BA (Hons) Business Management with Supply Chain Management

Global consumer demand for goods relies on efficient supply chains, managed by experts in logistics and business operations. Develop the critical industry skills to unlock exciting career opportunities in the sector on our Business Management with Supply Chain Management BA. 

You will acquire essential business acumen in areas such as marketing, finance and organisational behaviour, while mastering supply chain management essentials including logistics, warehousing, transportation and network design. 

Why study Business Management with Supply Chain Management at Keele University?

• Opportunity to develop specialist knowledge and practical skills in the dynamic area of supply chain management and logistics
• Gain a competitive edge with our Professional and Academic Development Programme
• Option to spend a year working in industry, or undertake an entrepreneurship year
• Opportunities to study abroad
• Study alongside innovative companies based in Keele Business School

Course overview

• Effective strategies for supply chain management are crucial for organisations to operate successfully in a constantly changing international trade environment. Our Business Management with Supply Chain Management programme integrates core business management principles with a specialist focus on supply chain management. It provides the opportunity to develop knowledge and practical skills in this growth area and gain a solid understanding of the broader business landscape. 
• You will explore topics such as sustainable procurement and supply chains, examining how effective purchasing enables the smooth flow of goods, while aiming to achieve the best cost and meet customer needs. Purchasing management is analysed, looking at contracting out elements of the supply chain, sustainability and risk management. You’ll also examine real-world case studies to see how companies handle their purchasing, procurement and global supply chains. 
• Our programme will introduce you to logistics, warehousing, goods transportation, and the entire process of transforming raw materials into finished products delivered to the end consumer.  Additional topics include inventory management, storage, network design, distribution and the different models of freight transportation. 
• BA (Hons) Business Management with Supply Chain Management is part of our dynamic suite of Business Management degrees, offering you a comprehensive understanding of key business and management principles. All our Business Management programmes share a common first year, where you'll build a strong foundation in core areas such as Marketing, Finance, and Human Resources, while also exploring the wider global business context - covering topics like international economics, politics, and society. You’ll also develop essential skills in data analysis and digital decision-making tools, crucial for today’s tech-driven business world. 
• From the second year, you will specialise, tailoring your studies to suit your interests and career aspirations. We place a strong emphasis on the purpose of business, sustainability, and ethics, ensuring you’re prepared to lead with integrity in an ever-evolving business landscape.  
• Practical, career-focused teaching and learning ensures that you can apply the theory you’re learning to real-world scenarios that will build your expertise and confidence. We will also get you thinking about sustainability and business ethics so when you begin work or start your own business you can be a force for good in the world.  
• Our built-in Professional and Academic Development Programme spans your entire degree. Designed to fully prepare you for securing a great job or starting a business, you will develop your professional skills, creativity, confidence, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Our aim? To ensure you graduate with clear goals and impressive experiences to show future employers or investors.  You’ll benefit from Keele Business School’s strong industry connections, placement or entrepreneurship opportunities, hands-on practical experiences, and invaluable real-world insights such as through our Global Challenge Pathways. 

Course structure
Modules for Business Management with Supply Chain Management

• Our courses are designed to develop the skills, experience and expertise you'll need to succeed in your chosen career, informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student feedback and employer insights. The module details given below are representative of what we intend to deliver on the course.
• Please note that modules may change to reflect best practice and academic development. This information should therefore not be seen as a definitive list of available modules.

Year 1
Compulsory modules

Professional and Academic Development 1

• Our foundational professional development module is designed to help you identify and take advantage of your unique strengths. Using approved psychometric tools, you will learn about your strengths to uncover your inherent talents which will help you to shape your professional identity. This module offers a structured framework for you to reflect on your capabilities and areas for growth, supporting the development of your career plan. Through interactive workshops and guided reflection, you will learn to effectively apply your strengths in various professional scenarios.

The Business of Organisations

• Begin your study of with an introduction to the core functions of a contemporary organisation. Over the course of the module, your will develop a foundational knowledge of the main functions in most organisations: Strategy, Marketing, Accounting, Human Resources, and the Logistics and Supply Chain. This immersive module will not only provide you with an overview of each function in the organisation, but will illustrate how all of the functions are interconnected.  It will give you a good idea of your areas of interest that you can pursue later in your studies.

