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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

Assignment Briefs
OTHM Level 7 Diploma In Logistics And
Supply Chain Management
Qualification Number: 603/5865/8| September 2020

ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | WWW.OTHM.ORG.UK


OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

Table of Contents

Assessment guidance for criterion referenced marking.............................................. 3


Logistics Management ............................................................................................... 5
Supply Chain Planning, Modelling And Analytics ....................................................... 8
Procurement And Supply Management.................................................................... 11
Supply Chain And Operations Strategy .................................................................... 13
Sustainable Operations Management ...................................................................... 16
Business Research Methods.................................................................................... 19

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

Assessment guidance for criterion referenced marking.

The assessment grading criteria characterises the level of complexity and demand expected of students at each level of qualification. Please note
that these are generic descriptors which apply mainly, though not exclusively, to written academic work.

Any further unit-specific assessment criteria, such as number of words, should be clearly stated in each individual assignment brief.

Result. Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7


Pass Detailed answers to all Detailed response to all Very full, independent Excellent links between The work demonstrates
parts of the questions or relevant parts of the response to the assignment, relevant ideas, theories and engagement in an
tasks. questions or tasks, with applying relevant material practice. academic debate which
evidence of clear well beyond any module presents clear evidence
Clearly structured and understanding of the input, demonstrating Evidence of independent of a considered
focused, demonstrating issues. independent study. learning and the ability to understanding of the
overall coherence and in- engage critically and topics studied.
depth understanding of Well-structured with Excellent understanding and analytically with a wide
the unit content and evidence of independent application of relevant theory, range of contextually There is evidence of
assessment reading supporting the concepts and models. Very relevant resource material. clear synthesis of
requirements. argument. clear logical structure. theoretical issues and
Demonstration of original practice.
Evidence of the use of Clear evidence of a range insights supported by well
independently sourced of independently sourced Very few errors in referencing structured overall argument. A critical analysis of
material, well applied in material, well applied in all or grammar or syntax as theoretical models
all contexts. contexts. appropriate. Very few errors in and/or practical
referencing or grammar or applications has
Very few errors in syntax as appropriate. resulted in originality.
grammar as appropriate. Very few errors in
referencing or grammar or Very few errors in
syntax as appropriate. referencing or grammar
or syntax as
appropriate.

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

Fail Little attempt to engage Little attempt to engage Little attempt to engage with Little attempt to engage with Whilst some of the
with assignment brief. with assignment brief. assignment brief. assignment brief. characteristics of a
pass have been
Learning outcomes not Learning outcomes not Learning outcomes not fully Learning outcomes not fully demonstrated, the work
fully met. fully met. met. met. does not address each
of the outcomes for the
Inadequate Inadequate demonstration Inadequate demonstration of Inadequate demonstration specified assessment
demonstration of of knowledge or knowledge or understanding of knowledge or task.
knowledge or understanding of key of key concepts, theories or understanding of key
understanding of key concepts, theories or practice. concepts, theories or The work may be an
concepts, theories or practice. practice. overly descriptive
practice. account demonstrating
minimal interpretation,
and there is very
limited evidence of
analysis, synthesis or
evaluation.

No counterarguments
or alternative frames of
reference are
generated or
considered.

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT
Unit Reference Number J/618/1227
Unit Title Logistics Management
Unit Level 7
Number of Credits 20
Total Qualification Time 200 hours
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 100
Mandatory / Optional Mandatory
Unit Grading Structure Pass/Fail

Unit Aims

The unit focusses on the strategic, value adding role of logistics in supply networks. It aims
to impart learners with a thorough understanding of key theoretical and operational aspects
of managing logistics, specifically transportation, storage/warehousing and packaging. The
related considerations for business competitiveness and operational efficiency is
emphasised as is the interdependency between operational, technological and regulatory
aspects.

