Course overview
Unlock the full potential of your supply chain
The supply chain is a critical component of any business, with even small improvements having a significant impact. A mere 1% saving on supply chain activity is equivalent to a 10% increase in sales revenue, making it a key area for organisations to focus on. By optimising their supply chain, businesses can unlock new efficiencies, drive innovation, and gain a competitive edge.
Effective supply chain management is a complex and multifaceted discipline that requires a deep understanding of the intricate relationships between suppliers, logistics, and distribution channels. It involves balancing the needs of different stakeholders, managing risk, and building strong relationships with partners and customers. By taking a strategic approach to supply chain management, organisations can improve their performance, profitability, sustainability, and long-term success.
What you’ll learn
On this course, you'll gain a comprehensive understanding of strategic supply chain management, including the key concepts and frameworks for understanding and analysing supply chain management problems. You'll learn how to critically evaluate and respond to supply chain management opportunities and challenges, and develop the skills and techniques required to manage strategic supply chains, such as supplier selection, relationship management, and performance measurement.
The course will also equip you with the knowledge and tools to address supply chain management issues and problems in your own organisation, using appropriate concepts, frameworks and digital tools to analyse real business and management problems. Additionally, you'll explore the latest approaches to sustainable supply chain management, including supplier corporate social responsibility, helping you to make informed decisions for your organisation.
Why supply chain management matters now
Effective supply chain management has become a critical component of an organisation’s overall strategy. As organisations strive to reduce costs, mitigate risks, and promote sustainability, the role of supply chain management has become increasingly vital. By prioritising supply chain efficiency and effectiveness, businesses can improve product quality, enhance responsiveness, and drive innovation, leading to increased competitiveness and shareholder value. A well-managed supply chain can also help organisations to better navigate the challenges of globalisation, technological disruption, and changing consumer expectations, making it an essential factor in long-term success and growth. As such, supply chain management is no longer just a functional aspect of business operations, but a key driver of strategic decision-making and a source of competitive advantage.
Who should attend
This course is designed for professionals who want to gain a deeper understanding of strategic supply chain management and its role in driving business success. It is particularly suited for those who are involved in managing supply chains, procurement, or logistics, as well as those who are interested in building business relationships, saving costs, and driving innovation. The course will be of interest to individuals from a variety of industries and sectors, including private and public organisations, who are looking to develop their analytical, presentation, and people skills. Typical attendees may include supply chain managers, procurement professionals, operations managers, logistics coordinators, and anyone looking to develop their knowledge and skills in strategic supply chain management.
How you’ll learn
This is an MBA online course delivered over 12 weeks, with approximately 100 hours of study.
You'll learn through a mixture of pre-recorded lectures, case studies, and online tutorials. The online tutorials are live interactive sessions where you will review the topics covered in lectures using case studies or other materials to help embed and deepen your understanding. These are a great opportunity to share experiences and learn from the other participants. Online tutorials are typically scheduled every 2 weeks on weekdays from 12–2pm, most often on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, with final scheduling confirmed within eight weeks of the course start date.
Participants will be joining the existing Online MBA cohort, which provides an excellent opportunity for networking and idea exchange. The pace is designed to work alongside a full-time role but assumes steady weekly engagement.
Assessment and certification
At the end of the course, you will complete an individual assessment. This is designed to embed your learning and help you practically apply your newly acquired skills and strategies in your workplace. You are required to present an analysis of an organisations ‘Supplier Selection, Development and Portfolio Management’. This would typically be for a current employer as it is important to transparently define the boundaries of the Supply Chain to be examined.
On successful completion, you will receive a University of Edinburgh Business School certificate, plus 10 Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) credits, equivalent to 5 European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (ECTS) credits. These credits can be put towards the University of Edinburgh MBA or Online MBA.
Course impact
Upon completion of this course, participants can expect to make a significant impact on their organisation's supply chain management capabilities. They will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools to analyse and respond to supply chain management problems, drive innovation, and reduce costs. The course will enable participants to think strategically about supply chain management, making informed decisions that balance competing priorities and drive business success. Specifically, participants will be able to improve product quality, increase responsiveness, reduce risk, and drive innovation while cutting year-on-year input costs. By applying the concepts and frameworks learned in the course, participants will be able to lead increased competitiveness, revenue growth, and shareholder value.
Course lead - Professor of Operations Management
The delivering Professor is an experienced industrialist/academic who has published over 250 articles, book chapters and reports as well as presented widely on his topics to both academic and practitioner audiences internationally. His multiple publications include two co-authored books: Managing Quality (2026); Essential Guide to Operations Management (2023).
His research interests are operations management improvement strategies; quality management; sports operations management; strategic organisational change; leadership.
Course dates
3 March 2027 – 31 May 2027
Course fees
£2000
Application terms
Applications are accepted until 5pm UK time on Tuesday 16 February 2027.
Our participants typically hold a 2:1 honours degree or higher. We do, however, take a holistic view of every application. If your academic background does not meet these specific criteria, your application may still be considered if supported by a good professional track record.
Successful applicants must also evidence a minimum of three years’ management experience.
Before applying, please ensure you have gathered all the required supporting documents, including a CV and your sponsor letter (if applicable). For further details, please see the application form.
Cancellation requests must be received by 5pm UK time Wednesday 10 March 2027 to qualify for a full refund. After this date, a refund will no longer be possible.
For more information about this course, please email us: executive@business-school.ed.ac.uk