BUSI4AQ15: Applied Seminar in Procurement (Mannheim)

• BUSI4Y015 Strategic Procurement

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• The goal of the module is to provide participants with a unique learning experience in analysing and solving procurement-related problems and in carrying out a practice-oriented project as consultants to a business.

• This applied module revolves around a field study and combines readings in procurement with the work as consultants to a business. Organized in teams, participants will work on specific procurement-related problems, defined in collaboration with a partner company. Each team will present a solution to the specific problem, based on the relevant literature and their own analyses. Results are summarized in a short report and an oral presentation.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• By the end of the module, students should have:
• Developed ability to apply knowledge about procurement frameworks and theories in the context of complex business problems involving procurement.
• Developed critical understanding of key procurement processes and how challenges associated with disruptions, globalization and the volatile environment impact those processes.
• Developed advanced knowledge and understanding of the different mechanisms to ensure that supply chains are designed to be resilient and sustainable

Subject-specific Skills:

• Participants will learn how to apply procurement knowledge and link it to a wide array of business disciplines, such as strategy, organization, marketing, or information systems to address real problems faced by companies.
• More specifically, they will:-
• Be able to develop procurement strategies considering the external environment and competitive priorities of the business,
• Be able to analyse supply chain data, and develop data-driven recommendations to improve supply chain performance,
• Be able to assess the economic, environmental and social sustainability of the supply chain, develop appropriate strategies and implement those across the supply chain
• Be able to carry out research and analysis and to address practical challenges in supply chain.

Key Skills:

• Effective written communication
• Oral communication
• Planning, organising and time management
• Problem solving and analysis
• Team working
• Change management and relationship management.

• The module will be delivered in two stages:
• First, in person in Germany (MBS learning facilities, Mannheim) during an intensive study week with activities facilitated by the teaching team and specially produced resources.
• Secondly, remotely with independent study and individual write-up of specific solution elements.
• The summative assessment will consist of a group presentation and an individual report.
• The group presentation is designed to test students subject specific knowledge and skills and oral presentation skills. It will take place at the end of the on-site study week.
• The individual report will enable students to further develop their understanding and skills. It will test students acquisition and articulation of their knowledge and understanding and their ability to apply what they have learned in a particular context. The individual report is submitted at the end of the semester.

The formative assessment serves to encourage students to study regularly and to monitor their learning progress. Students will undertake a series of activities aligned to the module content, which can include problem identification and methodology to be applied for addressing the procurement related problem receiving feedback on theoretical knowledge and how it is applied. Tutors provide feedback on formative work and are available for individual consultation as necessary (usually by email and video call). Written feedback will provided through email or on Learn Ultra.

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