This module consists of two main parts. First, the module sets the scene by examining the strategic and operational rationale for firms in deciding whether to make themselves or ‘outsource’ and buy from suppliers the goods or services they require within their supply chains. Such a decision can happen either as part of ‘concurrent sourcing’ or a permanent make-buy choice. Second, the main part of the module focuses on the processes and decisions required to support the buy decision. The module examines in detail how the firm might effectively undertake the procurement, contracting and supplier management tasks necessary for both resilient supply and best value for money. Specifically, the module shows how firms can bring in strategic management concepts into make-buy decisions, technology into the procurement process and relationship skills into supplier management. It also heavily features internal stakeholder management, contract design, negotiation, and conflict / dispute resolution, which need to be employed at all stages of the procurement process and are core business skills for any manager. The module has a theoretical core, but also brings in a wide range of case material, much of it from the academics in the procurement and operations management group own research and consulting experience within world-class organisations from the private and public sector.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the module students should be able to:
Critically evaluate the logic behind the make-buy and outsourcing decisions within supply chains of major firms in both manufacturing and service, and global contexts
Selectively apply key concepts to the procurement and supplier management process, recognising the main challenges to effective management and being able to intuit potential solutions
Critically analyse how recent advances in technology have transformed the nature of effective management of the procurement, contracting and supplier management process, such as the role of e-procurement technologies used within firms
Develop and implement negotiation strategies and tactics in a range of supply chain contexts and show how these need to be calibrated according to the prevailing conditions
Critically compare the differences between procurement and supplier management in different sectors, firm sizes, purchase spend categories and parts of the world
Craft a procurement, contracting and supplier management strategy for a firm within its supply chains, including sustainable and ethical business considerations.
one 2,000 word individual academic essay regarding the application of theory to practice (50%) one 1500 word equivalent individual development of a business presentation (50%)
Reassessment:
Reassessment by failed component. one 2,000 word individual academic essay regarding the application of theory to practice (50%) one 1500 word equivalent individual development of a business presentation (50%)
