Sup­ply Chain Busi­ness Pro­ject

Course content

The overall learning objective of the business project is to transform supply chain management (SCM) and operations management (OM) concepts, models and theories into concrete advise and/or problem solutions of importance for businesses. Alternatively, to conduct a project that develops small scale new knowledge of relevance for SCM/OM theory and/or practice.

The course consists of two introductory lectures, a peer feedback seminar, a written project report, and an oral exam based on the report. The first lecture sets out with an introduction and discussion of methodological issues when approaching SCM/OM problems in practice. Next, an overview of methods used in SCM/OM research is presented and discussed. Especially qualitative methods and the data collection process are emphasized. The second lecture will highlight the challenge of getting access to data and collaborating with case companies to reach recommendations for practice. Finally, project management issues are presented and discussed.

The project report must contain an introduction with a problem discussion, research question(s), and research design. In continuation, the methodology must be discussed and accounted for. Development of a theoretical framework, research methodology (including data collection and analysis) then follows, and conclusion plus suggestions of further studies finalizes the project. For most projects it will further be relevant to include a proposal for an action plan for management in the case company. Alternatively, implications for practice must be stated. This part of the project is mandatory.