Hi I’m Antonio. I’ve just graduated from Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management MSc and wanted to give you an overview of how this Master’s works.
This Master’s programme has an equal balance between theory and practice. The first and second semesters are taught Semesters, followed by a third research semester.
Semester One
The first semester focuses on the theoretical background of Supply Chain Management and covers 5 different modules. Two of the core modules relate to understanding, designing and applying the supply chain tools and improvements over time.
The Operations Management module and Purchasing and Supply Chain Management module are both very interesting because they give a complete overview of the supply chain starting from the basics and finish with the current and latest practices. I found Purchasing and Supply Chain Management to be particularly interesting and helpful because it is related to my work experience and it is a great tool to enhance processes and design supply chain networks.
The Performance and Decision Management module is basically a brief overview of accounting; it covers how to create and read multiple financial statements which are helpful for decision making in companies.
Optional module choice
There is a choice of two optional modules in the first semester: Introduction to Financial Reporting, and Supply Chain and Logistics Modelling and Control.
Introduction to Financial Reporting relates to the creation of financial statements that meet the current international legal and regulatory framework, and also analyse company performance and financial position through the use of financial statements.
Supply Chain and Logistics Modelling and Control is mainly about optimizing supply chain networks and processes through the use of linear programming.
These two optional modules are very different from each other. To chose the correct optional module, it is important to understand the aims and description of each module and then think about the professional career you desire or the background experience you have, and then compare them to find the one that you could benefit more from.
I chose Supply Chain and Logistics Modelling and Control which I consider to be the best decision I made in the MSc programme. This module had a big impact on me because I hadn’t used linear programming before my Master’s programme, and I found it really interesting and useful due to its vast applications and outcomes, and also the appreciation that employers will have for this type of knowledge. It also helped prepare me for the International Logistics module in Semester Two.
Semester Two
The second semester is more about new trends in supply chain management, with more in-depth modules like E-Logistics and Quality Management, both modules I believe are the core of the second semester and could benefit your professional career.
Since this programme is research-based, it will therefore be mandatory to write a dissertation (60-credit value) later in the course. But don’t worry, you will be guided towards this. Throughout the first and second semester, there is a module called Research Methods which is designed to help you with your dissertation writing. It involves 3 assignments, including writing your research proposal, and preparing a literature review, both of which are necessary to help you give more detail to your chosen dissertation topic.
Most modules are taught via lectures. However, there are a couple of computer-based modules, like Supply Chain Modelling or Quality Management, where we used computer software to practice and get a better understanding of the topics, gaining practical business experiences that would be attractive to employers.
Semester Three
The third and final semester is considered as the research semester. By this stage, you will have developed a clear picture and a firm dissertation topic. In my experience, I used the library resources extensively to read several books and journals where I found a lot of useful information to write my dissertation. The best tip I can share with you is: have great time management! There are several time management software options, which you can access free online, and could be used in a smartphone too. Otherwise, it would be all too easy for you to feel a little lost with all the information you need to process, and things to do.
I wish you all the best for your Master’s year!