The Question
Critically evaluate how effective logistics and materials management can contribute to an organisation’s competitive advantage.
Key Words:
Competitive Advantage
Logistics and Materials Management
Organisation
This assignment requires you to demonstrate your understanding of the wider role that logistics plays within the micro and macro environment of organisations.
You should consider the economical, social and environmental impacts, positive and negative associated with supply chain disruption within the context of the logistic industry.
Higher marks will be awarded where a practical application and critique of the academic theory is displayed.
It should be interesting, challenging-even controversial-and must be underpinned by appropriate theory and evidence.
You are not expected to undertake any primary research to complete this task
This assignment requires you to critically evaluate the literature within a controlled and relevant discussion.
A key element of this assignment is a demonstration of the students’ ability to apply theory to practice.
You must carefully consider and reference the academic theory. Be sure to reference all the literature and secondary data that you use. Use the University’s Guide to Harvard Referencing to make sure your in-text referencing and reference lists are applied and formatted correctly.
You should provide examples to support your discussion which may be taken from experience, published case studies or from academic debate. Be sure to reference appropriately
Word count 2,500 +/- 10%
Subject knowledge 30 marks
Research & Discussion of Theory 30 marks
Application of Theory 30 marks
Presentation 10 marks
Use of theories, models or frameworks from established, core texts (reading list)
E.g. Porter’s value chain, Porter’s generic strategy, the Bullwhip effect, lean and agile, SCOR.
Use of module indicative content.
Demonstrates to the reader that the topic is understood with full explanations of theory and concepts.
Do not assume the reader has prior knowledge.
Relevance – ensure the question is answered and do not go off topic.
Constantly review your work and check that each paragraph contributes in some way to the answering of the question.
Research & Discussion of Theory 30 Marks
Reference credible literature:
Established, core textbooks
Journal articles
Credible online references
Where author is identified
Non biased sources (industry magazines, journals – if using organisational websites, they will promote the organisation so are biased, seek an alternative view for balance)
Credible newspapers – Traditional broadsheet such as The Guardian, Financial Times, The Times, The Daily Telegraph
Slidshare X, Tutor4U X , Wikipedia etc X (these sources are not reliable)
Discussion – not just descriptive but discursive with contrasting perspectives:
Benefits, challenges, advantages, disadvantages
Draw conclusions with justification
Application of Theory 30 Marks
Link theory and topic area to industry and organisations:
What contexts does the theory apply to?
What examples can be used?
Which organisations demonstrate use of theory and concepts? E.g. Toyota and Lean are synonymous
Are there any examples where theory does not apply or doesn’t work? Justify arguments.
(Ideas)
Introduction
Definition of Competitive Advantage (Research Porter’s generic strategies)
Definition of Logistics and Materials Management or Supply Chain Management
The Importance of good Logistics and Materials Managament.
Main Body:
Why is effective logistics and materials management so important to organisations?
How is logistics and materials management linked to the strategy and operational efficiency of organisations? (Value Chain)
What important concepts and initiatives are involved in effective logistics and materials management? (SCOR etc.)
How does effective logistics and materials management contribute to competitive advantage?
Context, industrial examples, organisational examples.
Conclusion:
Summarise key findings and arguments
Revert back to question and explain how assignment answers it.
Do not include new arguments and information not considered previously in assignment.
Requirements to pass;
Literature research
Need to demonstrate an in-depth study of the topic has been undertaken
Range of sources – include books, journal articles, business news articles
Industry sectors have been looked at
Up to date sources (within 10 years) have been used as well as past research.
Need to evaluate the literature
Compare and contrast researchers views and findings
Discuss advantages and disadvantages and offer a balanced discussion.
Utilise both academic and practitioner perceptions
Show ability to relate concepts and ideas to actual examples
Presentation –
Essay Format
grammar and spelling need to be correct,
the assignment needs to flow well
Referencing all research materials, stick to one format for referencing
Write in the 3rd person
If you can please Harvard reference with the Website links included I would really appreciate it, thank you in advance
