Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains

Module title	Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains
Module code	ENSM013
Academic year	2025/6
Credits	15
Module staff	Dr Lavanya Meherishi (Convenor)

Duration: Term	1	2	3
Duration: Weeks		10	10

Number students taking module (anticipated)	100

Module description

As firms integrate more closely within global supply chains, managing upstream and downstream risks and opportunities becomes crucial. Success depends on addressing the triple bottom line (i.e., economic, environmental, and social dimensions) of supply chains. This module equips you to tackle these challenges, consolidating concepts and methods essential for achieving sustainable development goals in supply chains. The module will also introduce case studies to further understand sustainable operations and supply chains, providing valuable insights grounded in the latest industry practices and academic research. This preparation will enable you to develop and manage sustainable supply chains effectively. This module is vital for those aiming to lead in sustainable business practices.

This module is suitable for non-specialist students. This module is recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.

Module aims - intentions of the module

This module aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of sustainability principles within supply chains, focusing on the balance between economic, environmental, and social performance. It covers the entire supply chain journey—from raw material extraction and supplier management to production, distribution, and end-user engagement. The course integrates key sustainability frameworks and aims to equip you with theoretical knowledge, tools, and skills to assess, design, and manage sustainable supply chains, fostering value creation for business, society, and environment. Upon completion, you will be able to identify, evaluate, and develop solutions for real-world sustainability challenges within supply chains.

Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)

ILO: Module-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

1. Understand and evaluate the need for sustainability in operations and supply chains. M2, M3
2. Demonstrate the ability to use suitable methods to evaluate and develop sustainable supply chain designs M3, M5, M6.

ILO: Discipline-specific skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

3. Understand the key elements of Sustainability, Circular Economy, and Closed-Loop supply chains within the broader Operations and Supply Chain Management framework. M7
4. Analyse business needs and identify suitable approaches to meet sustainability requirements. M13

ILO: Personal and key skills

On successfully completing the module you will be able to...

5. Illustrate teamwork skills, initiative, and responsibility through group work and problem-solving. M16
6. Demonstrate skills in presenting work to technical and non-technical audiences. M17

Syllabus plan

Introduction to sustainability in operations and supply chains
Sustainable Supply Chain Strategies and Business Models
Environmental and Economic Aspects of Sustainability
Social and Ethical Aspects of Sustainability
Role of technology in Sustainable Operations and Supply Chains
Sustainability Impact Assessment methods
Policy, Regulations, and Global Trends in Sustainability
Implementation and Future of Sustainable Supply Chains
Sustainability Strategies and Business Models

Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)

Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	Guided independent study	Placement / study abroad
22	128	0

Details of learning activities and teaching methods

Category	Hours of study time	Description
Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities	22	Lectures
Guided Independent Study	128	Individual Study, lecture and Assessment Preparation, Group project Work, Wider Reading

Formative assessment

Form of assessment	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Not applicable

Summative assessment (% of credit)

Coursework	Written exams	Practical exams
25	75	0

Details of summative assessment

Form of assessment	% of credit	Size of the assessment (eg length / duration)	ILOs assessed	Feedback method
Written Exam (Closed Book)	75	2 hours	1-3	Exam Marks
Coursework (Group projects and Presentations)	25	1.5 hours	2, 4-6	Written and Verbal

Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)

Original form of assessment	Form of re-assessment	ILOs re-assessed	Timescale for re-assessment
Written exam	Written exam (2 hours, 75%)	1-3	Referral/deferral period
Coursework (group projects and presentations)	Coursework (individual project) (25%)	2, 4-6	Referral/deferral period

Re-assessment notes

For deferred candidates, the mark will be uncapped. For referred candidates, the mark will be capped at 50.

Indicative learning resources - Basic reading

Yann Bouchery, Charles J. Corbett, Jan C. Fransoo, Tarkan Tan, Sustainable Supply Chains: A Research-Based Textbook on Operations and Strategy, 2^nd, Springer, 9783031455650
Melanie e. Kreye, Sustainable operations and Supply Chain management, 1^st, Taylor & Francis group, 9781032384368
Catherine Weetman, A Circular Economy Handbook: How to Build a More Resilient, Competitive, and Sustainable Business, 2^nd, Korean page, 9781789665314
Natalia Yakovleva, Regina Frei, Sudhir Rama Murthy, Sustainable Development Goals and Sustainable Supply Chains in the Post-global Economy, 2019, Springer, 9783030150662

Key words search

Sustainable supply chains, Circular Economy, Carbon Foot printing

Credit value	15
Module ECTS	7.5
Module pre-requisites	None.
Module co-requisites	None.
NQF level (module)	7
Available as distance learning?	No
Origin date	20/06/2024
Last revision date	07/04/2025