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2015/2016  KAN-CSCEO1023U  Supply Chain Business Project

English Title
Supply Chain Business Project

Course information
Language English
Course ECTS 7.5 ECTS
Type Mandatory
Level Full Degree Master
Duration One Semester
Start time of the course Spring
Timetable Course schedule will be posted at calendar.cbs.dk
Study board
Study Board for MSc in Economics and Business Administration
Course coordinator
  • Britta Gammelgaard - Department of Operations Management (OM)
Contact information: https:/​/​e-campus.dk/​studium/​kontakt
Main academic disciplines
  • Supply chain management and logistics
Last updated on 07-07-2015
Learning objectives
To achieve the grade 12, students should meet the following learning objectives with no or only minor mistakes or errors: The overall learning objective of the business project is to transform SCM concepts, models and theories into concrete advice and/or problem solutions of importance for businesses. Alternatively, to conduct a project that develops small scale new knowledge of relevance for SCM practice. To do so, the specific learning objectives are the following:
  • Characterize and discuss prevalent methods and methodology in SCM research
  • Identify and discuss a relevant and non-trivial theory or practice based SCM problem
  • Develop and discuss an appropriate research design and methodology for solving a SCM problem
  • Develop a theoretical framework to analyze real-life primary data
  • Critically evaluate results (validity and reliability issues)
  • Develop an action plan for a theory based consultancy project and reflect on implementation issues. Alternatively, generate implications for practice for research projects
  • Manage the project work and external relationships with respondents and project sponsors in a professional way
Examination
Supply Chain Business Project:
Exam ECTS 7,5
Examination form Oral exam based on written product

In order to participate in the oral exam, the written product must be handed in before the oral exam; by the set deadline. The grade is based on an overall assessment of the written product and the individual oral performance.
Individual or group exam Group exam, max. 4 students in the group
Size of written product Max. 40 pages
Assignment type Project
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
20 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-step scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and external examiner
Exam period Spring
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
Description of the exam procedure

The assessment is external and consists of a written report of max. 40 pages per group. At the oral exam the written report is used as basis for the discussion. The final grade for the course is a comprehensive assessment of the written and oral performance.The deadline for submission of the project, which is regarded as examination registration, is stipulated in the programme guidance notes. The make-up/re-examination is in August
Course content and structure

The course consists of two introductory lectures; a written project report and an oral exam based on the report. The first lecture sets out with an introduction and discussion of methodological issues when approaching SCM problems in practice. Next, an overview of methods used in SCM research is presented and discussed. Especially qualitative methods and the data collection process are emphasized. The second lecture will highlight the challenge of getting access to data and collaborating with case companies to reach recommendations for practice. Finally, project management issues are presented and discussed.
 
The project report must contain an introduction with a problem discussion,  research question(s) and research design. In continuation, the methodology must be discussed and accounted for. Development of a theoretical framework and data, analysis then follows, and conclusion plus suggestions of further studies finalises the project. For most projects it will further be relevant to include a proposal for an action plan for management in the case company. Alternatively, implications for practice must be stated. This part of the project is mandatory.
 
Teaching methods
Dialogue lectures and supervision of project work.
Expected literature

Frankel, Robert, Dag Naslund and Yemisi Bolumole (2005): “The “White Space” of Logistics Research: A Look at the Role of Methods Usage”. Journal of Business Logistics, Vol. 26, No. 2, pp. 185-209

 

Gammelgaard, Britta (2004), “Schools in Logistics Research? A Methodology Framework for Analysis of the Discipline”, International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management, vol. 34, no. 6, pp. 479-491.

 

Gardner, John T. and Cooper, Martha C. Cooper (2003), “Strategic Mapping Approaches”,  Journal of Business Logistics, Vol. 24, No. 2, pp. 37-65

 

Mello, John and Daniel Flint (2009), “A refined view of grounded theory and its application to logistics research”, Journal of Business Logistics, Vol. 30, No. 1, pp. 107-125

 

Pedrosa, A.M., Näslund, D., Jasmand, C., (2012), “Logistics case study based research: towards higher quality” International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics management, 42(3), 275-295.

 

Solem, Olav (2003), “Epistemology and Logistics: A Critical Overview”, Systemic Practice and Action Research, vol. 16, no. 6, pp. 437-454.

 

A list of relevant litereature on methodology for SCM business projects and theses is provided.
Last updated on 07-07-2015