MAR312SL - Advanced Logistics Management

https://dle.plymouth.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=43277

2019-20 Module Handbook

BSc (Hons) Operations and Logistics Management

Module Leader: Dr Shunmugham G Pandian

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Contents
Welcome and Introduction ................................................................3
Teaching and Assessment Team ........................................................3
Module Aims .................................................................................4
Module Assessed Learning Outcomes .................................................4
Teaching and Learning Strategy .........................................................4
Scheme of Work .............................................................................5
Late Work/Extenuating Circumstances .................................................8
Sources of Guidance and Support .......................................................9
Referencing Protocols and Academic Offences ......................................9
Reading List; Recommended Texts/Support Materials ............................ 10
Module Feedback .......................................................................... 10

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 Welcome and Introduction

Welcome to “MAR312SL - Advanced Logistics Management” delivered by NSBM in

partnership with Plymouth University.

This module provides theoretical and practical insights into the process and
application of logistics management. This module helps the students to understand
in detail the role and importance of logistics in private and public sector organisations.
In addition, the relationships and interfaces of logistics management in other
business processes, such as supply chain management, customer service, etc., of
the organisation are studied in detail.

This module forms part of the programme which has been designed to equip you with
the skills and knowledge base required for your future career or other graduate
opportunities. It is also a platform from which you can undertake additional vocational
and academic qualifications.

This Module Handbook contains important information including:

 Who will be teaching and providing support to you
 Details of the module schedule and assessment including feedback.

Note: The information in this Module Handbook should be read in conjunction with
the current edition of the NSBM Student Handbook along with the Plymouth
University Student Handbook available here: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/your-
university/governance/student-handbook You should also be familiar with your
Programme Student Handbook and Quality Handbook available via your Programme
page on the Plymouth University DLE at
https://dle.plymouth.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=43277

Teaching and Assessment Team

Programme Leader Mr. Sulakshana De Alwis

Location NSBM Green University, Sri Lanka

Email sulakshana@nsbm.lk

Phone number +94 11 5445000; +94 71 446 4299

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 Module leader Dr Shunmugham G Pandian

Location Room No. 518, Cookworthy Building, Plymouth

Business School, Plymouth PL4 8AA, United Kingdom

Email Shunmugham.Pandian@Plymouth.ac.uk

Phone number 01752 – 585687

Student meeting times Dr Shunmugham G Pandian

Module Aims
The purpose of this module is to examine marketing and distribution channels in the
context of logistics, and in particular in the international context. It also examines the
relevant techniques of logistics management.

Module Assessed Learning Outcomes

LO1: Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of logistics management;

LO2: Understand the role of logistics management in a competitive environment;
LO3: Apply relevant logistics techniques to practical management situations; and
LO4: Appreciate the particular complexities of logistics and marketing channels in an
international context.

Teaching and Learning Strategy

SUMMARY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING [Use HESA KIS definitions}

Scheduled Activities Hours Comments/Additional Information
Lectures 042 Interactive sessions based on a series of relevant units
of study.
Guided independent study 158 Reading, researching and writing coursework, and
preparing
for the examination
Total 200 (NB: 1 credit = 10 hours of learning; 10 credits = 100
hours, etc.)

Students are expected to take full responsibility for their learning, attend all
scheduled sessions, read appropriate indicated readings, and work on set exercises
(formative and summative assessment).

Based on previous experience; students who failed to attend sessions are likely to
be unsuccessful or show poor performance. Please ensure that you are engaging
with the content and learning activities relating to this module.

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 Scheme of Work

Element of Module Component Link to Assessed

Assessment Weighting Learning
Outcomes
Coursework (Individual 40% Individual Report LO4
assessment)

Final Examination
(Three hours, closed 60% Closed-book LO1, LO2, LO3
book) Examination

Coursework Assessment:

An individual coursework will be set for assessment.

Logistics outsourcing has become a mainstay of global business. Companies

routinely subcontract logistics function to third-party vendors to gain competitive
advantage. Although it has been proven globally that logistics outsourcing is a
competitive differentiator, the level of logistics outsourcing in Sri Lanka is
disappointingly low and it is yet to gain prominence. A recent study on ‘Third Party
Logistics in Sri Lanka’ presented at the R4TLI (Research for Transport and Logistics)
Conference suggested that the Sri Lankan logistics yet to mature. While identifying
the criticality of third party logistics for economic growth in Sri Lanka, the report
suggested that ‘by managing logistics professionally, efficiencies can be derived to
drive economic growth’. However, the study suggested that there is a lack of
understanding of the potential benefits of third party logistics operations exists among
users in general (Source: Study reveals widening scope for ‘Third Party Logistics’,
Sunday Observer, 3 July 2016).

