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Module Title
Value Chains, Outsourcing and Procurement
School
Birmingham Business School
Department
Management
Module Code
07 28304
Module Lead
Chris Lonsdale
Level
Masters Level
Credits
10
Semester
Semester 2
Pre-requisites
Co-requisites
Restrictions
None
Exclusions
Description
This module examines the strategic management of the value chain. This examination is in three parts. First, the concept of the value chain is explored, with a particular focus upon how different stages within value chains possess different levels of commercial attractiveness. Second, this analysis logically leads to the possibility of a firm re-positioning within a value chain – firms could forward or backward integrate and/or become involved in outsourcing. The module discusses this possibility. Finally, in relation to those upstream products and services that the firm sources from suppliers, the module examines how firms might develop procurement and supply management strategy. The main issues and practices covered by the module, therefore, include:
Value chain analysis
Value chain positioning, including outsourcing and the constraints on value chain movement
Procurement strategy
Negotiation practice and strategy
Supplier relationships and alliances
Contracts and contract management
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Critically evaluate the concept of the value chain and why firms seek to re-position;
Critically appraise the ease with which firms are able to re-position successfully within value chains, including via outsourcing;
Explain the principles that should underpin a firm’s procurement strategy and how those might be implemented within different business and national contexts;
Analyse the practices within a procurement strategy, including negotiation, supplier relationship management and contracting, using concepts drawn from managerial economics;
Demonstrate skills in verbal and written communication, team working, and critical analysis.
Assessment
28304-01 : Value Chains Group Assignment : Coursework (20%)
28304-02 : Value Chains Individual Assignment : Coursework (80%)
Assessment Methods & Exceptions
Assessment: 1000 word group assessment (20%); 2000 word individual assessment (80%) Reassessment: Individual assignment 2500 words