BA (Hons) in Procurement and Supply Chain Management

The Business Accounting module introduces learners to the basic theoretical and practical accounting concepts and explains how they apply to business entities. It highlights the importance of costs and the drivers of costs in the production, analysis and use of information for decision making in organisations. Learners analyse financial information on costs, volumes and prices and appreciate how such information is used to make decisions on products and services. Learners also perform basic analysis of simple financial statements.

This module focuses on the subject of economics, with an emphasis on the key concepts and principles of market economics (microeconomics) and global trade (macroeconomics). At the microeconomic level, the module seeks to develop foundational knowledge of supply and demand, market structures, the nature of market competition, market regulation and other relevant issues that impact and shape company procurement and supply chain strategies. At the macroeconomic level, the module seeks to develop foundational knowledge of global and regional economies, of economic cycles and of the interconnectedness and inherent tension in global trade and global business, with a particular focus on key international macrocosmic indicators and data sets.

This module introduces learners to the key fundamentals of marketing, its role in modern organisations, the importance of understanding customers and aligning marketing activities to create customer value. This is combined with real-world case studies and examples enabling learners to gain a broad perspective on marketing and its role within organisations.

This module aims to provide learners with a comprehensive review and analysis of the many roles that communication fills in organisational life. Learners develop knowledge, skills and judgement around human communication that facilitates their ability to work collaboratively with others. Learners are introduced to the nuances of intercultural communication and diversity that characterises contemporary Irish business environments.

This module aims to provide a clear understanding of the key role that purchasing and procurement play within an organisation. The role is increasingly an important one; although marketing efforts do increase gross revenues, they also increase the cost of goods sold, while purchasing and procurement management efforts go directly to the bottom line profit by increasing net revenue. This transition can be clearly seen in the evolution of purchasing and procurement and supply from its roots as a purely clerical function in the early part of the last century, to its more traditional role of expense control through most of the century, and now to its additional role as a key enabler of managing cost within the organisation.

As the nature of the function has changed, so have the requirements for purchasing and materials management professionals. Taking a word from the slogan of one eminently successful municipal purchasing/procurement department, good government purchasing means getting additional “mileage” out of the tax Euro. Organisations of all sizes need an effective and efficient purchasing and procurement management function as the financial performance of the organisation can be affected by the actions/decisions of purchasing and procurement.

“A key feature of the current business environment is the idea that supply chains compete, not companies” (Christopher, 1992). Usage of the term supply chain management (SCM) has become increasingly prevalent in business and academic circles. Its origins can be traced back as far as the late 1950s. Despite the extensive usage of the term, there is no universally accepted definition of SCM. This module investigates the origins of SCM and how it has evolved over time. It examines the ways in which effectively managed supply chains improve organisational competitiveness while maximising customer value.

This module aims to prepare learners for employment in the areas of procurement and supply chain management of organisations across a wide range of industries and service providers. This module is designed to provide learners with a clear insight and understanding of the wider area of the management of an organisation’s operations and how they integrate into organisational effectiveness, both nationally and globally.

Statistical analysis and the interpretation of data are integral parts of problem-solving and decision-making and the primary focus of this module. The module also enhances learners’ confidence in the area of mathematics and problem-solving skills. In particular, learners will address mathematical techniques, data presentation, forecasting probability and sampling theory and compounding.

This module examines in detail the subject of project management and assesses the importance of identifying, assessing, controlling, and managing projects in a business context. The module provides learners with a broad and contemporary view of managing people and projects within the business environment. This module encourages learners to discuss, appreciate and apply key principles of project management practice and as such, ensure graduates have very valuable project management knowledge as they gain a foothold in their business careers.

The module focuses on the critical elements of financial decision-making for organisations. In particular, it addresses the objectives of financial management, investment appraisal, management of working capital, sources of finance, sustainable finance concepts and performance appraisal.

This module comprises an introductory law course for business learners which provides an overview of the Irish legal system with particular emphasis on aspects of law that impinge on businesses as they operate. While Irish law is the main context for the module, many aspects of European Law are highlighted and discussed throughout. The primary focus of the course is the application of law within business structures after the skills and knowledge have been imparted to learners. They are thus provided with a comprehensive overview of the important aspects of law that affect businesses in operation in Ireland and the European Union. To this end, more pertinent areas for learners are concentrated upon and emphasised.

