SCM702 Purchasing and Supply Theory (Autumn 2022)

About the course

The course aims to provide knowledge about relevant theories that explain phenomena within the purchasing and supply field and practical insights related to the execution of the purchasing function. Elaborating on the relationship between relevant purchasing and supply theories and analysing purchasing and supply problems is an essential element of the course.  It draws on various theoretical frameworks such as resource-based view, natural resource-based view, activity-based view, institutional theory, stakeholder theory, resource dependence theory, principal-agent theory, transaction costs economics, and relational contracting theory. Considering the growing recognition of the need to embrace environmental, social and economic sustainability as a source of competitive advantage, a triple bottom line perspective is emphasised throughout the course, focusing on the impact on people, planet and profit. The main modules covered include:

1.  Strategic role of purchasing and supply management

2.  Outsourcing and supplier selection

3.  Negotiation, contracting, control

4. Procurement risk management 

5. Spend analysis and  category management

6. Procurement of services  

7. International purchasing and global sourcing

8. Supplier Relationship Management

9. Organising procurement function, process innovation and technology

10. Public procurement

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Master of Science in Logistics
• Master in Change and Management
• Experience-based Master in Logistics
• Exchange programme - Master's level

Required prerequisite knowledge

Same as acceptance to the MSc program in logistics

Recommended requirements

Same as acceptance to the MSc program in logistics

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

Knowledge

After completing this course, a student who fully engaged with the course activities shall be knowledgeable about:

• the role of purchasing and supply management in creating and maintaining competitive advantage
• how to promote social, environmental, and economic sustainability performance through purchasing and supply management function
• the main activities performed in a typical industrial purchasing process
• the challenges associated with industrial purchasing and supply management
• the effective tactics for addressing challenges in industrial purchasing and supply management

 

Skills

After completing this course, a student who fully engaged with the course activities shall be able to:

• identify and explain theories and models relevant for different situations encountered in purchasing and supply management
• apply relevant theories and models to analyze issues encountered in purchasing and supply management
• compare alternative approaches to solving problems encountered in purchasing and supply management
• select the most suitable solutions for addressing issues encountered in purchasing and supply management

 

General competence

 After completing this course, a student who fully engaged with the course activities shall develop the following general competencies:

• ability to work in a team
• ability to engage in a dialogue
• ability to reflect on a task and create an action plan
• ability to make informed business decisions 

 

Forms of teaching and learning

- 3 hours of lectures and discussions every week

- Students' reflection on their learning

Examination

• Form of assessment: School assessment

• Proportion: 70%

• Duration: 4 hours

• Grouping: Individual

• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)

• Supported material:Calculator that may contain data + general dictionary in mother tongue/Norwegian/English in paper version

• Form of assessment: Home assessment

• Proportion: 30%

• Duration: 8 weeks

• Grouping: Group

• Grading scale: Letter (A - F)

• Supported material:Calculator that may contain data + general dictionary in mother tongue/Norwegian/English in paper version

Course evaluation

A 4-hour written exam at the end of the semester.

Syllabus

Pensumoversikt

• SCM702 Purchasing and Supply Theory