K2023906024

2023/906024/07

SCHOOL OF MANAGEMENT, IT & GOVERNANCE

WESTVILLE CAMPUS

COURSE OUTLINE
MODULE AND CODE: Advanced Purchasing and Operations Management
(SCMA7AO)
MODULE INFORMATION NQF level: 8
NQF credits: 16
YEAR: 2025- Semester 1
PROGRAMME: Bachelor of Commerce (SCM Honours 2025)
LECTURER AND ADMINISTRATORS' DETAILS:
LECTURER: Dr Eric D. Ncube
Email address: [email protected]

Lectures: Tuesday 09:00 to 12:30 at the J5 / online

Consultation Times:
Since we have no face to face classes, I suggest that you email me regarding any queries that you
may have. If necessary I can set up a Zoom meeting to meet with you.
Since this is a small class, please nominate a class rep who can liaise with me regarding any generic
issues in this module, rather than dealing with individual students. Further, I suggest that the class
rep set up a WhatsApp group as this is a useful mode of communication.
ADMINISTRATOR
Ms Volente Rushin
M Block ( Administrators section)

[email protected]

1 WELCOME
The School of Management IT and Governance welcomes students to the module
Advanced Purchasing and Operations Management. We trust that the information provided
in this course outline will provide you with the right guidance in your studies and
assessments and contribute to the successful completion of this module.

2. PURPOSE AND USE OF THIS COURSE OUTLINE

The purpose of this course outline is to provide students with important administrative,
organisational and module information as a frame of reference and map to guide the
students in their planning and preparation for this module during this semester.

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This module will be delivered on-line (unless we are instructed by UKZN that face to
face classes will resume). You will be provided with a learning guide, lecture slides,
YouTube clips and notes which will be uploaded on Moodle. This and other learning
material, assessments and activities comprise an inclusive and integrated learning
experience aimed at achieving the outcomes of this module. All assessments will be
completed via Moodle. You are strongly recommended to purchase the prescribed
textbook.

There is usually a one weekly three lecture hour session (four x 45-minute lectures)
during face to face lecturing. We will meet once a week via Zoom. It will be up to you
read the relevant chapter before we meet. Attendance at Zoom meetings is vital, as the
aim of these meetings is to allow for more guidance and direction regarding the scope of
the module, and allow for meaningful engagements. This is expected to facilitate an in-
depth understanding of the core issues covered in this module.

Zoom attendance will be monitored for every meeting.

Times of Zoom meetings are as follows:

Meeting detail s: Eric Dumisani Ncube is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: SCMA7AO
Time: Feb 11, 2025 08:30 AM Johannesburg
Every week on Tue, until Jul 1, 2025, 21 occurrence(s)
Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Weekly: https://ukzn.zoom.us/meeting/tJYoce6qpjIpGNLUD6RluQV9kf5K0OB2_e9e/
ics?icsToken=DK8HOksQtXj25PGivgAALAAAANsNE-
RHhbM810YK2OotJnM8QcyerwQLs0tBg5k1Dm1rLxnopqMqZd3YZexp0ogOKM2tqr
N_9HFElMFg7TAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=DidfVcf0Q1-Ee-a-xIVSv
Join Zoom Meeting
https://ukzn.zoom.us/j/92567289326?pwd=eH7s4z62lf9kMOUV0pvwPUJigd20XQ.1

Meeting ID: 925 6728 9326

Passcode: 735688

---

Join by SIP
• [email protected]

---

Join by H.323
• 144.195.19.161 (US West)
• 206.247.11.121 (US East)
• 115.114.131.7 (India Mumbai)

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• 115.114.115.7 (India Hyderabad)
• 159.124.15.191 (Amsterdam Netherlands)
• 159.124.47.249 (Germany)
• 159.124.104.213 (Australia Sydney)
• 159.124.74.212 (Australia Melbourne)
• 170.114.180.219 (Singapore)
• 64.211.144.160 (Brazil)
• 159.124.132.243 (Mexico)
• 159.124.168.213 (Canada Toronto)
• 159.124.196.25 (Canada Vancouver)
• 170.114.194.163 (Japan Tokyo)
• 147.124.100.25 (Japan Osaka)

Meeting ID: 925 6728 9326

Passcode: 735688

Tuesday: 09;00 to 12:30

We are aware of the high data usage during Zoom meetings, so these will be kept short,
unless otherwise required.

