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MBA52006 Syllabus GSCM Intake15B May June 23
MBA52006 Syllabus GSCM Intake15B May June 23
- Copyright by MSM -
Table of Contents
1. Course Data......................................................................................................................................3
2. Lecturer.............................................................................................................................................3
3. Course Description ...........................................................................................................................3
4. Learning Goals .................................................................................................................................5
5. Didactic Approach ............................................................................................................................6
6. Course Literature ..............................................................................................................................6
6.1 Core course literature .............................................................................................................7
6.2 Recommended/additional literature and material ...................................................................7
7. Sessions ...........................................................................................................................................9
7.1 Description of the sessions.................................................................................................. 10
8. Class attendance ........................................................................................................................... 11
9. Examination ................................................................................................................................... 11
9.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 11
9.1.1 Examination components used in this course ........................................................ 11
9.1.2 Weighting of the examination components............................................................. 12
9.2 Submission guidelines for assignments .............................................................................. 12
9.3 Grading ................................................................................................................................ 12
9.4 Examination requirements ................................................................................................... 13
9.5 Individual assignment .......................................................................................................... 13
9.5.1 Description individual assignment .......................................................................... 13
9.5.2 Assessment rubric individual assignment ............................................................... 15
9.6 Case presentation & panel discussion (group).................................................................... 17
9.6.1 Description case presentation & panel discussion ................................................. 17
9.6.2 Assessment rubric case presentation & panel discussion ..................................... 17
9.7 Written analysis (group) ....................................................................................................... 18
9.7.1 Description written analysis .................................................................................... 18
9.7.2 Assessment rubric written analysis ........................................................................ 18
ECTS credits: 3
Teaching hours: 24
Consultation hours: 2
Study hours: 58
Total hours: 84
2. Lecturer
Name: Ing.David J. Dingli M.Phil.(Maastricht); MBA(Brunel); B.Elec.Eng.(Hons.)
E-mail: david.dingli@maastrichtuniversity.nl
Short profile:
3. Course Description
Having a great strategy is not enough, it needs to be supported by great execution, in order to deliver
consistently on the promises made to customers. In a world that is becoming more and more volatile
and therefore less and less predictable, superior supply chain execution becomes increasingly critical
to sustainable business success.
This course highlights concepts, models and methods that are important for the design, control,
operation, and management of global supply chains in a dynamic world. The course introduces
frameworks and approaches that cannot only be used to describe and analyze supply chain strategies
but that also provide guidelines for the actual business operations. Stress is placed on supply chain
integration. In relation to this cross-functional and cross-business alignment are being dealt with.
Different definitions for Supply Chain Management (SCM) exist. Having different definitions for terms
is not uncommon in the field of the management related sciences (as opposed to, for instance, the
field of mathematics): terms like MIS, e-Commerce, i-Government, know some quite different
definitions, launched by different institutions, authors and companies.
David Simchi-Levi in his book “Designing and Managing the Supply Chain” defines Supply Chain
Management as follows (p1) “a set of approaches utilized to effectively and efficiently integrate
suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, and stores, so that merchandise is produced and distributed at
the right quantities, to the right locations, and at the right time, in order to minimize system wide costs
while satisfying service level requirements”. An important feature of this definition is the combination of
minimizing system wide costs (efficiency) and satisfying service level requirements (effectiveness).
The definition however adopts a buyer’s perspective and rather focuses physical products only.
In this GSCM course we will adopt a more holistic view and include the supplier’s perspective and the
distribution of services, meanwhile stressing the role of information and technology. With those
perspectives, Harland’s definitions, given above, would be more appropriate.
Learning objectives
The first main learning objective of this course is to develop an understanding of the trend towards
integrated management of the flows of goods, information and services across networks from
(suppliers of) suppliers to customers and vice versa and the organizational and inter-organizational
implications.
The second main learning objective of this course is to provide insights to the close linkage between
customer value propositions and operational strategies for manufacturing and distribution, and to
build capabilities of analyzing and formulating supply chain strategies, tackling (conflicting) goals
as higher efficiency and higher responsiveness.
The third main learning objective of this course is to create awareness of the importance of flexibility
in the operations (systems, processes and products) in global supply chains as a way to mitigate
risks in an uncertain, dynamic and changing world.
The fifth major learning objective of this course is to build a deep understanding of the issue of supply
chain compliance with regard to corporate social responsibility criteria.
4. Learning Goals
A further refinement of the course contents in line with the Dublin descriptor can be given as follows.
The trend towards integration of flows of goods, information and services across networks
from (suppliers of) suppliers to customers and vice versa,
The organizational and inter-organizational implications of this trend,
The linkage between the customer value proposition and the operations strategy,
Identify supply chain issues in different case studies and real world situations,
Select relevant models for the analysis of supply chain issues,
Utilize these relevant analytical models.
Descriptor 4: Communication
Communicate and discuss about supply chain related cases in a cross-functional context,
Give a presentation in front of a group of peers with diverse background,
Conduct the associated question and answer session and foster discussion,
Write a well-structured and analytical report.