In this regard:

(A) Identify and briefly explain the key drivers of logistics outsourcing in Sri Lanka.

(B) Examine the barriers to logistics outsourcing in Sri Lanka.

(C) Analyse the evolution of logistics outsourcing in Sri Lanka during the last decade
and argue whether or not outsourcing has complemented the strategic objectives of
business organisations? Use relevant examples to support your arguments.

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Notes:
a. Weighted Mark 40% (of overall mark)
b. Word Limit 2500 words (+/- 10%)
c. Your response is checked up for its coherent and sustained analysis, critical
perspective, definitive conclusion and balanced structure;
d. Support your arguments with evidences from industry, where relevant;
e. The coursework is also checked up for an evidence of (a) thorough understanding
of the outsourcing management concepts and processes; (b) originality; and (c)
strong analytical skills;
f. Your coursework is also checked up for the use of references. You are advised
to desist from referring to non-academic, non-industrial sources (Wikipedia, blogs,
etc.).

General Guidelines to Students:

 Moodle is enabled for this coursework. You are expected to submit the
coursework at Moodle.
 Students need to cite their word count at the end of the coursework.
 Students are advised to follow a minimum of 1.5 spacing for their coursework.
 Students are strongly advised to follow university guidelines on plagiarism.

Marks will be allocated as follows:

Quality of discussion in Part A 25%

Quality of discussion in Part B 25%
Quality of analysis in Part C 40%
Use of references, language and general structure 10%

Assessment Criteria:

1st – Exceptional (90% and above)

 Very thorough research from a number of sources, including books, journals,
the Internet and personal interviews. Very well-constructed, professional
quality work producing high quality, meaningful outcomes that have real-world
application.
 An exceptional exploration of the topics with excellent integration of a wide
range of material.
 A very high level of insightful critical thinking and sophisticated argument.
 Well written to a professional standard of presentation, showing extensive
knowledge in the relevant areas.
1st – Outstanding (80% - 89%)
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  Thorough research from a number of sources, including books, journals, the
Internet and personal interviews. Very well-constructed work producing
excellent quality outcomes that have real-world application.
 An outstanding exploration of the topic with excellent integration of a wide
range of material.
 A very high level of critical thinking and sophisticated argument.
 Well written and high standard of presentation, showing extensive knowledge
in the relevant areas.

1st – Excellent (70% – 79%)

 Thorough research from a number of sources, including books, journals, the
Internet and personal interviews. Well-constructed work producing good
quality outcomes that potentially have real-world application.
 An outstanding exploration of the topic with excellent integration of a wide
range of material.
 A high level of critical thinking and sophisticated argument.
 Well written and high standard of presentation, showing extensive knowledge
in the relevant areas.

2.1 - Very Good (60% – 69%)

 Thorough research from a number of sources, including books, journals, the
Internet and personal interviews. Good use of relevant original research with
outcomes that are the basis for development into real application
 A comprehensive exploration of the topic with sound critical comment and
synthesis of a range of issues.
 Well argued.
 Well written and high standard of presentation.

2.2 - Good (50% - 59%)

 Research from a number of sources, including books, journals, the Internet
and personal interviews.
 Relevant logistics and supply chain management concepts used to discuss
and explain findings and support recommendations.
 Soundly written and presented document, showing knowledge in the relevant
areas.

3rd – Acceptable (40% – 49%)

 Answered the question using limited research.
 Relevant logistics and supply chain management concepts used to discuss
and explain findings and support recommendations.
 Soundly written and presented document, showing knowledge in the relevant
areas.

Fail (30 – 39%)

 Weak arguments, but some signs of understanding sufficient to suggest that
with more work / study a pass grade is within the student’s capabilities.

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Clear Fail (less than 30%)
 Submission deficit in most respects.
 Below standard effort and question not answered.
 Little relevant research conducted.
 Below standard writing and presentation.

 Online submission is enabled for this assessment;

 Online submission enables your work to be checked by TurnitinUK.

