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2020/2021  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
  • Juliana Hsuan - Department of Operations Management (OM)
Main academic disciplines
  • Supply chain management and logistics
Teaching methods
  • Face-to-face teaching
Last updated on 14/12/2020

Relevant links
Learning objectives
  • Characterize and discuss prevalent methods and methodology in SCM/OM research
  • Identify and discuss a relevant and non-trivial theory or practice based SCM/OM problem
  • Develop and discuss an appropriate research design and methodology for solving a SCM/OM 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
  • Write a well-structured scientific paper
Prerequisites for registering for the exam (activities during the teaching period)
Number of compulsory activities which must be approved (see s. 13 of the Programme Regulations): 1
Compulsory home assignments
The student must get 1 out of 2 assignments or activities approved in order to attend the ordinary exam.

Examination form: Home assignment - Synopsis
Individual or group exam: Group exam
Number of students in the group: 2-4
The student should write a synopsis based on the group project (maximum 3 pages per group).

Examination form: Oral presentation
Individual or group exam: Group exam
Number of students in the group: 2-4

Students will not have extra opportunities to get the required number of compulsory activities approved prior to the ordinary exam. If a student has not received approval of the required number of compulsory activities or has been ill, the student cannot participate in the ordinary exam.
If a student prior to the retake is still missing approval for the required number of compulsory activities and meets the pre-conditions set out in the program regulations, an extra assignment is possible.
The extra assignment is a 10 page home assignment that will cover the required number of compulsory activities. If approved, the student will be able to attend retake.
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 Oral group exam based on written group product
Number of people in the group 2-4
Size of written product Max. 40 pages
Assignment type Project
Duration
Written product to be submitted on specified date and time.
15 min. per student, including examiners' discussion of grade, and informing plus explaining the grade
Grading scale 7-point grading scale
Examiner(s) Internal examiner and external examiner
Exam period Spring
Make-up exam/re-exam
Same examination form as the ordinary exam
* if a student is absent from the oral exam due to documented illness but has handed in the written group product she/he does not have to submit a new product for the re-take. However the group product must be uploaded once again on Digital Exam.
* if a whole group fails the oral exam they must hand in a revised product for the re-take.
* if one student in the group fails the oral exam the course coordinator chooses whether the student will have the oral exam on the basis of the same product or if he/she has to hand in a revised product for the re- take.
Description of the exam procedure

All groups will receive supervision. The number of supervision hours will be announced in the beginning of the course.
Course content, structure and pedagogical approach

The overall learning objective of the business project is to transform supply chain management (SCM) and operations management (OM) concepts, models and theories into concrete advise and/or problem solutions of importance for businesses. Alternatively, to conduct a project that develops small scale new knowledge of relevance for SCM/OM theory and/or practice.

 

The course consists of two introductory lectures, a peer feedback seminar, 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/OM problems in practice. Next, an overview of methods used in SCM/OM 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, research methodology (including data collection and analysis) then follows, and conclusion plus suggestions of further studies finalizes 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.
Description of the teaching methods
Lectures on research methodology will prepare the students to work on their business projects. They will receive additional guidance from their supervisors.
Feedback during the teaching period
The students will receive feedback during the writing process from their supervisors. In addition, there will be a peer-feedback seminar, where the students will receive additional feedback from their fellow students and the course coordinator.
Student workload
Introductory lectures and preparation 20 hours
Project work and supervision 130 hours
Exam and exam preparation 56 hours
Expected literature

Main Textbook:

 

Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornhill, A. (2016) Research Methods for Business Students. 8th Edition, Pearson.

 

Additional literature:

 

Kovacs, G. and Spens, K.M. (2006) “Abductive reasoning in logistics research”, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol 35 No.2, pp. 132-144.

 

Coughlan, P. and Coghlan, D. (2002) “Action research for operations management”, International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 220-240.

 

Voss, C. Tsikriktsis, N. and Frohlich, M. (2002) "Case research in operations management", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. 22 Issue: 2, pp.195-219.

 

Yin, R. (1994). Case Study Research. Sage Publications, Beverly Hills, CA.

 

Ketokivi, M. and Choi, T. (2014) “Renaissance of case research as a scientific method”, Journal of Operations Management, Vol. 32, pp. 232-240.
Last updated on 14/12/2020