Select and review literature in the context of a practical supply chain management topic,
Reflect on the research and writing processes associated with the analytical report.
5. Didactic Approach
Lectures, cases, plenary discussions, presentations
Introductory lectures, group case analyses, plenary discussions, group case presentations followed by
panel discussions will be the learning tools to achieve the required competency level.
6. Course Literature
Simchi-Levi, D (2010). Operations rules: delivering customer value through flexible operations. MIT
Press
Please also be referred to https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/operations-rules for an affordable digital
copy.
Christopher, M (2016). Logistics & Supply Chain Management. 5th edition, FT Publishing International
Excellent textbook conceptually strong and with short case examples
Chopra, S and P Meindl (2013). Supply Chain Management. Strategy, planning and operation. 5th
edition, Pearson.
A somewhat more technical book on supply chain management, one that also addresses strategic and
management issues.
Weenk, E. (2019). Mastering the supply chain. Principles, practice and real-life applications. Publisher:
Kogan Page.
Extensive overview of relevant business, supply chain and leadership concepts, combined with
practical application in the Fresh Connection business game.
Simchi-Levi, Kaminsky, Simchi-Levi, (2008). Designing and managing the Supply Chain. 3d edition,
McGrawHill
Many of the lecture slides have been based on this textbook. Some of the cases originate from this
book as well.
Laudon, K and Laudon, J. (2018), Management Information Systems, Managing the Digital Firm 15th
edition, Publisher: Pearson.
We will use a couple of cases originally described in this book.
Chaffey, D. (2014). Digital Business and e-Commerce Management, Strategy, Implementation and
Practice. 6th edition. Publisher: Pearson.
We will use some of its slides and discussion questions.
Turban, E. (2018). Electronic Commerce, Managerial and Social Networks Perspective. 9th edition.
Publisher: Springer.
Quite complete and detailed guide on E-Commerce – lots of Asian sources.
Manners-Bell, J. (2017) Supply Chain Ethics: Using CSR and Sustainability to create competitive
advantage. Kogan Page.
Recommended for conceptualization of the sustainability issues.
Ithink software and manuals: ‘Getting started’, ‘Introduction to Systems Thinking and ithink’, ‘Process
Improvement Module’, ‘Business Applications Guide’, High Performance Systems, (2021).
www.iseesystems.com
During class a few supply chain models and small games based on this software can be shown.
SCM beginners are highly recommended to watch a series of videos produced by Arizona State
University, W.P. Carey School of Business. They consist of 12 modules with a total duration of
53m35s. The first video can be found following the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi1QBxVjZAw
From there, links to the other modules can be found. A link is also available in the introduction section
of the slides.
Highly recommended for all is Ed Weenk's YouTube Channel, mastering the supply chain
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBKPR11juIUyt19k4SRemtw
Video 0: Mastering the Supply Chain: Introduction to the Integrated Learning Approach
Video 1: Mastering the Supply Chain: What Side 1 - Segments And Value Propositions
Video 2: Mastering the Supply Chain: What Side 2 - Demand Characteristics
Video 3: Mastering the Supply Chain: What Side 3 - Bullwhip Effect
Video 4: Mastering the Supply Chain: How Side 1 - Supply Chain Strategy
Video 5: Mastering the Supply Chain: How Side 2 - Physical Infrastructure
Video 6: Mastering the Supply Chain: How Side 3-1 - Make Buy
Video 7: Mastering the Supply Chain: How Side 3-2 - Supplier Collaboration
Participants finally are also encouraged to listen to three video lectures covering www.scdigest.com
under VIDEOCASTS, by David Simchi-Levi. Search for the names “Operations Rules – Delivering
Customer Value through Flexible Operations”, Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. One has to subscribe to
SCDigest first, but that is an easy process and for free. PPTs PDFs are available through SCDigest.
http://www.apics.org/ or http://www.supply-chain.org/
https://cscmp.org/
https://ciltuk.org.uk/
http://www.inddist.com/
http://www.logisticsworld.com/
https://www.gartner.com/en/supply-chain
http://www.scdigest.com/
http://www.supplychain247.com/
Most journals can be accessed through EBSCO at the MSM library. A review of SC periodicals and
how they relate to research, education and consultancy has been placed in Moodle.
7. Sessions
The participant is strongly recommended to read the relevant book chapters / slides before the
corresponding classes, according to the schedule. Thorough preparation of the indicated cases before
their discussion in class is essential for the successful completion of the course. To maximise benefit
from attending this course, active participation in class discussion and teamwork is required.
Class presentations
Consultation Sessions (By appointment): daily from 1630-1730 (or as per schedule on office
door)
8. Class attendance
Class attendance is compulsory for this course and any absence from class (also if classes are
delivered online) should be reported to the lecturer and program administrator before the start of the
class.
A participant attending less than 75% of the classes of the course, will be required to submit a course
assignment1.
