Our Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc offers you the opportunity to study for an internationally recognised master's qualification. This part-time supply chain postgraduate course is designed to nurture your practical business skills and confidence. It also places huge emphasis on real-world challenges and industry best practice which you can apply back to your own organisation. It has been co-designed with senior supply chain practitioners and is delivered by one of Europe's largest specialist logistics, procurement, and supply chain management faculties. Students will benefit from a diverse student cohort and our faculty’s direct involvement with global businesses. On completion, graduates will have a deep understanding of contemporary business issues and a capacity to assume active leadership roles. This page is dedicated to students seeking the Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc independent of Apprenticeship Levy funding. If you are looking for more information on our Apprenticeship Levy part-funded routes, please view here.
Overview
- Start date14 October 2024
- DurationTwo years part-time: consists of 10 taught modules delivered over five intensive weeks, plus 2 modules delivered online, a thesis project and an optional international field trip (additional fee).
- DeliveryTaught modules are assessed by a combination of written assignments, exams and group work/presentation. The thesis project is written individually and submitted at the end of the course.
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- ¹û½´ÊÓƵ¹ÙÍø typePart-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Who is it for?
- Supply chain, logistics or procurement managers who want to enhance their skills, knowledge and confidence to take on more demanding executive roles in the future.
- Individuals with business or organisational experience in a non-supply chain area who are intending to move into the supply chain field, or have recently had a change in career track.
- Ambitious professionals who are keen to develop themselves and want a "real-world" education delivered by faculty who are actively engaged with business, and can bring their knowledge to the programme.
Why this course?
- Cranfield School of Management consistently performs well in international business rankings. We are ranked 8th in the UK and 37th in Europe in the Financial Times European Business School 2023 Rankings.
- You will gain an understanding of advanced logistics, procurement and supply chain practices and develop your ability to critically select the tools and techniques that are most relevant to the challenges you are facing.
- You will improve your knowledge and capability to manage and plan supply chains within an overall business environment in an integrated and coordinated way.
- You will taught by faculty who will develop your leadership skills and enable you to provide more effective leadership throughout the supply chain life-cycle.
- You will learn how to carry out independent and robust research that is relevant to your organisation.
- You will have the opportunity to participate in course activities including an international field trip (optional – additional fee).
- On graduation you are eligible for membership of CIPS and CILT, once you have completed three years relevant experience.
The teaching style is very practical and business orientated. Other business schools have a very theoretical curriculum, with Cranfield what you get is a mix between business and professional, so you can quickly apply what you have learnt to your job. I don’t know of anywhere else where you get such a mix of people and can cross pollenate ideas.
Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Executive) is a course that I would recommend to everyone who works in supply chain, because it’s a very business-orientated course and it can help you understand the theoretical part as well as the business part of logistics and supply chain management.
It has been really good to work with a mix of people with a mix of backgrounds. They all work at different levels in multinationals and other companies and they all have a different viewpoint and they all have experience. It’s been really good to bounce my experiences with their experiences.
We have already started making some improvements within my team and my area. We have already seen some early benefits from how we manage stock and how we manage the supply chain.
For me, what I love about the programme is that you cover everything you need to know about logistics and supply chain operations from warehousing, freight and sourcing to re-designing and networking a supply chain. It’s very broad based and it gives you a lot of options to specialise in any of those areas.
The use of case studies, real business world examples, complex simulations and the work-based experiential sharing from group tasks makes the program very engaging and helps to reinforce the application of principles and theoretical concepts taught in class.
Throughout the course, the modules each had their own learning approach. The course allowed some hands-on simulation experiences which were great for engaging with fellow students, but also for learning the positives and negatives of each supply chain or business approach. The lecturers have a fantastic academic knowledge of their subjects, but also real-life examples aplenty from projects in industry.
The course has led me onto a new role now in Demand Planning which I’m really enjoying. My role now involves speaking to multiple market segments on a global basis to determine forecasted market trends, which feed into our strategy and supply chain functions. I enjoy this role as I not only get to speak to people from around the world, I learn the challenges and nuances that are occurring in different markets.
Informed by Industry
This course is supported by Cranfield's world-leading faculty, research centres and strong connections with industry. Our faculty team work closely with our advisory board of senior supply chain professionals from global organisations and leading academics from the Cranfield Centre for Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Their experience and advice drives the continued development of this established course ensuring that it is relevant for today’s global supply chain environment. Comprising leading figures from the world of supply chain management, it recommends additions and amendments to the course to reinforce its relevance to the modern logistics, procurement and supply chain decisions and practices. Our faculty is also supported by a diverse team of international visiting industry speakers and professors.
Course details
This MSc course comprises of 12 intensive taught modules with an optional international field trip (additional fee), and a thesis project. 10 of the 12 taught modules are taught at Cranfield and two modules (Warehousing and Analytical Techniques for Supply Chain Management) are taught online. You will have the opportunity to complete a number of supply chain, logistics and procurement simulation games based on real-life business challenges. You will also complete an individual thesis project providing you with an opportunity to investigate an area of particular interest to you and your organisation.
