique of advanced research reflection and advanced and relevant to the style and layout
addresses depth of knowledge material resulting in clear and critical self- research sources requirements of the are correct for the
most of the and understanding of original conclusions. awareness in critically evaluated assessment. type of
requirements theory and practice for Systematically interprets relation to the and selected. A well written answer with assignment.
Good Quality
of the brief this level. complex matters and ideas and outcomes of some minor errors in spelling, Evidence of
60-69%
MERIT
well. makes sound judgments in the own work and In the main, grammar and punctuation. planning and
Demonstrates absence of complete data. personal sources cited Uses a range of vocabulary logically structured
Learning originality in the Demonstrates creative flair and responsibility, accurately in both and sentence types to convey in the main.
outcomes application of originality. as required by the body of text precise meanings. Where relevant,
are met. knowledge. Develops creative solutions to the and in the Paragraphs are well there is effective
complex problems. assessment. Reference List/ structured with linking and inclusion of, and
Bibliography. signposting. reference to,
figures, tables and
images.
Work Demonstrates a Presents some critique of Provides Advanced Writing style is readable and The presentational
addresses the sufficient breadth and advanced research material justified research sources relevant to requirements of style and layout
requirements depth of knowledge resulting in original conclusions. reflection and critically evaluated the assessment in the main. are correct for the
of the brief, and understanding of critical self- and selected. Competently written with type of
Satisfactory Quality
although theory and practice for Shows the ability to awareness in minor lapses in spelling, assignment.
superficially this level. systematically interpret relation to the Some errors grammar and punctuation. Logically
50-59%
in places. complex matters and ideas and outcomes of evident in relation For example, paragraphs are structured in the
PASS
Minor Demonstrates makes sound judgments in the own work and to referencing the structured and include some most part.
irrelevant originality in the absence of complete data. personal text and linking and signposting. Inclusion of figures,
content. application of responsibility, Reference Sentences are complete. tables and images
knowledge in places. Demonstrates creative flair and as required by List/Bibliography A range of appropriate but not all relevant
Learning originality. the vocabulary is used. or referred to.
outcomes assessment.
are met. Develops some creative
solutions to complex problems.
Work Some omissions A limited critique of research Provides Sources selected Writing style is generally For the type of
addresses evident in knowledge material presented, with limited are limited and readable but lacks relevance assignment the
some of the and understanding of simplistic conclusions drawn. reflection and lack to requirements of the presentational
requirements theory and practice for critical self- validity/relevance. assessment in places. style, layout and/or
Borderline Fail
of the brief. this level. Some complex matters and awareness in Intermittent lapses in structure are
Irrelevant and ideas interpreted but not relation to the Poor referencing grammar, spelling and lacking.
45-49%
superficial Demonstrates limited systematically, resulting in outcomes of technique punctuation pose obstacles Inclusion of figures,
FAIL
content. originality in the flawed judgements. own work and employed. for the reader. For example, tables and images
application of personal some paragraphs may lack but not clear,
One or more knowledge. Limited creativity and responsibility, structure and there is limited relevant and/or
learning originality evident. when required. linking and signposting. referred to.
outcomes Some appropriate vocabulary
have not Demonstrates insufficient is used
been met. problem- solving skills and
initiative.
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Work does not Demonstrates An absence of critique of Provides Relevant and valid Writing style is unclear and For the type of
address the inadequate knowledge research material evident with inadequate sources are not does not match the assignment the
requirements and understanding of unjustified conclusions. reflection and selected. requirements of the presentational
of the brief. theory and practice for critical self- assessment in question. style, layout and/or
Irrelevant and this level. Complex matters and ideas not awareness in Poor referencing Deficiencies in spelling, structure are
superficial A lack of originality in interpreted correctly resulting relation to the technique grammar and punctuation lacking.
0-44%
content. the application of in flawed judgements. outcomes of employed. makes reading difficult and
Fail
knowledge is evident. own work and arguments unclear. Inclusion of figures,
One or more Creativity and originality are personal Unstructured paragraphs tables and images
learning absent. responsibility, but not clear,
outcomes when required. relevant and/or
have not Insufficient problem-solving referred to.
been met. skills and initiative
demonstrated.
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