International Supply Chain Structure

This unit explores the practices and problems of global logistics in international supply chain ecosystems, including its role in achieving a competitive edge for firms in international business and an understanding of logistics perspectives in different countries and industries. It will encompass topics such as supply chain strategy; the impact of trade pacts in defining global logistics; customer services; multinational organisations and supply chain; global logistics and physical distribution; role of third party logistics in international business; international distribution practices across companies; logistics performance index (LPI) measures; influence of global logistics on corporate profit; and planning, control and audit of global logistics in international decision environment.

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:

1. Critically evaluate and analyse the complexity of global supply chains and their processes in an increasingly dynamic business context;
2. Argue and critically analyse the importance of the customer service functions to the logistics effort of the firm;
3. Critically analyse areas where the performance of distribution logistics can be improved and make appropriate recommendations; and
4. Collaborate with other team members in preparing a group project report and delivering a professional class presentation based around a selected case study for specialist and non-specialist audiences.