Global Supply Chain Management: University of Southampton

Course Description

This programme has been designed for individuals and whole organisations facing the pressures and challenges of sourcing and selling in worldwide marketplaces.

It recognises the need to view these challenges as requiring dynamic network solutions, with the development of key relationships and processes which are effective for both internal and external suppliers and customers. They have the right mix of Faculty members to provide this integrated view across the boundaries of the organisation and its chain or network. The current MSc is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), and this new version will also be submitted for accreditation.

They welcome the opportunity to help supply-chain members to build their experience together during the programme. In the past, they have been able to have suppliers, customers and customers’ customers all represented in one class. Where this is possible, the immediate benefits to the supply chain in terms of common understanding and commitment are very real and significant.

All your studies must be based on the current reality in your employment situation. In this way, the academic theory is tested in practice and the issues of implementation are addressed continuously.

Programme structure

This is a part-time programme, with 12 three-day modules held in hotels over 18 months. During the final semester, you will be back in your company, and will have 6 months to complete your dissertation, supported by your academic supervisor.

Generic core modules

• Effective leadership
• Financial skills and tools
• People management
• Project management
• Strategic understanding

Specialist modules

• Lean supply
• Logistics principles and practices
• Purchasing principles and practices
• Quality, service and operational planning
• Supply relationship management
• Two optional modules from
• Decision science and optimisation
• Strategic global supply
• Sustainable supply chains

Plus: Dissertation (major company-focused investigation and report)

Entry requirements

• First or upper second-class honours degree from a UK university, or equivalent overseas/professional qualification
• At least 3 years’ work experience, with managerial responsibilities