MODULE CODE: B3138

LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (LSCM)

SESSION 2020/21 – DIET 1

Aims of the Module/Assessment:

 To facilitate students’ appreciation of the strategic and competitive importance of

Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) in modern businesses and of
LSCM’s underpinning role in high-performing companies.
 To develop students’ critical understanding of methods, approaches and resources
that drive LSCM excellence, promoting companies better to compete in dynamic
markets both domestically and internationally.

The learning outcomes assessed in this assignment include the student’s ability to:

 demonstrate a solid understanding of the different types of strategic impact and the
ways to add value that can be facilitated through enhanced LSCM capabilities
 understand the crucial importance of supply partnerships, communications,
technology and collaborative practices in driving supply chain excellence and
capability
 realise the benefits and associated risks of international supply chains which offer
different types of goods/services and are operating in a variety of challenging
contexts
 appreciate the increasing importance of LSCM as a “value adding” process and
potentially a Unique Selling Point (USP) for companies as they strive to delight their
Customers and beat their competition
 explore the relevance and interdependence of the LSCM functional activities in the
supply chain, such as Procurement, Manufacturing Operations, Corporate Affairs,
Warehousing and Distribution, and Customer fulfillment.
 understand the impact and business implications that an effective and professional
run LSCM can have on the outcomes for the “triple bottom line” of the Company.

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Assessment Medium: Business Report
If not submitted in this format >10 marks will be
deducted.

Word Limit: 3,000 words (+10%) in the report (does not include
appendices)

Number of References: Minimum of 20 academic sources

Format: Typed report, (using Arial 11with1.5 line spacing)

Referencing: QMU Harvard referencing system

(as QMU Write & Cite)

Submission medium: Electronic submission via GradeMark

Weighting: 100%

Anonymous Marking: Yes

Submission Date: 11th December 2020 at 4pm

Submission Grademark DropBox only.

Student Matric # must be on the front cover.

1 The Assessment:

1.1 Background & Context

Traditionally, LSCM was seen as a function that basically transported and stored goods
until the Customer wanted them.

In the current, dynamic and highly competitive business environment that most Fast
Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies operate within, LSCM is being increasingly
recognised as a “value adding” strategic business function.

Going forward LSCM is widely accepted as an area where Customers can be won,
retained and developed if the function is:
a) an integral part of the Company’s business strategy
b) executed in a professional and progressive manner.

In the past 10 years, the exploitation of the internet and social media capabilities has
witnessed significant enhancements and changes in the ways of working within the LSCM
arena that is primarily focused on the ‘end to end’ Customer experience.
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1.2 The Assessment Question

“Consider that you are a Logistics & Supply Chain manager of an international
FMCG company. (Company of your choice).

Your company are seeking to significantly grow their business over the next 5 years
by being much more Customer centric. They fully recognise that being professional
and proficient in the LSCM function is vital to delivering that strategic goal.

Your boss (Supply Director) has asked you to write a business report on the future
direction of your LSCM function”.

1.3 Suggested Structure:

1.3.1 Introduction (c250 words)

 The basic structure and direction of the business report should be explained.

 Outline the business report’s focus and the expected key outcomes.

 An overview of the industry sector the FMCG company (that you have chosen)
operates within.

1.3.2 Theory
“What would you do and why” (c1,200 words)

 Explore the 3 essential elements of a solid LSCM function, explaining why they are
indeed ‘essential’ and analysing what should be done to ensure these specific
elements are embedded and developed properly as an integral part of the
company’s LSCM strategy.

 Appraise the 5 LSCM enablers that promote professionalism and confidence in the
function, secure respect from the wider company and its supply partners. Explain
which of these enablers you consider are key to success and appropriate in the
competitive dynamic business environment.

1.3.3 Chosen Company

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 A profile of the Industry sector and FMCG company you have chosen to support and help
illustrate your position. (c250 words)

 The company, its products, its competitors, its markets, the core LSCM practices it
operates and the major business challenges it faces going into the future.

