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BUSI4Z115: INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE SUPPLY CHAIN

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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