Learning Outcomes- Assessment Criteria-


The learner will: The learner can:
1. Understand key concepts 1.1 Analyse current issues in logistics and their
and issues in logistics. relevance and effects on organisations.
1.2 Evaluate the benefits of having an effective
logistics management system in an organisation.
2. Understand the different 2.1 Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the
modes of transport and different modes of transportation.
their underlying 2.2 Critically analyse the underlying operations and cost
operational and economic of the different modes of transportation.
characteristics. 2.3 Discuss factors affecting the selection of specified
modes/s of transport in an organisation.
2.4 Explain the infrastructure/facilities associated with
each of the transport modes
3. Understand the regulatory 3.1 Critically evaluate export and import regulations
aspects and procedures including customs procedures and tariffs in the import
and practices with and export of goods.
international transport. 3.2 Analyse how tariffs and duties affect the prices of
imported/exported goods.
4. Understand strategic and 4.1 Evaluate strategic aspects incl. warehouse location,
operational aspects of capacity, design/layout, storage racks selection and
warehouse management. extent of automation (in relation to material handling
equipment)
4.2 Analyse operational issues in receiving, order
picking, storage and despatch incl. relevance of
technological solutions.
4.3 Explain the multi-level product packaging choices
and their relevance to efficient warehousing and
transportation.

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

Scenario:

You are working in the management team at MoveUK Ltd specialising in logistics or within a
similar organization (e.g. a manufacturer, retailer or logistics services provider). You are
recently promoted as Deputy Head of Operations. You decided to produce a detailed
management briefing to update your workforce with a preference towards those who joined
the company in the last 12 months.

Task 1 of 1 Management Briefing

Instructions

Your briefing will be in a report format and will consist of the following two parts:

Part A
1. Analyse current issues in logistics and their relevance and effects on organisations
including your chosen organisation.
2. Evaluate the benefits of having an effective logistics management system in your
organisation.
(LO1, AC1.1, 1.2)

3. Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of the different modes of transportation.


4. Critically analyse the underlying operations and cost of the different modes of
transportation.
5. Discuss factors affecting the selection of specified modes/s of transport in your
chosen organisation.
6. Explain the infrastructure/facilities associated with each of the transport modes.

(LO2, AC2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4)

Part B
1. Critically evaluate export and import regulations including customs procedures and
tariffs in the import and export of goods.
2. Analyse how tariffs and duties affect the prices of imported/exported goods.
(LO3, AC3.1, AC3.2)

3. Evaluate strategic aspects incl. warehouse location, capacity, design/layout, storage


racks selection and extent of automation (in relation to material handling equipment)
4. Analyse operational issues in receiving, order picking, storage and despatch incl. the
relevance of technological solutions.
5. Explain the multi-level product packaging choices and their relevance to efficient
warehousing and transportation
(LO4, AC4.1, 4.2, 4.3)

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

Delivery and Submission

 1x Word file (circa 4500 words excluding TOC, diagrams, references and
appendices)

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

SUPPLY CHAIN PLANNING, MODELLING AND ANALYTICS


Unit Reference Number R/618/1229
Unit Title Supply Chain Planning, Modelling and Analytics
Unit Level 7
Number of Credits 20
Total Qualification Time 200
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 100
Mandatory / Optional Mandatory
Unit Grading Structure Pass/Fail

Unit Aims

The unit aims to provide learners with in-depth knowledge about planning processes across
all key aspects of supply chain management.
The relevance of each of the planning processes, the associated information requirements
and modelling and analytic techniques are covered.

Learning Outcome – Assessment Criterion –


The learner will: The learner can:
1. Understand supply chain 1.1 Explain qualitative and quantitative approaches to
planning models and supply chain operations.
approaches used in 1.2 Apply appropriate forecasting techniques
contemporary business
operations. 1.3 Evaluate the appropriateness of supply networks
1.4 Apply location planning models for different entities
In the supply network.
1.5 Apply appropriate inventory control and management
approaches.
2. Understand the 2.1 Analyse the relationships between aggregate and
integration of supply chain hierarchical planning and control.
planning, scheduling and 2.2 Apply the concepts of Material Planning and
control approaches in
Control and other capacity management strategies.
business operations.
2.3 Evaluate the implementation of Enterprise Resource
Planning (ERP) system in business operations.
3. Understand the 3.1 Explain the use and relevance of simulation
application of data techniques in each of the key areas of supply chain
analytics in supply chain management.
management.
3.2 Explain the use and relevance of big data analytical
techniques in each of the key areas of supply chain
management.

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

Scenario:

You have recently secured a ‘Lead Operations Manager’ role with 3663 group, a logistics
specialist company providing frozen items to high street restaurants. You have taken over in
a challenging period where the industry is affected by COVID19.

You understand the organisation will have a complicated and trying year ahead. You are
tasked by the Senior Management to develop plans to ensure that there is a greater clarity
on the demand and supply based on mathematical reasoning. The Head of Operations have
allocated you two tasks that you need to carry out.

