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BUSI4Z115: INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN

It is possible that changes to modules or programmes might need to be made during the academic year, in response to the impact of Covid-19 and/or any further changes in public health advice.

Type Open
Level 4
Credits 15
Availability Not available in 2024/2025
Module Cap
Location Durham
Department Management and Marketing

Prerequisites

  • None.

Corequisites

  • None.

Excluded Combinations of Modules

  • None.

Aims

  • To enable students to acquire a specialist knowledge and understanding of the ways in which modern information systems (IS) contribute to a holistic integration of functions along the supply chain to generate savings and allow for competitive advantage.

Content

  • The role and impact of IS in and between businesses
  • Different types of IS for: enterprise core functions (ERP-systems); customer relationship management; supplier relationship management; strategic enterprise management and competitive intelligence; enterprise content management and information lifecycle management; supply chain optimization, e.g. advanced planning systems
  • Architectures and technologies for the integration of multiple IS
  • Methods of introducing, operating, maintaining and optimising IS in supply chains

Learning Outcomes

Subject-specific Knowledge:

  • Upon successful completion of the module, the students will:
  • have an advanced knowledge and understanding of the role of integration of business functions with the help of IS.
  • have developed a holistic understanding of the key applications, communication technologies and information systems along the supply chain.
  • be able to critically assess and evaluate different alternatives of supply chain-oriented information systems and technologies.
  • have an advanced understanding of the critical success factors in the IS-based integration of business functions.
  • have a critical appreciation of the limitations of IS support in supply chains.

Subject-specific Skills:

Key Skills:

  • Written communication; Interpersonal communication; Oral communication; Teamwork; Planning, organising and time management; Problem solving and analysis; Using initiative; Computer literacy.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

  • Learning outcomes will be met through a combination of lectures, group work, case studies, class exercises and discussions, supported by guided reading.
  • The assessment of the module by written assignment is designed to:
  • test the acquisition and articulation of knowledge and critical understanding;
  • test skills of application and interpretation.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

ActivityNumberFrequencyDurationTotalMonitored
Full-day sessions combining lectures, group work, case studies, class exercises and discussions.28Yes
Preparation and Reading122 
Total150 

Summative Assessment

Component: Individual Written AssignmentComponent Weighting: 50%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Individual Written Assignment2,000 words (max)100 
Component: Group PresentationComponent Weighting: 50%
ElementLength / DurationElement WeightingResit Opportunity
Group Presentation30 minutes100 

Formative Assessment

Classroom-based exercises involving individual and group analyses and presentations on specific business situations/problems relevant to the learning outcomes of the module. Oral and written feedback will be given on a group and individual basis as appropriate.

More information

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