Logistics and Global Operations | MSc

Dr Gary Ramsden - Programme Leader

Prior to joining academia, Gary served in the Royal Air Force for 25 years where was employed in a wide variety of posts, primarily within the sphere of aircraft engineering operations, logistics and procurement and supply chain support to the RAF's fleet of Tornado aircraft. His current research focuses on logistics and operations and procurement and supply chain strategy with a particular interest in the humanitarian relief sector. The emphasis of his work focusses on the challenges associated with developing and supporting the need for agile and flexible supply chains in the face of commercial globalisation. He has written books in support of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) academic programmes and has also published in the Modern Supply Chain Research and Applications Journal. Gary's great passion is education, driven by the belief that a well-educated and knowledgeable workforce will always add significant value to any organisation or business.

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Welcome to MSc Logistics and Global Operations

Employers are increasingly looking to recruit graduates who can demonstrate that they have the high-level skills and abilities to succeed in global logistics management. MSc Logistics and Global Operations at the University of Lincoln has been designed with these employer expectations in mind.

The course provides students with the opportunity to explore practice in the context of relevant contemporary theory and research in the field of Logistics Management from an international perspective.

MSc Logistics and Global Operations seeks to develop the strategic vision of students, focusing on the development of creative thinking and proactive management. The programme recognises that all organisations, local and global, are constantly changing and seeks to ensure that managers develop the necessary knowledge and competencies to cope with this. The programme of study allows for context and situation specific learning.

Lectures, seminars, case studies, and guest speakers aim to provide students with a rich and thorough understanding of the subject. It is expected that students successfully completing the course will be prepared for a career in management or consultancy in areas related to logistics and operations at local and global scales.

This course has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).

The programme is available for either a September or February start.

How You Study

The programme combines generic modules in business and management with more specialist modules in logistics, operations, and procurement and supply chain management.

The generic modules are designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of how people, and other resources are managed in organisations. Students are introduced to strategy and decision analysis as well as to approaches to address the challenges associated with successful project management. The specialist modules aim to provide the knowledge and techniques to analyse, appraise, and contribute to the design and management of successful logistical and global operations. Students are also able to choose one optional module from a broad cross-section of business disciplines, enabling them to complement their final award with an understanding of an additional business management skill and/or area of expertise.

During the programme students may have the opportunity to visit a company to get a better understanding of how logistics operates in practice. Students have previously visited a Caterpillar Site in Leicester. All costs related to this trip are covered by the School.

The taught element of the programme consists of seven compulsory modules and one optional module. Optional modules will be offered across the suite of Lincoln International Business school's Masters Level degree programmes and will be delivered with the stipulation that a minimum of ten students elect to take them. Timetabling arrangements may limit the availability of modules to some students. As these options reflect staff research interests, they may also change over time.

Core modules:

- Global Procurement and Supply Strategy
- Operations and Process Management
- Business Logistics in a Digital World
- Decision Analysis for Managers
- Project Planning and Management
- Research Methods and Design
- Strategy Making

Optional modules:

- Community Organisation, Sustainability, and Development
- Disaster Management
- Group Consultancy Project
- Humanitarian Logistics
- International Entrepreneurship
- Teams and Leadership

The programme concludes with the dissertation which is designed to encourage innovation and diverse pathways to the final assessed submission. In this respect, the dissertation is an extended project that can accommodate a range of independent practically focused work.

Contact hours and Independent Study

Each module typically consists of two or three weekly teaching hours over a teaching term. Four modules are usually studied per term, equating to eight to 12 hours per week. Part-time students usually study two modules per term, equating to four to six hours of contact time per week. Hours of study can vary from term to term for both full and part-time students and can be spread throughout the week.

Postgraduate level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour spent in class, students are expected to spend at least four to five hours in independent study. For more detailed information please contact the Programme Leader.

Ways to Study

MSc Logistics and Global Operations can be studied full-time or part-time.

Full-time students will complete their degree in one year, taking four modules in the first and second terms and the final dissertation being developed during the summer. The programme is available for a September or February start for full-time students.

The part-time pathway has been developed for those students who are unable to undertake full-time study but who can attend the University on one or two days per week. Students will complete their degree in two years as they take two modules in the first and second terms of years one and two and their final dissertation in the summer of the second year. Part-time enrolment is restricted to September entry only.

