Supply Chain Management – Module units

SCM01 Quantitative Methods for Supply Chain Management

Code: SCM01
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsory
Semester where it is available: First (1st)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The purpose of the module is to familiarize participants with key decision-making tools such as descriptive statistics, regression analysis, probabilities and linear programming. These tools are the basis for any decision process in the modern business environment.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Analyse complex problems by using modern methods
• Understand in depth the use of probability, linear programming, regression and other statistical methods
• Use tools like EXCEL to solve problems

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM02 Logistics Systems

Code: SCM02
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsory
Semester where it is available: First (1st)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module presents issues related to the production and distribution of products. These include forecasting, demand analysis, production planning, processes management, transportation, distribution and inventory management.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• analyze the processes of managing distribution systems
• apply forecasting models, optimal inventory policies, warehouse management techniques, supplier selection and location selection models to meet distribution requirements,
• identify the different modes of transport and handling of products

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM05 Supply Chain Strategies and Risk Management

Code: SCM05
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsory
Semester where it is available: First (1st)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module examines and analyzes problems faced by companies implementing geographic diversification strategies with their supply chains. Among the topics negotiated by the module are the choice of location and distribution, supplier selection, 3PL and transportation options and others.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Understand the difficulties faced by global supply chains
• Manage uncertain conditions in an effective way
• Design effective supply chains at global scale

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM04 System Dynamics

Code: SCM04
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsory
Semester where it is available: Second (2nd)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module introduces students to systems theory and systems thinking. Using simulation modelling participants are guided on methods and frameworks which enable them to document, analyze and solve supply chain related problems following a holistic approach.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Think and solve problems in a systemic way
• Understand the dynamics of each production and transport system
• Manage Complex problems

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM06 Case Studies in Supply Chain Management

Code: SCM06
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsory
Semester where it is available: Second (2nd)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module presents and negotiates a series of problems related to strategic, tactical and operational decisions within the supply chain. Such problems concern inventory, transport, distribution, production planning, forecasting and more.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Understand specialized supply chain issues
• Understand the challenges from different countries and markets
• Think strategically and realize the role of the supply chain within an organization

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM03 Supply Chain Finance

Code: SCM03
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsory
Semester where it is available: Second (2nd)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module focuses on understanding basic principles of financial management within the supply chain context. With the use of case studies students are exposed to decisions related to the financial implications supply chain strategies have on the overall performance of the business and the supply chain.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Understand basic concepts of financial theory
• Analyse in depth the financial implications associated with supply chain decisions

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM11 Maritime Logistics

Code: SCM11
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsoryin Specialization A
Semester where it is available: Third (3rd)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module aims at reviewing and understanding the field of maritime logistics and transportation supply chains through the presentation of different maritime strategies and models. Among the issues negotiated within the module are the role of ports, the characteristics of different goods and products transported, the impact of trade agreements and more.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Understand the basic characteristics of ocean transportation
• Analyse and optimize the stages and processes of different maritime systems
• Design strategies for supply chain harmonization and mode selection

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM12 Transportation Systems Management

Code: SCM12
ECTS: 10

Type: Compulsoryin Specialization A
Semester where it is available: Third (3rd)

Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module analyzes the key components of transportation systems. It presents the concepts of equilibrium between supply and demand of transportation services, passenger and freight transportation and forecasting methodologies to predict volumes for transportation. It analyzes the concepts of traffic flows, design of processes, queuing, pricing and evaluation of transportation services.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Understand the basic characteristics of transportation systems
• Analyse complex problems of freight flows
• Evaluate the selection of transport modes based on product characteristics

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM21 Oil & Gas Dynamics

Code: SCM21
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsoryin Specialization B
Semester where it is available: Third (3rd)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module focuses on the oil market and its dynamics. It outlines the structure of the oil and gas supply chain, from mining to the final consumer, highlighting the strategic challenges supply chain executives face at strategic and tactical level via practical examples and case studies. The module applies supply chain theory in practice.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Understand the dynamics of the oil market
• Analyse the relationship between supply and demand of oil and its products
• Be aware of the main trades of oil and products and the geopolitical challenges
• Understand current and future challenges the oil and gas market is faced with (technology, environment, economic, financial, etc)
• Master scenario design and analysis for the oil and gas markets

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this Thematic Module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM22 Energy Economies

Code: SCM22
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsoryin Specialization B
Semester where it is available: Third (3rd)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module presents the basic principles of energy market economics through theory and case studies. Reference is made to both traditional and renewable forms of energy.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Understand the market dynamics of different forms of energy.
• Analyze the supply and demand of different energy sources.
• Know the trade routes and the geopolitical balances that govern them.

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this Thematic Module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM31 Procurement Management

Code: SCM31
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsoryin Specialization C
Semester where it is available: Third (3rd)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module tackles decisions related to modern procurement issues. By using modern methods and tools, students will be able to design and implement procurement strategies consistent with the objectives of the business or organization.