1.3.4 Practice
“What results should be expected and what do we need to watch out for?” (c1,200 words)

 Drawing from current relevant examples, critically analyse what is it like in reality
when companies deploy the LSCM essentials properly and utilise some/all of the
enablers to make their LSCM function a vital part of the company’s strategic
performance, a “value creator” for the business and a prime reason why Customers
are gained and retained.

 Drawing from current relevant examples critically analyse what is it like in reality
when “things do not go to plan” and what can be done to mitigate these failures and
the potential negative outcomes.

1.3.5 Conclusion (c150 words)

The 3 significant outcomes from this business report that you wish to draw the Supply
Director’s attention to.

1.3.6 Reference list

1.3.7 Appendices

1.4 Indicative Answer: elements to consider

1.4.1 Introduction
A good introduction is informative, engaging and delivered with pace. It sets the
tone and delivers the essence of the report, perhaps adding some “controversy” to
encourage the reader to embrace the following contents.

Please do not provide an executive summary

1.4.2 Theory
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 From your study and understanding of the module, articulate how the 3 essential
elements of LSCM should be managed and the impact & implications these will
have on current performance, future direction and success of the whole business.

There are 5 enablers that support successful LSCM, determine which of these (all
or some) are the most important and why. Ask the question…what would the
company do if these were not included?

Most FMCG companies operate in a very dynamic, challenging and competitive

marketplace. Explore which LSCM attributes can make them “Simpler-Faster-
Better” than their competitive set, allow them to be sustainable and meet the
expectations of their stakeholders, shareholders and Customers.

1.4.3 FMCG Company

Give a profile of a current recognised FMCG company that you are familiar with.
Explain the main facts and characteristics about the company.
Explain the factors that influence its current position with its employees, its financial
standing, its competitors, in the community and with its Customers.

1.4.4 Practice
Mirror the essentials and enablers mentioned in the theory section demonstrating
good practice in each and what this results in when it all goes to plan.

Equally consider when these factors do not work out as they should, what went
wrong and what they have learned from this for the future.

1.4.5 Conclusions
With only c150 words, this closing section is designed to be succinct and to the
point.
Bullets are a good way to express these key outcomes.

Please do not give recommendations.

1.4.6 Reference list

Use the suggested text books, recommended periodicals, internet articles from
trusted sources, company records and commentary.

Please do not quote individual lectures or lecturers’ opinions.

1.4.7 Appendices

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 With the limited word count, this business report must be supported by appendices
that add value, add additional information, add relevant detail and substance that
make your point more compelling.

The use of academic frameworks is particularly of relevance in the theory section.

Logistics & Supply Chain Management B3138

Assessment Report: Diet 1 Marks & feedback

Matriculation #: _________________ Overall Mark: _________

%

Criteria
Introduction.
Theoretical knowledge & content
Applies the relevant LSCM theories
& provides evidence of research &
exploration across a broad range of
academic articles.
Company profile
Provides a sound & relevant
reflection of the company’s positions
& challenges in the current business
environment.
Practical knowledge & content.
Critically analyses the reality of
LSCM in action in FMCG.
Demonstrates a good grasp of how
LSCM works in the dynamic &
challenging business environment.
Conclusion
Concise & relevant to the report
Overall presentation & appendices
Clear, uncluttered, easy to read &
follow.
Good use of appendices to help
explain/emphasise the point.
Comments % mark
Is well structured, informative and engaging.
Delivered with pace and focus.
Sets the tone and style for the report. 10%
Addresses the question.
Considers the essentials & enablers for the
LSCM function to perform effectively &
demonstrates. Understands where these can 30%
add value & make an FMCG company be
much more Customer centric.
Interrogates key metrics & provides insights
into the company’s current performance &
future outlook.
10%
Understands the practicalities involved in
LSCM in the current demanding environment.
Uses real life business examples to good 30%
effect.
Demonstrates the positive & negative impact
& implications.
Delivers the 3 core messages from the
report. 10%
Follows the submission guidelines.
Business report style.
Appropriate quality & use of supporting
appendices. 10%

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1st Marker Date

Moderator Date