All online tests, group presentations, assessments and continuous assessments will be
held during the lecture timetable.

3. INTRODUCTION
Advanced Purchasing and Operations Management is one of the four core modules (+ 2
electives) of the programme for students majoring in supply chain management. It is
offered in the first semester of the degree. It is designed to prepare students to gain
insight into how procurement and operations impact on the supply chain and all the
processes of a business and its supply chain partners.

The purpose of the module is to extend learners with a greater understanding and working
knowledge of supply chain strategy, planning, operations and procurement from a
strategic perspective. This module is intended for any potential supply chain manager and
to provide an understanding of the role and importance of operations management and
procurement within an organization

This module aims to teach the advanced principles and strategies of purchasing and
operations management. It includes topics such as: Understanding the Supply Chain;
Supply chain Performance; Supply chain Drivers and Metrics; Designing the Supply
Chain Network; Planning and Coordinating Demand and Supply in a Supply Chain;
Sourcing Decisions in the Supply Chain; Pricing and Revenue Management in a Supply
Chain; Sustainability and the Supply Chain; and Negotiation.

Some introductory points:

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 Please use the module as an opportunity to co-operate with one another rather than to
compete.
 You are encouraged to use the knowledge you have learned previously in operations
management, logistics and procurement in your written work.
 The assignment topics are deliberately general and you can decide on the emphasis.
By all means discuss emphasis and structure with me.

MODULE OUTCOMES AND ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Module learning outcomes Assessment purpose Assessment methods

At the end of this module The Student should be able to:
you should be able to do the
following:
 Demonstrate your ability The group and individual
to apply the principles, assignment will require students to Group assignment, individual
roles, systems and collect and analyse secondary data assignments and examination
strategic issues of supply and use referencing methods. The
chain management data will need to be presented in a
logical written form. Answers need
to demonstrate a sound
comprehension of strategic issues
in supply chain and operations
management.
 Demonstrate the ability to The case studies and examination Group assignment and
analyse and evaluate will enable students to think examination
systematic processes, analytically and creatively in the
strategic decisions and context of strategic issues in supply
models of supply chain chain and operations Management.
management in the
public, non-profit and
private sector.
 Be able to apply supply The group assignment, individual Group assignment, individual
chain management assignments, and examination will assignments and examination
models to optimise enable students to apply supply
business decision making chain models to optimise business
decision making.

5. PRESCRIBED TEXT
Chopra, S & Meindl, P. (2016). Supply Chain Management. Strategy, Planning and
Operation. Sixth Edition. Boston: Pearson.

Due to the research base of this programme, it is vital that you read widely. The library
has numerous textbooks covering general and particular topics relating to supply chain
management. In addition, professional journals and accredited publications should
become a routine part of your reading and are essential for the preparation and writing of
assignments. Students are expected to seriously research the up-to-date literature on the

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subject with a view to presenting high quality research outputs. Readings and cases must
be read and prepared for discussion in the relevant lecture, even if you are not presenting.

6. LECTURE PLAN

Wk. Date Topic* Assessments/ Chapter

Presentations
1 10/2 Introduction/Orientation
Discuss BCom Hons Programme,
Dissertation (topic, allocation of
supervisors) etc.
2 17/2 Ice breaker: 10 Trends Shaping the 1
Future of Supply Chain Management Click on the
https://quantic.edu/blog/2022/08/05/the- link and read
future-of-supply-chain-management-10- the article.
disruptive-trends/
3 24/2 Understanding the Supply Chain 2&3
Strategic Performance: Achieving
Strategic Fit and Scope
Supply Chain Drivers and Metrics
Case: The Demise of Blockbuster Page 49
4 3/3 Assessment 1
Case Study: Seven-Eleven Japan P.73