Furthermore, this module is designed to demonstrate the strategic importance of ethics, social responsibility and corporate citizenship to business and explore the ethical dilemmas that modern managers face and how they can be resolved. Situations in business ethics are addressed.

This module develops appropriate skills and knowledge in learners which prepares them to source employment opportunities and enter the workforce successfully. It also enables learners to gain a broad understanding of the numerous and diverse range of activities that combine to secure employment opportunities. Furthermore, the module develops learners’ personal and professional skills so that they may act confidently and appropriately in a range of interpersonal business functions.

This module is divided into two parts. Part 1 introduces the learners to quantitative analysis approaches in logistics and supply chain management. Learners will understand how to use spreadsheets to model various problems in supply chain and logistics management. Part 2 will see the learner investigate how the mainstream supply chain information systems work, how information technology can improve the efficiency of supply chain management, and what up-to-date information technology used in logistics and supply chain management allows for better integration and ‘leaner’ supply chains in more sustainable systems of control and delivery.

The aim of this module is to introduce the learner to relationship management and how they manage their commercial relationships both with suppliers and their internal customers, this may dictate the level of success or failure in the future as relationships are central to the way in which business is transacted. “Good” relationships with customers, suppliers, workers, local community, shareholders, regulators and a whole range of other stakeholders allow a business to continue its trading activities, whereas “bad” relationships have a negative impact on business processes, profitability and jobs. Purchasing and procurement professionals have a vital and strategic role in forming and managing commercial relationships. Management of a firm’s supply chain is specifically about the management of relationships across complex networks of organisations that, while legally independent, are in reality interdependent. Suppliers to an organisation, in turn, will have suppliers of their own. A poor relationship with any link in the supply chain can have disastrous consequences for all the other supply chain members. Successful supply chains are driven by the market and hallmarked with collective strategy development, open communications and win-win relationships that are based on both mutuality and trust.

This module brings an international perspective that focuses on the interrelationships between trade, transport and distribution. Most companies operate in an increasingly integrated and complex supply chain, which is experiencing a revolution in how the supply chain is managed at company level. Companies that trade, produce and/or sell all have an increasing interdependency on international transport and distribution networks.

The module provides a foundation in the international trading structures that underpin international supply chain management. It develops learners’ strategic and critical thinking and practical understanding of the global marketplace, the dynamics of international trade and the key enabling international trade agreements and trade/transport routes. The module is designed to build the competencies needed to work in a professional environment, together with developing soft skills (teamwork, oral and written communication and IT skills).

As global supply chains continue to evolve, procurement professionals are required to manage increasingly complex supply and demand challenges. Strategic procurement is a pro-active corporate activity enabling world-class supply/demand matching, while managing supply chain risks through effective negotiation and management of supplier contracts. This module builds on the concepts introduced in the stage 1 Purchasing and Procurement module. It develops learners’ strategic and critical thinking and practical understanding of advanced procurement activities and strategies, which explore supply market opportunities to deliver the best possible outcome to an organisation’s stakeholders and customers

Highly effective negotiation skills are an essential element of any purchasing professional's toolkit. This module aims to equip learners with the resources and skills required to engage in highly effective negotiations. The module discusses and assesses the necessary tools and tactics required for a detailed, planned approach to negotiation. This allows the purchasing professional to evaluate their opponents and stakeholders in advance, and tailor their negotiation strategy depending on cultural differences, personality traits and the application of game theory.

This module examines the key concepts and frameworks underpinning strategic management. It is concerned with the key managerial decisions that affect the long-term performance of the organisation. Strategic position, choices and strategy in action are explored. The Strategic Management module is interdisciplinary in nature and learners build upon existing knowledge of environments that include the organisation itself, industry and the wider macro environments.

This module provides learners with insights into legal, theoretical and practical principles and frameworks behind corporate governance, ESG risks and ethics, and examines their application in specific cases. The module looks at the similarities and differences between rules, principles-based and hybrid models of corporate governance regimes around the globe. The module considers the ethical, social and environmental responsibilities of business and the impacts these have on the risk, reputation and success of an enterprise.

The aim of the dissertation is to develop the learners’ general ability to undertake independent research. The module requires the identification of a research question and problem definition, a literature review, primary and secondary data collection, analysis and reporting of findings.