Learning Outcomes:

Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Carry out contracts with multiple parties.
• Create and maintain relationships with suppliers.
• Conduct pricing and invoicing using modern tools.

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade.

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this Thematic Module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM32 Negotiation Strategies

Code: SCM32
ECTS: 10
Type: Compulsoryin Specialization C
Semester where it is available: Third (3rd)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module presents the basic principles of negotiation supply chain managers should be equipped with. Through theory, case studies and simulations, students are exposed in a number of cases and are called upon to make decisions while managing contracts.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Plan and execute a negotiation
• Process negotiations with many Parties
• Manage difficult situations through self-control

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM41 Forecasting

Code: SCM41
ECTS: 10
Type: Elective offered in all specializations
Semester where it is available: Third (3rd)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module presents prediction techniques in order to familiarize students with basic forecasting principles and models which improve the forecasting accuracy for new and existing products. With the use of tools such as EXCEL and case studies these models are applied to practical problems.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Approach methodological forecasting Issues
• Use forecasting tools on demand issues
• Obtain a deep knowledge of forecasting models

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM42 Real Options

Code: SCM42
ECTS: 10
Type: Elective offered in all specializations
Semester where it is available: Third (3rd)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The module discusses issues related to the design of flexible production systems. By using probabilities, scenarios along with economic and financial variables, investment evaluations are made among choices related to the design and implementation of modern supply chain strategies.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Approach complex problems under conditions of uncertainty
• Design flexible production and distribution systems

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM43 Leadership and Human Resource Management

Code: SCM43
ECTS: 10
Type: Elective offered in specializations A & B
Semester where it is available: Third (3rd)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim: The purpose of the module is to analyze the conceptual background as well as modern theories and practices of Human Resources Management. Emphasis is given on leadership issues and methods on managing groups within the supply chain management context.

Learning Outcomes: Upon the successful completion of the module students will be able to:

• Understand the functions of human resource management
• Understand the need to develop tools and methods that will contribute to the satisfaction of human resources and the achievement of the goals of enterprises and organizations
• Adapt the theoretical tools and concepts of the science of human resource management in the context of supply chain management teams

Evaluation: Completion of written assignments during the academic semester which constitute a 40 percent of each student’s grade, if a pass is obtained in the final or repetitive examination. Final exam grades constitute a 60 percent of the students’ final course grade. 

Prerequisites: There are no prerequisites for this module.

Module Delivery Method: Distance Learning

SCM07 Thesis

Code: SCM07
ECTS: 30
Type: Compulsory
Semester where it is available: Fourth (4th)
Delivery language: English
Module Outline

Module Aim:

The aim of the thesis project is to enable students tackle modern supply chain problems via combining theory with practice. Students are expected to apply the knowledge they have acquired during their studies and experiment with data driven decision-making models and frameworks using quantitative and qualitative data sources.

The postgraduate thesis is meant to combine and utilize the knowledge students have acquired over the course of their studies.

Students may propose a topic of their choosing for their Postgraduate Diploma Thesis, taking into account a special list of topics drafted by the Director and the Module Coordinators. This list is drafted based on the wider subject matter of the postgraduate studies program, as well as those of the individual Modules.

Indicative topics for research:

• Management of the logistics system
• Forecasting logistics requirements
• Reverse Logistics
• Humanitarian Logistics
• Location of facilities
• Supplier selection
• Inventory Management
• Supply Chain Financial Management
• System Dynamics Modelling of Supply Chains
• Supply Chain Strategies
• Management and Organization
• Human Resources Management
• Performance Analysis and Improvements in Supply Chains
• Maritime Logistics
• Management of Transportation Systems
• Maritime Transport
• Supply Chain Management Issues in the Oil and Gas Industry
• Strategic Issues in Procurement
• Supply Chain Risk Management
• Sustainable Procurement
• Procurement Marketing
• Negotiation in Supply Chain Management
• Forecasting in Supply Chain Management
• Demand/Supply Integration
• Design Flexibility
• Blockchain applications in supply chain
• Supply chain traceability
• Supply chain technology applications
• Decision Making under Uncertainty in the Context of Supply Chain Management

Learning Outcomes:

Upon completion of their Postgraduate Diploma Thesis, students will be able to:

• Apply the theoretical knowledge they acquired during their studies while dealing with a problem in the management of modern supply chains.
• Combine quantitative and qualitative methods to approach complex problem related to the supply chain.
• Utilize critically and responsibly primary as well as secondary data sources.
• Effectively and creatively utilize internet/digital tools/media to draft/edit/distribute their texts.
• Make decisions at strategic as well as at tactical level in situations related to the organization and management of the supply chain.

General Regulation for the Preparation of Master’s Theses in postgraduate programmes with a six-month duration.

For more information regarding the Specifications – Useful Material for writing Master’s Theses and uploading a Thesis at the H.O.U. Repository, you can go to the Digital Training Area http://courses.eap.gr and especially to the Program of Studies section.

Prerequisites: Students must have successfully completed the Modules of the first three semesters before they can start their postgraduate diploma thesis.