An Introduction to Your Modules

† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

Business Logistics in a Digital World 2023-24LOG9703MLevel 72023-24This module explores challenges concerning the design of sound multi-actor logistics plans. A review of state-of-the-art knowledge on logistics related themes will take place to identify the complexities associated to such exercise. This exploration begins following a traditional perspective, to incorporate later the use of digital technologies and their impact in a global economy. Exercises and cases from micro-business, SMEs and corporate perspectives will integrate the core of professional practice in this module.CoreDecision Analysis for Managers 2023-24BUS9040MLevel 72023-24The aim of this module is to enhance the students decision capabilities when confronted with strategic or operational choices. Students will have the opportunity to learn how decision analysis tools can be used to structure and analyse decision problems and how a mix of data and judgement can help decision makers to better achieve their objectives.CoreDissertation 2023-24BUS9036MLevel 72023-24The dissertation provides an opportunity for students with a range of experience and interests to apply and develop their existing skills and knowledge to an independent study project, which affords an opportunity for both the expression of original thought and creativity; together with the application of analytical skills and critical reasoning. Our approach to dissertation is to facilitate innovative approaches and diverse pathways to the final assessed piece of work; in effect the dissertation is an extended research project. The dissertation topic should be aligned to students' subject of study.CoreGlobal Procurement and Supply Strategy 2023-24LOG9705MLevel 72023-24In order to ensure organisational success, we must seek to manage relationships with upstream and downstream suppliers and customers to deliver increased customer value at less cost to the supply chain overall. It is often argued that an organisation is only as a good as its supply chain and that the global supply chain can be a key source of competitive advantage. In the age of globalisation, many organisations are only as good as their global supply chains. Global supply chains give the organisation access to strategic resources and enable them to compete in global markets. Procurement and Supply Chain Management as a discipline has changed considerably in many companies and organisations in the recent past. Considering the amount of money generally involved in the preparation and execution of procurement and supply decisions, this is not a surprise and it has been argued that an effective and efficient operating purchasing and supply function can make an important contribution to company results and also add significant value. Traditionally, the procurement department has acted as the intermediary which negotiates the agreements and contracts with suppliers and subsequently monitors their compliance to those agreements. However, this traditional role is changing rapidly and procurement and supply chain managers are assuming more strategic roles within organisations, focused on achieving better performance from suppliers though approaches such as more active management of supplier relationships.CoreOperations and Process Management 2023-24LOG9704MLevel 72023-24Operations and Process Management is concerned with the management and improvement of resources and activities that produce and deliver goods and services for customers. Efficient and effective operations can provide an organization with major competitive advantages since the ability to respond to customer and market requirements quickly, at a low cost, and with high quality, is vital to attaining profitability and growth through increased market share. As competition becomes fiercer in an increasingly open and global marketplace, a company's survival and growth becomes greatly contingent on its ability to run its operations efficiently and to exploit its resources productively.CoreProject Planning and Management 2023-24BUS9041MLevel 72023-24With the rapidly changing context of modern business, the process of introducing novel technologies, products, infrastructures, or systems has become vital yet more challenging due to often conflicting stakeholder requirements, irreversible investments, operating constraints, and associated risks. Therefore, any business change has to be project-managed as the current emphasis in business is on flexible, rapid response to customer demands. Managers increasingly require a project competence with a systems-oriented management style that cuts across traditional functional roles throughout the project life-cycle. Project management is thus considered a crucial management philosophy of how organisations manage fluctuating business environments and bring to life something innovative or simply never accomplished before. This module provides students with the opportunity to develop an essential understanding of the fundamentals of project management. It covers a variety of concepts and their practical application including project scope, time, cost, quality, stakeholders, and communication.CoreResearch Methods and Design 2023-24BUS9056MLevel 72023-24This module aims to prepare students for undertaking the research for their Masters dissertation or project, and other assignments. It is designed to introduce students to the core principles of research design, the research methods they are likely to encounter in their research, the basics of research design and the organisation of independent study.CoreStrategy Making 2023-24BUS9048MLevel 72023-24Strategy is the heart of every organisation. This module explores how strategy is conceived, how it affects the organisation and how the organisation can be designed to realise its strategy efficiently and effectively. The module aims to support students in developing their strategic thinking skills through a review of diverse theories, models and practical exercises.CoreCommunity Organisation, Sustainability and Development 2023-24BUS9028MLevel 72023-24This module aims to introduce students to a range of non-traditional business models and to challenge established expectations and norms about business ethics, motivations, value-systems and practices. The module presents the notion that enterprises can operate due to motives other than profit-maximisation and that Social Purpose Organisations can exist to fulfil social functions using business models to create an alternative basis for sustainability and development. Students are challenged to think critically about these forms of organisation and their impact on societies (positive and negative). Students are also challenged to consider how issues such as performance management can translate into the operations of community enterprises.OptionalDisaster Management 2023-24TOU9158MLevel 72023-24The module follows a coherent and holistic approach to disaster management in its reconciliation of the key processes of preparedness, response, recovery, and rehabilitation. It draws upon experience from major disasters around the world both historical and contemporary.OptionalGroup Consultancy Project 2023-24MGT9125MLevel 72023-24This module aims to further enhance managerial competence and capability by providing the opportunity for students to develop the skills to become competent management consultants. Such competency is highly valued as it can help facilitate internal and external organisational consultancy interventions that add value at both an operational and strategic level.OptionalHumanitarian Logistics 2023-24LOG9026MLevel 72023-24This module is designed to introduce the key concepts and challenges in humanitarian logistics, while tying into larger concepts of non-profit management, disaster preparedness and response, as well as agile and transient supply chains. Students are expected to address management issues far beyond the realm of humanitarian responses. The approach taken to this module is interactive, with a focus on case studies and insights from practitioners, as well as academics.OptionalInternational Entrepreneurship 2023-24BUS9024MLevel 72023-24Entrepreneurship is an essential skillset in the development at global level of new and existing businesses, social enterprises, and more broadly societies and their economies. Enterprise is defined as the application of creative ideas and innovations to practical situations, combining creativity, ideas development, and problem-solving with expression, communication, and practical action. Entrepreneurship is the application of enterprise skills to creating and growing organisations in an international context in order to identify and build on opportunities. This module draws on the latest UK QAA Guidance on Enterprise and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education and aims to develop, at an international level, enterprise awareness, an entrepreneurial mindset, and entrepreneurial capability, which can lead to entrepreneurial effectiveness which can be applied in a range of contexts.OptionalTeams and Leadership 2023-24MGT9645MLevel 72023-24This module provides students with an understanding of how to create high-performing teams. Through a review of theories and models of leadership, team formation, motivation, communication, power, and diversity, students will gain a theoretically sound understanding of team behaviour and effectiveness. Practical class exercises will enable students to develop their skills as team leaders and members.Optional