This module develops learners’ understanding of the concept and initiatives of sustainability which includes corporate social responsibility. This will include the supply chain impact on communities and society, environmental aspects of procurement, ethical trading and working standards. The module will look at the alignment of sustainable goals within the supply chain which has both local and global dimensions and developing the area for organisational commitment, procedures, systems and practices.

This module introduces the key concepts and frameworks of innovation in relation to strategic supply management. It is primarily concerned with the fast-changing ecosystem and its direct impact on the key enablers for strategic supply chain management. It will examine the models and frameworks that are available today and will bring the learner on the journey of how this will shape and affect the future decisions for the sustainable growth of an organisation. Through the lens of innovation, the module will explore the possible roadmaps and best choice points for the business to utilise innovation as a tool for competitive advantage.

The module develops learners’ critical knowledge of the key principles of demand and inventory management and how effective inventory management contributes to broader organisational efficiency and competitiveness. In particular, it focuses on the challenges and opportunities brought by online commerce and just-in-time business models, and in an Irish context examines the impact of Brexit on established warehousing and distributions networks. The module is designed to build the competencies needed to work in a professional environment, together with developing soft skills (namely teamwork, oral and written communication and IT skills).

The aim of this module is to provide learners the opportunity to grasp the theoretical principles behind trade compliance and customs regulations to examine their application in international trade. The module focuses on the rules and regulations governing the movement of physical goods and services, both regionally and internationally.

Learners develop an awareness and understanding of the current rules and regulations governing international trade, focusing on the challenges and opportunities facing the organisation to ensure the uninterrupted movement of goods and services to customers. The aim is to develop the learners’ knowledge of the complexities of international trade and the supply chain challenges which, in turn, allows them to recognise potential organisational challenges and make more informed decisions.

Finally, the module evaluates the ethical responsibility of the trading organisation. It considers the ethical and social areas of corporate responsibility and the impacts these have on the reputation and success of an enterprise.

The module provides learners with a good understanding of the principles that underpin procurement in the public sector. Learners will gain an in-depth understanding of and be able to apply the various procurement procedures available under the EU Procurement Directives. Learners are introduced to case law and competition law and their impact upon public procurement. Learners will understand how public procurement has been transformed over the past 25 years from an administrative exercise to a strategic function which is key in helping to finance government policies.

The module enhances learners' knowledge, understanding and skills required to compliantly manage a public procurement project. Learners will gain an appreciation and understanding of the importance of rigorous planning and its impact on the success of the project. Learners will also understand how proper contract and supplier management ensures that value for public money is maximised.

Intelligent Technologies in Procurement and Supply Chain 4.0 is a module that introduces the learner to the changing digital landscape, strategy models and operational methodologies and tools to appraise a modern smart manufacturing and transformative supply chain. Next-generation supply chains revolve around smart manufacturing processes, skilled resources and agile customisation of an organisation’s products and services. For businesses to stay relevant in the market today, prioritising customer satisfaction with agility, responsiveness and great personal service, they have to enable their workforce to understand, assess, implement and monitor the digital changes and challenges of a smart supply chain.

This module is designed for supply-chain professionals, managers and learners seeking current methods and tools to increase the value of the supply chain through the integration of technology.

This module is aimed at people either working in (or interested in working in) the retail sector and is designed to provide learners with a clear insight and understanding of the wider area of the management of retail in an organisation. Emphasis is placed on key factors such as the scope and role of operations in a retail environment particularly in relation to the integration of supply chain practices into the retail environment.

This module provides the learner with broad-ranging contemporary views of human resource practices and policies. Learners gain an understanding of the importance of human resource management in terms of aligning people and business processes. In particular, the module examines the importance of managing the key HR activities such as recruitment, selection, performance, training, etc. in a professional manner. The module also addresses the changes in employment legislation which can influence the employment relationship and ultimately the organisation.

This module builds on the concepts and practices introduced in the Human Resource Management module in semester one. This module focuses on the formulation and implementation of a range of learning and talent development practices and strategies that enable organisations to compete in a competitive business environment. The module also explores contemporary trends, issues and initiatives that are changing the way organisations look at the issue of development of talent amongst staff members.

General Fee Information 

An Academic Administration Fee of EUR250.00 and a 2% Learner Protection Charge are applicable each academic year in addition to the fees quoted below. The fees below relate to Year 1 fees only.

Study Mode: Full-Time

Dublin

EUR 5,950.00

Study Mode: Part-Time

Dublin

EUR 5,950.00