Data, Decisions and Visualisation

• In an era where data drives decisions across all sectors, the Data, Visualisation and Decisions module equips you with the essential skills to understand, work with, and transform data to achieve actionable insights. You'll learn to use tools like Microsoft Excel and Tableau to understand the power of visualisation. Throughout the module, you will tackle real-world problems and critically examine the ethical and legal implications of data use, enabling you to effectively communicate your findings to diverse audiences.

The Global Business Context

• A sound knowledge of the wider context of business is an essential element for businesses and organisations. In this module, you will explore how evolving political, economic, technological, and societal factors significantly impact business operations and models. You will gain insights into economic principles, international trade, sustainability, and environmental considerations. Understanding the importance of context on business activity, you will learn about the two-way influence between organisations and their broader environment.

Optional modules
Teams, People and Performance  

• The Teams, People, and Performance module focuses on enhancing practical skills for effective teamwork. It covers key concepts such as team dynamics, communication strategies, conflict resolution, and leadership roles. Students engage in hands-on activities, group projects, and case studies to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. By the end of the module, participants will have gained essential experience in collaboration, problem-solving, and performance optimisation within diverse team environments. 

Year 2
Compulsory modules

Professional and Academic Development 2 

• Using your commercial awareness and enterprise skills, you will tackle an actual organisational challenge, collaborating with a team gain first-hand experience of working with an organisation. This hands-on experience not only enhances your practical abilities but also encourages critical reflection on your personal and professional growth, steering you towards effective problem-solving and continued development of your professional identity.

Contemporary Business Operations

• In the second year, you will focus on the practical applications of operations and project management within organisations. This includes a thorough examination of operational strategies, quality management approaches, and the application of project management techniques. By concentrating on these key areas, you will learn how to enhance business efficiency, maintain high-quality standards, and successfully manage and execute projects in complex operational environments. This foundation prepares you for critical roles in business operations and management. 

Supply Chain Analytics and Information Management

• This module focuses on introducing students to operations research and statistical techniques to solve supply chain and logistics challenges. The module also provides an insight into software used in supply chain management. The module will also introduce information and communication systems- such as ERP, SAS, cloud based services, control towers, data systems.

Sustainable Procurement and Supply Chains

• The role of purchasing has become a key driver for enabling the smooth flow of goods as well as achieving optimum cost whilst meeting the customer requirements. The module will examine the different approaches to manage the purchasing function. In addition, an appraisal of why contracting out elements of the supply chain has taken place in many types of business will be undertaken. The module will also discuss sustainability and supply risk management from a purchasing perspective, Case studies will be incorporated into the teaching to demonstrate how companies manage their purchasing, procurement and global supply chains. 

Optional modules
Individual Placement Module 

• In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial.  This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhancing your employability, and the opportunity to gain valuable professional insights via a 75-hour placement.   
• You will be supported by various activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles.  This module offers flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands.   

Contemporary Business Ethics Debates

• The business world is full of ethical dilemmas.  This module is a practical, discussion-based module where you will select and explore current ethical issues in business.  With your peers, you will engage in debates, presentations, and discussions, applying ethical theories to real-world scenarios. This hands-on approach develops critical thinking and communication skills, preparing you to navigate and address ethical challenges in today's business environment.  

Year 3
Compulsory modules
Professional and Academic Development 3 

• As a final-year student, you will compile and present your academic and project achievements in a professional portfolio that highlights your unique strengths. This module not only guides you to articulate your personal and professional attributes but also encourages reflection on your educational journey and career preferences. You will engage in recruitment and selection simulations, exploring both traditional CV and innovative no-CV approaches using various media. This comprehensive portfolio will enhance your job applications and facilitate a tailored transition into your chosen career paths. 

Strategic Management 

• The final year strategic management module focuses on integrating diverse knowledge areas to understand and manage complexity. You will look at the way organisations position themselves in their competitive environment, align internal resources with external environmental demands, and use strategic frameworks and tools to make decisions.  You will work on developing comprehensive strategies that enhance organisational competitiveness and sustainability in a dynamic business landscape.