9. Examination
9.1 Overview
9.1.1 Examination components used in this course
Examination components Deadline
Presentation (Group) Presented on the 3rd June 2023 – Uploaded by
Sunday 11th June 2023 @23.59
Case-Study Written analysis (group) Daily in Class - Uploaded by Sunday 11th June
2023 @23.59
Individual assignment Uploaded by Monday 19th June 2023 @23.59
Class attendance n/a
1
A course assignment is a written assignment where participants are asked to provide a summary of the core
literature covered in a course. This summary will ensure that participants have a complete overview of the
course content. Course instructors must provide participants with a list of key articles covering the essential
concepts of the course. The course assignment must be between 2.000 and 3.000 words in length. Participants
will only receive a “Pass” or “Fail” grade for the course assignment.
Ensure that your assignment clearly indicates the course abbreviation, your name, and student
number when uploading to Moodle. Do not send your assignment by e-mail to the lecturer directly
unless you experience problems uploading to Moodle. In this case, please copy in the program
administrator.
For all submitted assignment papers, the writing and referencing style prescribed by the American
Psychological Association (APA) must be used, including the bibliographic reference system of APA.
Except for the line spacing which should be Single (1.0).
9.3 Grading
The final grade of the course is given as a whole Grade Description
or a half grade on a scale from 0.0 to 10.0. A Pass 10.0 Outstanding
grade as from a 5.5 is considered sufficient. A (sufficient) 9.0; 9.5 Very Good
grade below 5.5 is considered as an insufficient
8.0; 8.5 Good
grade.
7.0; 7.5 More than
In case it is not possible to determine a result, satisfactory
for instance if a student is registered for the 6.0; 6.5 Satisfactory
examination but has not actually taken the 5.5 Pass
examination or part thereof, the examination will
Fail 5.0 Almost satisfactory
be graded with a No Grade (NG). (insufficient) 4.0; 4.5 Unsatisfactory
The grading scale should be interpreted as in 3.0; 3.5 Very unsatisfactory
the table on the right. 2.0; 2.5 Poor
It is important to understand that this scale is 1.0; 1.5 Very Poor
based on the Dutch grading system. You can 0.0 Use is at the
read more about it here: discretion of the
Board of Examiners
https://www.studyinholland.nl/dutch-
education/dutch-grading-system. No Grade (NG) Inability to determine result
Please note that at least a 5.5 grade and/or a pass must be obtained for each examination component
of the course in order to secure a pass in the course.
Additionally, please ensure that you do not commit plagiarism or any other academic misconduct.
Rules and regulations regarding academic misconduct can be found in the MSM-MBA/MM-EER and
on the MSM website.
Tips for academic writing and information on how to prevent plagiarism can be found here.
For the structure of the paper: select an organization that you are familiar with, give a brief
background, and describe in as much detail as possible the present Operations & Supply Chain
Management system being used. This part of the assignment must identify the critical strengths and
weaknesses of the system. Flow diagrams illustrating the flow of goods / services and information
between the various players is also expected. Select a method and/or framework for analysis, deeply
analyze and discuss, generate conclusions and recommendations.
Suggested areas - depending on applicability and relevance in the light of the issues, hence not all
have to be covered – in random order are as follows:
Inventory management
Procurement strategies and systems
Information flows
Manufacturing processes
Supplier relations
Technology to support, enforce and/or enable Supply Chain improvement
Warehousing
Distribution
Transportation
Planning of sales and operations, of supplies
Customer service
Recommend improvements to the Operations & Supply Chain Management system that the company
could potentially and realistically implement.
Course participants will be divided into groups. They will work together on the analysis of a Supply
Chain Management problem to develop a guideline for solving the highlighted problem(s) in a
company of their choice. The task is to deliver a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation (+ 5 minutes for
Q&A) in front of the “Senior Management” of the company (a panel, another group actually). The
presentation will cover:
Each group should apply relevant GSCM concepts and models from the course.
Each group is to use two or three presenters so that others can answer questions or ask questions as
a member of the panel. After each presentation a discussion will follow. 3 questions will be asked by
the panel formed by another group, representing the “Senior Management” of the company. The rest
of the audience is supposedly formed by representatives from the sector.
Several case studies will be analysed during the class sessions. Groups will be asked to make pitches
on the analysis of the case questions. Feedback is given to each group. This enables the lecturer to
make sure all important learning points are covered. The groups of participants are expected to write
out their responses to each case question. Each group is expected to refer to the theory and should
apply relevant GSCM concepts and models from the course. any additional readings for insights to
enhance their responses and to ensure adequate detail is covered in the response. Where possible,
supply chain diagrams should be drawn to illustrate the material and/ or information flow within the
chain as explained in the case. Some of the questions expect generic answers too, which depend on
the group’s broader understanding of the subject matter. Hence this is more than merely answering
the questions. The case questions serve as a guideline only – deeper insights are expected. Minimum
requirement: is a two-page answer per case. If references are used, they should also be stated. No
other general format requirements exist. The responses should be well presented and easily readable.
Appropriate academic practices are to be adopted: please write using own words, “copy and paste” is
not allowed as this may constitute plagiarism. Please do refer to all other sources used in an
appropriate way and adopt APA-6 or APA-7 style. For evaluation criteria and their weight please see
below.