International Business and Supply Chain Management

Taught modules

Compulsory modules

• Procurement and Supply Chain Management

  In an increasingly globalised business environment, the ability of organisations to identify, and then to manage, supply networks and individual chains of supply have grown in its significance. 
  
  In this module you will learn about the key elements and activities within Procurement and Supply Chain management, how this function supports the wider organisation and its objectives, and how these activities can be managed to ensure the optimal outcome.
  
  You will build your knowledge of upstream and downstream relationships with suppliers and customers are managed effectively to ensure value is added whilst controlling costs and ultimately satisfying the customer. 

• Strategic and Sustainable Logistics

  Physical logistics is concerned with managing and controlling the activities and processes along a chain of supply and delivering finished goods that satisfy customer orders.

  This often involves customised products and services, quick response deliveries, and state-of-the-art information systems. With a new era of customer ‘pull’ as well as the globalised business environment, alongside with the emphasis on sustainability, has led to the concept of ‘Strategic and Sustainable Logistics’. 

  You will evaluate how effective logistics and distribution systems can become key business enablers, and you’ll look at the importance of managing international logistics systems.

• Developing Skills for Leadership and Employability

  In this innovative, two-semester long Spine Module you’ll develop self-awareness of your own strengths and weaknesses as an effective leader and team player. This module will help you develop and improve a range of definable skills which are pivotal to successful management practice and effective leadership. 

  You’ll progress essential skills such as the confidence and the ability to articulate your skills and attributes that are required for professional development, lifelong learning and employment. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore different leadership perspectives on:

  • Ethics
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
  • Sustainability
  • Technology 
  • Change.

• The Practice of Business and Management

  You'll explore Operations, Finance, Marketing, and HR as interconnected drivers of competitive advantage. 

  You'll apply learning directly to a live case from a partner organisation. You'll have an Entrepreneur in Residence or Visiting Industry Fellow who will join the classroom with a live case, offering practitioner insights to you and mentoring to bridge theory and real-world practice.

• Strategy, Innovation and Change Management

  You will develop knowledge in the area of strategic change management, and innovation. You’ll gain understanding of the organisation and the economic context of the business environment. 
  
  Through this module you build your insight into a series of relevant and current topics that represent key issues around innovation and change and the organisational context in modern general management; strategic management, including the critical evaluation of the business and economic environment.

Optional modules

• Sustainable Project Management

  This module focuses on Sustainable Project Management and how it applies in today’s organisations. You’ll examine how Economic, Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations are embedded throughout the project lifecycle, and develop the ability to use sustainability metrics, standards and best practices. Alongside this, you’ll practise the core techniques professional project managers use to plan, control and deliver projects effectively, while also learning how to engage stakeholders and manage change. By the end, you’ll be equipped to lead projects that achieve results while driving sustainable impact.

• Group Consultancy Project

  The purpose of this intensive experiential learning module is to enable students to gain project and consultancy experience working in cross-cultural teams. Students can work on a real problem within a client organisation.  A series of workshops are held on consultancy and projects, building on previous learning in your studies. In the module students will apply their understanding of management in relation to specific organisational problems.  By participating in this module, students will develop their practical problem-solving skills as well as communication and ability to work in cross-cultural teams.  

• Data Driven Decision Making

  In this module, you’ll understand how to make decisions for businesses under uncertainty and risky conditions. You’ll critically evaluate and apply decision science frameworks. You’ll also develop a critical understanding of how data can be used to simulate situations, which informs management decision making in a range of functions as well as how it creates strategic value. Throughout this module, you’ll be encouraged to engage with contemporary and ethical issues surrounding responsible decision-making practices and you’ll engage with the organisational and wider environmental context in which these decisions are made.

• Academic English for Postgraduate Studies

  This non-credit-bearing module focuses on developing the academic writing and reading skills required when undertaking postgraduate level study. It will help you develop your understanding of key features of successful academic writing, including how to integrate sources to support arguments, how to demonstrate critical thinking and how to address assessment tasks effectively. Critical reading and research skills are also developed as well as Critical AI Literacy. It is particularly suitable for postgraduate students who have had little or no previous Academic English training or study experience in a UK university.