Project 

• In your final year of study, you will undertake a significant project that reflects the subject area of your degree.  You can choose between undertaking a solo project, or working with a group to collaborate on a large project. Your solo project might include undertaking a piece of research or a management report. If you prefer to work in a team, you might undertake a consultancy project for an organisation, or put on an event, helping you develop teamwork and project management experience. Whichever choice you make, this module will allow you to showcase your talents and put your skills into practice.  

Freight Transportation and Warehousing

• This module aims to introduce students to the topics of logistics, warehousing, and transportation of goods. This module is important for students who are looking for a career in the logistics and supply chain industry. The module develops insights into how material flows from the raw material stage to the consumer. It covers aspects of inventory management, storage, network design, and distribution, multi modal, freight transportation.

Optional modules
Individual Placement Module  

• In a competitive job market, practical skills and understanding workplace dynamics are crucial.  This module allows you to gain hands-on experience, enhancing your employability, and the opportunity to gain valuable professional insights via a 75-hour placement.   You will be supported by various activities to secure a role and can source your own placement or apply to university-sourced roles.  This module offers flexibility on when and how you complete your placement, enabling you to balance your placement around existing demands.   

The Digital Showcase 

• The Digital Showcase is your opportunity to demonstrate your digital skills through the creation of a comprehensive digital project. Students will select a focus area such as digital marketing, web development, data analytics, or multimedia production. You will develop and present your projects using cutting-edge tools and techniques. Emphasising creativity, technical proficiency, and practical application, this module allows you to showcase your digital talent.  

Supporting you

• During your studies, you’ll receive support from within Keele Business School and across the University. Your assigned Academic Mentor will provide individual support, and you'll also have access to our dedicated Student Experience and Support Team, based within our Faculty, who can provide additional support, and work closely with teams across Keele. This ensures you have easy access to comprehensive advice and support, including services for Disability Support and Inclusion, Student Financial Support, Counselling and Mental Health, Residence Life and Chaplaincy, and International Student Support.   

Your future career

• 95% of Keele students are in employment or further study within 15 months of finishing their studies (HESA Graduate Outcomes, 2019/20)
• This programme offers numerous opportunities to broaden your knowledge and develop a range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers and enhance your future potential by opening the doors to a wide range of career opportunities where business acumen meets sustainable innovation. Your critical thinking skills will be sharper, your communication abilities will have improved, you will have gained knowledge about the fundamentals of business and established an entrepreneurial mindset. By enhancing your skills via our Professional and Academic Development Programme, you will grow in confidence and graduate with the intellectual, professional, and personal resources to pursue diverse career paths. 

  
Jobs that a graduate of this course could go on to do: 

• Management Consultant 
• Supply Chain manager 
• Procurement/ Purchasing Manager 
• Logistics Manager 
• Sustainability Manager 
• Operations Manager 
• Chartered Management Accountant 
• Digital Transformation Manager 
• Sales Executive 
• Retail executive 
• Investment Analyst 
• Operational Researcher 
• Financial Trader 
• Investment Banker 

Teaching

• We use a variety of teaching and learning methods throughout this Business Management with Sustainability BA, tailored to the module theme and level. These methods may include interactive lectures, independent study, group tutorials, reflective practice and engaging in web-based learning via Keele’s virtual learning environment (KLE). Our practical lab-based classes provide hands-on experience in data analysis, and we create a safe and supportive space to practice your decision-making skills through simulated business contexts. You will also have opportunities to interact with businesses and organisations through guest lectures, company visits and direct engagement, working on live issues where you can put your learning into practice. 

Assessment 

• You will be assessed via different methods that reflect the breadth of the skills and knowledge you will gain on this programme. The types of assessments may include simulations and group assessments where you will collaborate with other students and replicate typical workplace interactions. Portfolios and project reports will allow you to compile your achievements and reflections in a valuable way for academic evaluation and to showcase your skills to potential employers. Presentations will develop your confidence and hone your communications skills, and through case studies, essays and reports you will demonstrate your strategic thinking, analytical, and written communication skills.