Task 1 of 2 Portfolio of tasks

Instructions

1. For your organisation, using imaginary data, apply any two forecasting techniques
from the below:
 Historical Analogy Method
 Survey Method
 Opinion Poll
 Business Barometers
 Time Series Analysis
 Regression Analysis
 Input-Output Analysis
2. Evaluate the appropriateness of supply networks
3. Apply a range of location planning models for different entities in the supply network
of your organisation.
4. Apply a range of inventory control and management approaches to your
organisation.
5. Apply the concepts of Material Planning and Control and other capacity management
strategies to your organisation.

(LO1 AC1.2, 1.3,1.4, 1.5 and LO2 AC2.2)


Delivery and Submission

 1x Word file (circa 2000 words excluding TOC, diagrams, references and
appendices)

NOTE: the centre may wish to provide learners with demo data for the mathematical
tasks.

Task 2 of 2 Business Report

Instructions
Your report will consist of the following:

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

1. Explain qualitative and quantitative approaches to supply chain operations.


2. Analyse the relationships between aggregate and hierarchical planning and control.
3. Evaluate the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in
business operations
4. Explain the use and relevance of simulation techniques in each of the key areas of
supply chain management
5. Explain the use and relevance of big data analytical techniques in each of the key
areas of supply chain management
(LO1 AC 1.1, LO2 AC2.1,2.3, LO3, AC3.1, 3.2)
Delivery and Submission

 1x Word file (circa 2500 words excluding TOC, diagrams, references and
appendices)

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

PROCUREMENT AND SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

Unit Reference Number L/618/1231


Unit Title Procurement and Supply Management
Unit Level 7
Number of Credits 20
Total Qualification Time 200
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 100
Mandatory / Optional Mandatory
Unit Grading Structure Pass/Fail

Unit aims

The unit seeks to provide learners with a thorough understanding of procurement and supply
management from a strategic, technological, process and relationship perspective. The goal
is to provide insights on the role of procurement within supply chain management, the tools
and techniques to assess sourcing options, the negotiation and contractual issues
encountered with suppliers, effective supplier relationship management and technological
enablers in procurement.

Learning Outcome – Assessment Criterion –


The learner will: The learner can:
1. Understand the contexts 1.1 Analyse the different sources of value addition in
of procurement and procurement.
supply Management. 1.2 Explain the main aspects of sourcing processes.
1.3 Analyse the impact of organisational policies and
procedures on procurement.
1.4 Compare the different structures of a procurement
function.
2. Understand the 2.1 Explain how costs and prices can be
application of tools and estimated for procurement activities.
techniques for sourcing. 2.2 Explain the main processes used for obtaining
quotations and tenders from suppliers.
2.3 Develop selection and award criteria with regards to
selecting suppliers.
2.4 Evaluate the role of technology in enhancing the
efficiency and effectiveness of procurement.
3. Understand approaches 3.1 Explain the main types of contractual agreements
to finalise contractual between customers and suppliers.
agreements with 3.2 Compare the types of approaches that can be
suppliers.
pursued in commercial negotiations.
3.3 Evaluate the main methods that can influence the
achievement of desired outcomes.
4. Understand and manage 4.1 Apply portfolio analysis techniques to assess
the dynamics of relationships with suppliers.
relationships with 4.2 Explain the main approaches to conflict resolution
suppliers.
in commercial contracts.
4.3 Explain the main techniques for supplier

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

relationship management.

Scenario:

You are employed as COO of Essex based ‘EXPORTUK’ Limited, a fast-growing


pharmaceutical company or within a similar organization (e.g. a manufacturer, retailer or
logistics services provider). Apart from the domestic market, the company exports medicines
to several European countries and hope to expand into Middle east and far east.

You are tasked with revamping the supply chain to find alternate providers. You have a team
of 10 employees who will do the groundwork. You are tasked with providing them a briefing
so that they are ready to negotiate with the potential suppliers to secure favourable deals for
the company.