How you are assessed

A variety of assessment methods are used during this course, including essays, examinations, oral presentations, and practicals. These assessments are designed to develop the skills needed for a career in the sector.

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

Fees and Funding

For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.

Programme Fees

Programme-Specific Additional Costs

For each course you may find that there are additional costs. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation and general living costs.

With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

International Applications

Please note that this programme is now closed for international applications for September 2023 entry.

Entry Requirements 2023-24

Honours degree or equivalent. (Professional experience will also be considered. Please contact the programme leader for further information).

If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

Accreditations and Memberships

This course has been accredited by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).

Industry Expertise

The University of Lincoln is the recognised preferred provider for academic development opportunities in logistics and operations for the UK Ministry of Defence. It offers defence programmes in logistics and operations at degree, masters, and PhD research levels. The recent COVID-19 pandemic has seen academic experts at the University make a telling contribution to the response effort across all elements of the logistics and supply chain discipline.

Students on this programme can benefit from working alongside an experienced team of staff consisting of academically and professionally qualified lecturers with relevant industrial experience. They are able to engage in real-world projects and attend guest lectures from visiting speakers drawn from across a wide cross section of business sectors and industrial expertise.

Research at Lincoln International Business School

Academics from MSc Logistics and Global Operations are involved in the University of Lincoln’s Marketing and Supply Chain Research Group (MaSC).

MaSC focuses on the development of knowledge which supports value creation for market, chain, and network stakeholders. Their research concerns value chains (supplier, customer, and consumer) and the building of social and resource sustainability within a network context.

Broaden Your Horizons

Lincoln International Business School students can expand their horizons, visit our partner universities, and see international business in action by joining funded international trips to exciting overseas destinations. Places are awarded competitively to eligible students each academic year.

Find out more about our funded field trip places for students.

Career and Personal Development

This programme is designed to prepare students for a number of careers in operations management, logistics, distribution, transport, retail, consultancy, and other related areas. Former students have been hired by UK organisations such as Bombardier, Jaguar/Land Rover, and RB.

The University Careers and Employability Team offer qualified advisors who can work with you to provide tailored, individual support and careers advice during your time at the University. As a member of our alumni we also offer one-to-one support in the first year after completing your course, including access to events, vacancy information and website resources; with access to online vacancies and virtual and website resources for the following two years.

This service can include one-to-one coaching, CV advice and interview preparation to help you maximise your future opportunities. The service works closely with local, national and international employers, acting as a gateway to the business world.

Working in Partnership

Lincoln International Business School works with students and organisations to enhance the contribution of business to society. For students, that means developing their business skills and knowledge to improve their career readiness.

The University of Lincoln is a member of AACSB, a global nonprofit association connecting educators, students, and businesses to achieve a common goal: to create the next generation of great leaders. Find out more.

Postgraduate Events

Find out more about how postgraduate study can help further your career, develop your knowledge, or even prepare you to start your own business at one of our postgraduate events.

Find out More

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Key Information

MSc Logistics and Global Operations