Students undertaking the Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) complete the 12 compulsory modules. Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert) students are required to study the Supply Chain Strategy and Sustainability module plus 5 of the 12 compulsory modules only.
Course delivery
Taught modules are assessed by a combination of written assignments, exams and group work/presentation. The thesis project is written individually and submitted at the end of the course.
Individual project
Your individual thesis project provides you with an opportunity to investigate an area of particular interest to you and your organisation. You will also have the opportunity to develop your capability to carry out research combining organisational and academic perspectives. You may wish to address a particular problem that your business is facing and create real value for your organisation. Each year, EFESO Consulting awards a prize for the best thesis.
Course modules
Compulsory modules
All the modules in the following list need to be taken as part of this course.
Supply Chain Strategy and Sustainability
Aim |
This module is intended to provide you with a sound foundation to the course by introducing the main concepts and principles that underpin Logistics and Supply Chain Management, including the important issue of sustainability. It presents the fundamental principles of contemporary logistics and supply chain management within a business context. This unit will explore the ways in which good practice in these fields can contribute to achieving sustainable competitive advantage. Overarching aspects of Supply chain sustainability are explored, such as corporate responsibility and ethics. Further the Global Supply Chain Game will enable students to understand through an interactive and competitive business game the principles of building an efficient global sourcing and supply chain under conditions of uncertainty so as to achieve high levels of profit and product availability. Global marketplaces are characterised by shortening product life cycles, increasing product variety, and highly variable demand that is difficult to forecast. The module explores how the competitive landscape is constantly changing, and the role of logistics and supply chain management in meeting the challenges raised. Research from Cranfield faculty is integrated with our own case studies, originating from a network of companies in a range of sectors to demonstrate particular concepts around agile and lean supply chains. |
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Syllabus |
The module comprises the following content: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Principles of Strategic Procurement
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Aim |
The course will explore the subject of procurement and supply in the industrial and commercial context, explaining its role and purpose within the supply chain. Students will learn how procurement has developed, the skills and information needed by procurement professionals, the academic theory and knowledge accumulated on the subject area and the use of specific tools and techniques employed in managing the procurement function. In addition we will explore and use some of the recently emerged technologies within e-procurement which are designed to improve both process and cost management. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should:
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Accounting and Finance for Supply Chain Management
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Aim |
The aim of the Accounting and Finance module is to introduce a number of traditional and contemporary accounting approaches that will increase the visibility of financial information and support management decision making. |
Syllabus |
The module has four main themes: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Analytical Techniques for Supply Chain Management
Module Leader |
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Aim |
Managerial decisions in logistics and supply chain management are heavily based on quantitative analysis using models from the management science discipline. Data, models, and available software have dramatically changed the operations in manufacturing, services, and logistics sectors. The module aims to provide students with an introduction to the role and the relevance of analytical techniques in logistics and supply chain management. From simple graphs to deterministic and stochastic optimisation models, it offers transferable skills to use associated techniques for the practice of these disciplines. Students will develop the ability to model and solve realistic decision problems in the context of logistics and supply chain management. This process will be facilitated by spreadsheet-based software packages where the students will have an opportunity to build their own spreadsheet models with emphasis on appropriate application of methods and interpretation of model outputs. |
Syllabus |
This module will cover: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
This module is distinctive because it provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience of quantitative tools and techniques to solve realistic supply chain problems using appropriate software tools. |
Freight Transport
Aim |
The Freight Transport module provides a sound foundation in road, rail, air and sea freight transport. The focus is primarily from a user perspective in order to provide a logistics and supply chain management viewpoint. However, in road freight, the module also covers more detailed fleet management and operational aspects, recognising that many organisations operate their own road transport fleets but also reflecting the importance of road freight as the primary inland freight mode in most geographies for national and urban freight traffic. |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Inventory and Operations Management
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Aim |
To provide comprehensive overview of the role of operations in the organisation’s collaborative/constructive working environment, business models and performance, within the overall context of supply chain management/external environment, and enable them to analyse and design effective supply chain operations with the ultimate goal to improve the match between demand and supply. |
Syllabus |
The module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Project Management Introduction
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This is an introduction to the subject. However, it is our contention that projects are the building blocks of strategy. Also, the module provides a logical and simple process by which students may approach their own modules and objectives, and may well be a valuable source of confidence for taking on major elective projects later in the year. Project Management Introduction (PMI) demonstrates how management respects no boundaries (either in terms of functional silos – departments, etc. or theoretical disciplines). PMI provides additional opportunities to practice personal communication skills, and generally the module provides a basis for personal development and increased confidence and self-awareness. |
Syllabus |
The module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Information Systems and eBusiness
Module Leader |
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Aim |
To provide theoretical and practical knowledge about: |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Physical Network Design