5 10/3 Read: Demand Forecasting in a Supply 7 & 10

Chain & Coordination in a Supply Chain
Article: Factors Influencing Demand
Forecasting and Planning in the South Uploaded on
African Apparel Industry: A Case Study Learn 2023
Guest Lecture: TBA
6 17/3 Designing distribution networks and 6
sales p. 115
Case: Blue Nile and Diamond Retailing
Design Global Supply Chain Networks
7 24/3 Assessment 1: 13 & 14
Total Cost of Ownership
Price and Cost Analysis.
(Burt, Petcavage & Pinkerton, 2010)

EASTER VACATION 29 MARCH TO 06 APRIL

8 07/04 Aggregate planning in a Supply Chain
Sales and Operations Planning: Planning 8&9
supply and demand in a supply chain
Case: Global supply design for the
future: Nokia
9 14/4 Presentation – Group Group

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 presentations
10 21/4 Negotiation (Please read the notes on Burt, 18
Learn 2025). Petcavage &
Selection of a Pressure Vessel Pinkerton
Manufacturer

11 28/4 Sourcing Decisions in a Supply Chain 15

Sustainability and the Supply Chain 17
12 05/5 Open book applied online Assessment
requiring application of all sections of
the module

*NB: Students are required to read the chapters before the lecture commences. In
lectures each chapter will not necessarily be fully covered. Cases and articles relevant to
the course will be discussed in class. Students are urged to bring journal articles to class
for discussion purposes as this adds value to the course.

6.1 Moodle Access and use

All registered students have access to Learn 2025. Resources will be uploaded for
students to work through. Lecture slides and required material as well as case studies will
be made available on Learn 2025.

7. ASSIGNMENT TOPICS

Assessment 1: Group Assignment – 25 Marks (Date to be announced).

Group Assignment 1-(Choose one topic)

 Blockchain (Supply Chain Transparency and Ethics)
 AI driven applications in manufacturing/ Agricultural sectors (Integration of
Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Technologies), Amazon, TakeaLot, Shein,

Group Assignment 2 - (Due date to be announced)

 Sustainability and Green Supply Chains
 E-procurement and Digital Transformation

You are required to submit an electronic copy of your written assignment, together with
the first page of the Turnitin summary page via Learn2025.

Turnitin details as follows:

 Class ID: 42724051

 Enrolment Key: management
A penalty of 5% per day will be deducted for late assessments and this assessment, will
not be accepted 30 April 2025.

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Individual Assignment – 25 Marks

Choose the one company and elaborate on one of the topics below

Collaboration across supply chain, SRM, WM, IT, Planning etc.

OR
Supplier Diversity and Localization: Promoting local supplier development and diversity
initiatives to enhance economic empowerment

You are required to provide insight into the Public / private company you have chosen
and elaborate on the impact on supply chains and how businesses are
preparing/addressing these disruptions.

You are required to submit an electronic copy of your written assignment, together with
the first page of the Turnitin summary page via Learn2025.

Turnitin details as follows:

024

A penalty of 5% per day will be deducted for late assessments and this assessment, will
not be accepted after 30 April 2025

The cases to be studied are to be presented by each group at the allocated timeslot.
Students will be divided into groups with at least three students in each group.

List of Cases Presentation Group

Date
 Sustainability and Green Supply TBA 1
Chains

 E-procurement and Digital TBA 2

Transformation5

The analysis requires that you present and discuss the arguments presented in the case
and that you do further research to refute and/or support these arguments. It is not
sufficient to give a summary of the case. You must do further research on the issue being
discussed in the case. The purpose of the cases is to give the class an in-depth look at
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current supply chain issues. You should also ensure that you are addressing this issue
from a manager’s perspective. The report should not be longer than 10 pages and the
verbal presentation must not be longer than 30 minutes, with a further 10 minutes
allocated to discussion. This time will be strictly adhered to. After 30 minutes you will be
told to stop even though you may not have completed your presentation. This will also
reflect in your marks.

For this group assignment, not late submission will be accepted.

