Operations Management deals with the creation, management and improvement of operations strategies, processes and practices, so that they are effectively executed across the entire company. This module is designed to explain and evaluate current thinking in operations management. It reviews operations management skills and techniques, and explores the analytical methods that are useful in operation management. It is expected that students will gain a strategic knowledge of this discipline and be able to apply the operations management theories and concepts in a practical setting.

1. Present and defend operations management theory.
2. Determine the key decisions in operations and illustrate their application in product and service contexts.
3. Synthesise and critically analyse operations management concepts and theories.
4. Analyse the principles of operations management in their own industry.
5. Manage and work as part of a team and demonstrate written and presentation skills.
6. Engage in deeper learning using different learning strategies and reflect on the process of learning.

This module is designed to familiarise the student with the principles and concepts of environmental and holistic sustainability and sustainable development and how these relate to the principles and application of the circular economy.
It seeks to address the significant gap related to embedding circular economy principles in industry in particular across the supply chain. The module will provide research informed multi-disciplinary content focussed on innovation and best practice that will empower graduates to lead the transition towards a decarbonized and circular supply chain model. The module will explore the challenges and opportunities of embedding circular economy principles at all stages of supply operations.

1. Critically evaluate a range of environmental and holistic sustainability models and principles
2. Explain the application of industry energy and environmental standards such as ISO 14001:2015, Environmental Management Systems, ISO 5001:2018 Energy Management systems
3. Discuss the concepts and methodologies associated with materials life cycle analysis (as per ISO 14040:2006)
4. Map and critically assess the level of circular economy maturity within an organization and their associated value chain
5. Critically evaluate and analyze potential circularity interventions across the value chain at different scales
6. Critically evaluate and assess circular business models and organizational change strategies at different scales to inform circular economy leadership

This module will provide the learner with the critical leadership skills necessary to navigate and manage the complexities of modern supply chains. In the current global environment, supply chains are increasingly interconnected, spanning different industries, emerging technologies and multiple geographies. This creates a need for leadership that can address challenges such as sustainability, digital transformation, risk management and globalisation. This module is designed to help students understand how leadership in supply chains differs from leadership in traditional business functions due to the need for cross-functional collaboration, external partnerships, and strategic decision-making.

1. Critically discuss the role of leadership in creating and implementing effective supply chain strategies that align with broader business objectives.
2. Explain the key leadership theories in the context of supply chain management.
3. Apply the principles of leadership to the challenges of managing global supply chains with respect to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and corporate social responsibility.
4. Develop leadership strategies to manage and mitigate risks, including supply disruptions, political instability, and technological changes.
5. Engage in the impact of emerging technologies, such as AI, blockchain, and IoT, on supply chain leadership and decision-making.

This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth knowledge of key areas of supply chain management. It is designed to explain and evaluate the current thinking in supply chain management. On completion of the module students will have gained an in-depth knowledge of this field and be able to apply theories and concepts in a practical setting. The module also covers strategic management issues, such as supply chain performance, drivers and metrics; coordination in supply chains; outsourcing; sustainability concerns, and future trends in supply chain management.

1. Critique and contextualise the pivotal role of supply chain management within a business and how it can impact business performance .
2. Justify and rationalise how to approach the complexity of supply chains both from a tactical as well as a strategic perspective and formulate a supply chain management strategy.
3. Critically discuss the concepts, structure, and strategic roles of the supply chain relationships within the contemporary organisation .
4. Acquire a set of tools and frameworks that represent state-of-the-art , scientifically based management thinking and apply them in case settings .
5. Synthesise information to draw conclusions and develop effective solutions within the constraints of limited or incomplete data .
6. Research and analyse current practice and concepts in supply chain management.

This module explores the transformative impact of technological advancements on modern business operations, with a particular focus on supply chains. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of key digital technologies, such as blockchain, AI, IoT, automation and data analytics, and their role in enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and sustainability of supply chains. Through critical analysis, the module examines the challenges and obstacles that organisations face when adopting these technologies, including integration complexities, cost implications, and cybersecurity concerns.

In addition, students will evaluate the potential of blockchain technology in promoting sustainable and ethical supply chain practices, exploring how it can improve transparency, reduce waste, and ensure fair sourcing. The module also provides an in-depth review of emerging trends in digital supply chains, equipping students with the skills to predict future developments and assess their potential impact on global business operations. By the end of the module, students will be prepared to articulate the significance of digital advancements and make informed decisions regarding the adoption and implementation of digital innovations in supply chain contexts.

1. Articulate the significance and impact of technological advancements on business operations, particularly within supply chains.
2. Identify and assess key digital technologies, and other emerging innovations, that are integral to modern supply chains.
3. Analyse the challenges and obstacles involved in adopting new technologies in operational and supply chain contexts.
4. Evaluate the potential of blockchain technology to enhance sustainability in supply chains by improving transparency, reducing waste, and promoting ethical sourcing practices.
5. Critically assess emerging trends in digital supply chains to predict future developments and their potential impact on global business operations.

The module explores the development of sustainability frameworks, their transposition into international legislation and the evolution of sustainability reporting as standard business practice. The module examines the national and international policies and legislation that are driving the sustainability agenda. The module critically examines how organisations can change and adapt in response to these sustainability challenges through engagement with measuring impact and sustainability reporting.

1. Discuss current sustainability frameworks and legislation.
2. Critically evaluate the application of sustainability frameworks in a business/industry supply chain context.
3. Map and critically assess organisational alignment with the SDGs.
4. Critically evaluate the principles of sustainability reporting and associated frameworks.
5. Prepare and critically analyse a detailed sustainability report using a recognised international reporting framework.

This module enables learners to pursue their own research interests within a specific area of sustainable supply chain operations. Simultaneously, it provides structured research and analytical skills to support their pursuit of a career in the field. The written dissertation provides the learner with the opportunity to share their contribution to the field of sustainable supply chain operations. The dissertation is a written document that reflects the learner's achievements in the area of sustainable supply chain operations, demonstrating their knowledge, advanced research capabilities, organisational skills and proficiency in presenting their findings. The dissertation represents the capstone work on a topic related to their chosen programme of study.

1. Identify and justify an issue related to sustainable supply chain operations that holds strategic significance for both theoretical understanding and practical application
2. Critically review the academic literature on the identified issue and formulate pertinent research objectives and research questions
3. Compare and contrast the advantages and limitations of various research methods and assess their applicability to different contexts
4. Conduct a systematic analysis of quantitative or qualitative data and present the findings in a clear and coherent manner
5. Draw realistic conclusions from the analysis and make recommendations
6. Present arguments in a coherent manner and develop academic writing skills

This module captures the actions conducted by the learner on their applied industry project and the learning associated with these actions. It necessitates that the learner critically reflects on their own work practices and demonstrates benefits for improvement or changes to original practices or processes.

1. Identify and evaluate how value can be added to the context of an organisation, resources, and competitive position
2. Assess the context of the work in terms of how it influences the environment and general public
3. Apply sustainable supply chain operations concepts in the context of an organisation to promote continuous improvement
4. Critically evaluate an organisations operations and assess subsequent implications
5. Reflect on knowledge, skills and competences attained in relation to personal and professional development
6. Summarise project outcomes in an appropriate format for management review
7. Prepare and present a professional portfolio of work.