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The heart of any logistics and supply chain operation is its physical network. The location of factories, distribution centres, suppliers, customers and so forth and the means by which they are linked, fundamentally affects the efficiency with which an organisation’s network operates. This module aims to introduce the concepts and techniques of network theory and analysis and use these to demonstrate how physical networks are designed, redesigned and optimised and how current supply chain trends and challenges are influencing this design. All aspects of the module are illustrated by the use of practical examples, ranging from manual calculations through to computerised network optimisation software. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Warehousing
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The module provides a thorough grounding in the role and operation of warehouses including the range of storage and handling equipment, the design of warehouses and the use of information technology. It emphasises on the strategic use of methods to analyse the wide range of available options. Additionally, the module focuses on developing the students’ ability to discern and use appropriate warehouse design techniques. This module is taught in light of the wider context of an organisation’s supply chain strategy and, thus, equips students with the means to tackle the warehousing aspects of complex supply chain problems. |
Syllabus |
The module covers: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should have:
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Strategic Management
Aim |
Strategic Management is concerned with the future direction of the organisation; determining its scope, establishing objectives and formulating strategies to achieve them. In order to do this, leaders must understand the needs and priorities of the organisation’s stakeholders, anticipate and react to changes in the organisation's environment and harness and develop the organisation’s internal resources and capabilities. The overriding aim of this module is to build students confidence in undertaking these activities, so that as leaders they can form and communicate a credible and believable view of their organisation’s future direction and scope. |
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Syllabus |
The module will cover: |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Applied Organisational Behaviour
Module Leader |
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Aim |
Organisations are run by and for people, and the success or failure of an organisation depends on the people in that organisation. It is rarely an absence of planning that causes organisational difficulties; rather it is the failure of management in understanding and managing complex personal and interpersonal systems that can lead to significant problems. Similarly, an acute and critical understanding of these dynamic relationships can lead to profound and enduring success and benefit for the individual, the team, the organisation and wider society. Success in management, particularly at senior levels in organisations, depends on understanding organisations, the people in them and the relationship between the internal and external environments within which they exist, and in ensuring that they work effectively. In this module students will be introduced to various aspects of people and organisations. This module combines models, theories and ideas from organisational behaviour, psychology, and sociology in order to provide students with a basic understanding in recognising, understanding and utilising what has been termed the "human factor" in organisations; including ways of conceptualising organisations and how people behave within them. This module is served as an introduction; further suggestions of reading and of consequent activities will be provided. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff. As a result, they may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have detailed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
International field trip (optional)
You will have the unique opportunity to experience a differing economic region in the world from a logistics and supply chain perspective. The international field trip (optional – additional fee) will give you first-hand experience of how supply strategies in this region are influenced by different pressures (both internal and external). You will also gain a rich understanding of the differences between logistics and supply chain practices.
The valuable opportunity to engage in meaningful discussion and debate with a wide variety of logistics experts in a differing market will serve you well when you return to your organisation. The field trip will combine site visits with talks, lectures and presentations covering contemporary regional logistics and economic issues.
Companies previously visited on the field trips include; Walls (Unilever), Philips Lighting, DHL, Maersk Logistics, DKSH, Yang Shang Port, Li & Fung, Coca-Cola, Flextronics, Caterpillar and COSCO.
Teaching team
Cranfield boasts one of Europe's largest specialist logistics, procurement and supply chain management faculties, and is renowned as a centre of excellence in this field. Our full-time faculty team is supported by a diverse team of international visiting industry speakers and professors. The Course Director for this course is Dr Ismail Abushaikha.
Accreditation
Our Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc is accredited by The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport and The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. Upon completion of this course, you will be eligible for full membership of both institutes, once you have completed three years of relevant work experience.
Please note the accreditations apply to the MSc award only. The PgDip and PgCert do not meet in full the further learning requirements for these accreditations.
Your career
The Cranfield Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc will enhance your supply chain management skills, knowledge and confidence, enabling you to develop your career and take on more demanding projects and roles in the future. The broad course content will allow you to bring the latest academic insights and industry best practice back to your own organisation, or to apply your knowledge from the course to a wide variety of roles and industries.
How to apply
Our students do not always fit traditional academic or career paths. We consider this to be a positive aspect of diversity, not a hurdle. We are looking for a body of professional learners who have a wide range of experiences to share. If you are unsure of your suitability for our Executive Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc programme we are happy to review your details and give you feedback before you make a formal application. You can also contact Dr Ismail Abushaikha Course Director, for more information about the course and your application: Ismail.Abushaikha@cranfield.ac.uk
To apply you will need to register to use our online system. Once you have set up an account you will be able to create, save and amend your application form before submitting it.
Once your online application has been submitted together with your supporting documentation, it will be processed by our admissions team. You will then be advised by email if you are successful, unsuccessful, or whether the course director would like to interview you before a decision is made. Applicants based outside of the UK may be interviewed either by telephone or video conference.
Read our Application Guide for a step-by-step explanation of the application process from pre-application through to joining us at Cranfield.
Applications for apprenticeship routes have to come via the . Apprenticeship applications received via the application button on this page will not be processed.
Application deadline: 16 September 2024