8. COURSE EVALUATION
Date Time Assessment Count
TBA 08:30 Group Assignment 25%
TBA 08:30 Group Assessment 25%
TBA 08:30 Individual Assessment 25%
TBA Open book applied online assessment/ test 25%
requiring application of all sections of the
module
Total 100%

9. ASSIGNMENT FORMAT
 All assignments are to be typed using font size 12 (Times New Roman) and 1½
line-spacing. The Harvard referencing style is to be strictly adhered to. Plagiarism
is totally unacceptable and will be dealt with in accordance with the University’s
disciplinary guidelines.
 Each assignment should consist of a theoretical framework and some research to
indicate what is happening in this area in the current working environment. The
theoretical section requires an in-depth study of various books, journals and
internet articles covering the topic.
 All assignment presentations should consist of a 30-minute presentation and 10-
minute critique and question and answer session. It is essential that these
presentations take place in the designated slots.
 The written report of the presentation must be handed in prior to the verbal
presentation – see previous comment re turnitin. The verbal presentation may
be a summation of key issues contained in the written report. Note that any
information presented in the verbal presentation must be contained in the written
report.

10. ADDITIONAL NOTES ON ASSIGNMENTS

One way of preparing an assignment is to do nothing until a day or so before it is due and
then work on it full-time. The problem with this, apart from the distinct possibility that
something will go wrong at the last minute, is that your learning will be minimal.

A much better way is to ‘make’ time over three or four weeks when you
 Let the assignment question mull around in your mind and discuss it with your
group members

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  Develop a structure (i.e. subheadings) and ideas about what might fit under each
subheading.
 Read with your sub headings in mind
 Perhaps revise the structure
 Use the 4 R framework. 4 Rs: Refer to facts, Relate to literature, Reflect on what
you find and Recommend what to do. (you can use this framework in your tests,
assignments, reports, exams etc.).
 Finally, write the assignment

This second approach is much more likely to result in real learning taking place.

11. MAKE UP ASSESSMENTS

 Students who are unable to complete one of the online assessments (quizzes) will
be allowed to write another assessment. This will be negotiated during Zoom
meetings. Students that fail to write make up assessments will obtain a mark of
0%. There will be no exceptions. It is in your own best interest to submit all
online assessments timeously.
 Please note that a student only gets one opportunity to write an assessment and
will not be allowed to write the make-up test in an effort to improve marks.
 A “Zero Tolerance” approach to all cases of copying will be strictly adhered to!
 All cases of cheating by students will be referred to the University Student
Discipline Court, and will not be dealt with internally.

The Aegro assessment for those students that failed to get an overall mark of 50% will be
written on 6 June 2024.

12. LECTURES
Zoom lectures take place on Tuesdays from 09;00 – 12h30. (I will send you the Zoom
link).

All University programmes are required to abide by the Sessional dates, which means
that compensatory days apply. You will be notified of these as they affect the module.
Sessional dates can be found on the UKZN website.

13. SESSIONAL DATES

Sessional dates can be found on the UKZN website – check this for final dates with
regards to module registration, module deregistration, DP appeals etc. all dates stipulated
on the sessional dates will be strictly adhered to.

14. MINIMUM STANDARDS

This is an honours module and you are expected to produce written work that:
 answers the question;
 does so at an appropriate depth of analysis, including showing that you have read
and understood the relevant readings (and used an appropriate number of
readings);
 is submitted on time. I do not grant extensions except in exceptional cases; and.

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  is presented at an appropriate standard with regard to spelling, grammar and
referencing.
 Use of scholarly sources, Do not use the following sites UKEssays, Wikipedia,
Encyclopedias.
 Finally, please signature in group declaration are required not initials

15. LECTURER

Dr Eric Ncube
Room M1-213, 2nd Floor
M Block Westville Campus
Tel: 031 260-8805
Email: [email protected]

Please feel free to contact me with any queries, suggestions and complaints regarding this
module. I look forward to working with you all and trust that you will find the module to
be challenging and informative.

GOOD LUCK

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