Semester Week Week Beginning Provisional Activities

Role of Logistics in Supply Chains

Demand Management and Customer
Service - I
Demand Management and Customer
Service – II
Marketing Channels
Channel Conflict and Resolution
Inventory Decision Making
Warehouse Management
Core Competency and Outsourcing
The Transportation System and
Management
Intermediaries in international transport
and logistics.
Revision

Please note that this schedule may be subject to alteration; you are advised to use
the links below.

Late Work/Extenuating Circumstances

If your participation in an examination or assessment has been affected by an

extenuating circumstance, then you can ask the University to take this into
consideration. You can submit a claim for extenuating circumstances to cover late
submission of work, non-submission of work or non-attendance at a time specific
assessment, such as an examination, test presentation or performance, or field class.

Information regarding the Extenuating Circumstances policy and how and where to
submit Extenuating Circumstance Claims are available here:
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/essential-
information/exams/exam-rules-and-regulations/extenuating-circumstances
Where there are no valid extenuating circumstances, the following regulations will
automatically apply:

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  Work submitted after the deadline date/time but within 24 hours of
it, will be capped at the pass mark 40%.
 Work submitted 24 hours after the deadline will receive a mark of
zero.

Students who wish to claim Extenuating Circumstances should send your duly
completed extenuating circumstance form with evidence to
ec.plymouthsob@nsbm.lk as soon as possible. You may also keep your module
leader update on such circumstances.

Please note that minor illnesses such as unspecified short-term anxiety, mild
depression or examination stress, cough, cold, sore throat, viral infection or viral fever
will not likely be considered as valid extenuating circumstance by the University;
unless the illness is incapacitating and at its peak at the time of a time-specific
assessment such as an exam or test. Please note that unspecified condition such
as viral fever, abdominal pain, back pain or stomach ache will not be considered

Sources of Guidance and Support

Moodle
Moodle is the main repository for module resources and it is important that you visit
the module Moodle page regularly. Resources include:

 Announcements: for important notices

 Lectures Notes & Presentations: lecturers will use this section to
post lecture slides, and other relevant session documents
 Web resources: web-based links and electronic resources relating
 Coursework: coursework information & e-submission

Learning Support
We strongly encourage you to make use of the resources available for learning
support within the University. Many of the resources including referencing and study
skills are available online: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/your-university/teaching-and-
learning/guidance-and-resources/student-support-services

Referencing Protocols and Academic Offences

When writing a report or an essay you are expected to fully reference the materials
you have used. The report or essay should be your own work, in your own words.

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Plagiarism is an offence under the University regulations on examination and
assessment offences. It is important that you familiarise yourself with what constitutes
plagiarism, and academic offences. Further information can be found:
https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/essential-
information/regulations/plagiarism
And https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/your-studies/essential-
information/exams/exam-rules-and-regulations/examination-offences
Reading List

Reading List; Recommended Texts/Support Materials

Essential Reading:

 John J. Coyle, C. John Langley, Jr., Robert A. (2012) Supply Chain Management:
A Logistics Perspective 9th Edition. Cengage Learning.
 Murphy P.R. Jr and Wood, D. (2011) Contemporary Logistics, 10th Edition,
Pearson.
 Rushton, A., Croucher, P. and Baker, P. (2012) The Handbook of Logistics and
Distribution Management, 4th Edition. United Kingdom, Kogan Page.
 Stanley E. Fawcett, Lisa M. Ellram, Jeffrey A. Ogden (2014) Supply Chain
Management: From Vision to Implementation 3rd Edition. Pearson Education.

Recommended Reading

 Bowersox, D.J., Closs, D.J. and Cooper, M.B. (2006) Supply Chain Logistics
Management, 2nd Edition. New York, McGraw Hill/Irwin.
 Fawcett, S.E., Ellram, L.M., and Ogden, J.A. (2006) Supply Chain Management:
From Vision to Implementation. FT-Prentice Hall.
 Christopher, M. (2011) Logistics & Supply Chain Management, 4th Edition. United
Kingdom, FT Prentice Hall.
 Quale, M., and Jones, B. (2002) Logistics: An Integrated Approach. United
Kingdom, Liverpool Business Publishing.
 Christopher M. (2004), Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 3rd Edition, FT
Prentice-Hall.

Additional reading sources may be indicated during lectures.

Module Feedback

We value what our students say: you share your feedback we act upon it. Part of the
feedback process includes Module Evaluation. Please fill the module evaluation form
distributed to you and return it to School of Business Programme office.

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