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2013/2014  KAN-SCM_SE62  Consumer Driven Supply Chains

English Title
Consumer Driven Supply Chains

Course information
Language English
Exam ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Semester
Course period Spring
Time Table Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Study board
Study Board for MSc in Economics and Business Administration
Course coordinator
  • Jesper Aastrup - Department of Operations Management (OM)
Main academic disciplines
  • Supply Chain Management and Logistics
Last updated on 06-08-2013
Learning objectives
The learning objectives of this course aim at the student’s ability to theoretically understand, analyse and propose solutions related to the logistics function, activities and processes in retail supply chains.

Upon course completion students should be able to:
  • Understand and analyse activities, processes and context factors of managing retail supply chains
  • Understand and discuss the ideals, processes and dilemmas of Efficient Consumer Response (ECR)
  • Identify specific supply chain and marketing problems of the retail supply chains both at strategic and operational levels
  • Specify and analyse the most important design criteria and components for retail specific supply chain management
  • Provide theoretical rationale for different solutions and improvement areas related to retail supply chains
Examination
Consumer Driven Supply Chains:
Examination form Written sit-in exam
Individual or group exam Individual
Assignment type Written assignment
Duration 4 hours
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) One internal examiner
Exam period April and August
Aids allowed to bring to the exam Limited aids, see the list below and the exam plan/guidelines for further information:
  • Additional allowed aids
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
If the number of registered candidates for the make-up examination/re-take examination warrants that it may most appropriately be held as an oral examination, the programme office will inform the students that the make-up examination/re-take examination will be held as an oral examination instead.
Description of the exam procedure

Individual 4 hours cased based written exam with helping aids.
Course content and structure

Efficient Consumer Response (ECR) is an Industry-Initiative to reengineer the way business is done in the industry by implementing cooperative strategies between retailer and manufacturer to fulfil consumer wishes better, faster and at less cost. This could be interpreted as the attempt of channelling information, organisation and management to a seamless or borderless supply chain. Some of the central issues of the course are: The concepts of supply chain management within the retail sectors, ECR, grocery industry and fashion industry; collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment, partnering strategies in the retail supply chain, On-Shelf-Availability, Category Management, power and trust controvercies and In-Store logistics.
Teaching methods
Theoretical lectures in combination with exercises and cases. Theoretical lectures aim to frame relevant concepts in supply chain planning and controls and to introduce students to tools and methodologies for design, and planning. Cases and exercises train students in the application of the concepts and methodologies. The teaching method will ensure students involvement and participation. This is achieved by the use of cases, exercises and in class assignments.
Expected literature

Fernie, J./Sparks, L. (eds.) (2009): Logistics & Retail Management, 3rd edition, Kogan Page

Reading list of scientific articles, eg:


Aastrup, J., Kotzab, H., Grant, D., Teller, C. & Bjerre, M. (2008): A model for structuring efficient consumer response measures, in: International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 36, 8, 590-606


Buzzell, R. & Ortmeyer, G. (1995): Channel partnerships streamline distribution, in: Sloan Management Review, 36, 3, 85-96


Fernie,J and Corcoran,L (2011) Responses to out-of-stocks and on-shelf availability in UK fashion retailing. International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, 21 (4) pp 309-322 


Kumar, S (2008): A study of the supermarket industry and its growing logistics capabilities. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management. Vol 36, no 3, pp 192-211.


Dupre, K. and Gruen, T.W. (2004): The use of category management practices to obtain a sustainable competitive advantage in the fast-moving-consumer-goods industry. Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol 19., no. 7, 444-459


Dussart, C (1998): Category Management: Strengths, Limits and Developments. European Management Journal, 16 (1)


Corsten, D & Gruen, T (2003): Desparately seeking shelf availability: an examination of the extent, the causes, and the efforts to address retail out-of-stocks. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 31 (12), pp 605-617.


Hingley, MK (2005): Power to all our friends? Living with imbalance in supplier–retailer relationships. Industrial Marketing Management, 34, 8.
Last updated on 06-08-2013