Task 1 of 1 Essay

Instructions

Your briefing will be in an essay format and will consist of the following two parts:

Part A
1. Analyse the different sources of value addition in procurement.
2. Explain the main aspects of sourcing processes.
3. Based on your organisation, analyse the impact of organisational policies and
procedures on procurement.
4. Compare the different structures of a procurement function.
5. Explain how costs and prices can be estimated for procurement activities.
6. Based on your organisation, explain the main processes used for obtaining
quotations and tenders from suppliers.
7. Based on your organisation, develop selection and award criteria with regards to
selecting suppliers.
8. Evaluate the role of technology in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of
procurement.
(LO1, AC1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and LO2, AC2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4)

Part B
1. Explain the main types of contractual agreements between customers and suppliers
2. Compare the types of approaches that can be pursued in commercial negotiations
3. Evaluate the main methods that can influence the achievement of desired outcomes
4. Apply portfolio analysis techniques to assess relationships with suppliers
5. Explain the main approaches to conflict resolution in commercial contracts
6. Explain the main techniques for supplier relationship management

(LO3, AC3.1, 3.2, 3.3, LO4, AC4.1, 4.2, 4.3)

Delivery and Submission

 1x Word file (circa 4500 words excluding TOC, diagrams, references and
appendices)

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

SUPPLY CHAIN AND OPERATIONS STRATEGY


Unit Reference Number Y/618/1233
Unit Title Supply Chain and Operations Strategy
Unit Level 7
Number of Credits 20
Total Qualification Time 200
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 100
Mandatory / Optional Mandatory
Unit Grading Structure Pass/Fail

Unit Aims

The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of supply chain and operations
management, including its scope, impact and importance as well as the strategic decisions
that need to be made in today’s world of global supply and global markets, taking into
account the major competitive drivers. The unit discusses supply chain and operations
management practices and approaches in a range of contexts.

Learning Outcome – Assessment Criterion –


The learner will: The learner can:
1. Understand key 1.1 Evaluate the concepts and principles of operations
operations and supply and supply chain management.
chain management 1.2 Critically discuss the key drivers of effective supply
concepts, theories and
chain management.
strategies
1.3 Assess how effective operations and supply chain
management can enhance competitiveness.
1.4 Critically evaluate key decisions made by
businesses to improve their supply chain and
operations.
1.5 Critically review the application of different
strategic approaches to supply chain and operations
management in organisations.
2. Understand performance 2.1 Assess the relevance of performance measurement
measurement approaches within supply chain and operations management.
and techniques. 2.2 Evaluate various financial, non-financial, single and
multi-factor performance measures applicable to
organisations.
2.3 Evaluate the selection and application of key
performance indicators for effective supply chain and
operations management.
2.4 Explain how intra and inter-organisational
benchmarking can help organisations improve their
supply chain and operations management efficiency.

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

Case Study: Intel

One of the world’s largest manufacturers of computer chips, Intel needs little introduction.
However, the company needed to reduce supply chain expenditure significantly after
bringing its low-cost “Atom” chip to market. Supply chain costs of around $5.50 per chip
were bearable for units selling for $100, but the price of the new chip was a fraction of that,
at about $20.

The Supply Chain Cost Reduction Challenge: Somehow, Intel had to reduce the supply
chain costs for the Atom chip, but had only one area of leverage—inventory.

The chip had to work, so Intel could make no service trade-offs. With each Atom product
being a single component, there was also no way to reduce duty payments. Intel had already
whittled packaging down to a minimum, and with a high value-to-weight ratio, the chips’
distribution costs could not be pared down any further.

The only option was to try to reduce levels of inventory, which, up to that point, had been
kept extremely high to support a nine-week order cycle. The only way Intel could find to
make supply chain cost reductions was to bring this cycle time down and therefore reduce
inventory.

The Path to Cost Reduction: Intel decided to try what was considered an unlikely supply
chain strategy for the semiconductor industry: make to order. The company began with a
pilot operation using a manufacturer in Malaysia. Through a process of iteration, they
gradually sought out and eliminated supply chain inefficiencies to reduce order cycle time
incrementally.

Further improvement initiatives included:


 Cutting the chip assembly test window from a five-day schedule, to a bi-weekly, 2-
day-long process
 Introducing a formal S&OP planning process
 Moving to a vendor-managed inventory model wherever it was possible to do so

Supply Chain Cost Management Results: Through its incremental approach to cycle time
improvement, Intel eventually drove the order cycle time for the Atom chip down from nine
weeks to just two. As a result, the company achieved a supply chain cost reduction of more
than $4 per unit for the $20 Atom chip—a far more palatable rate than the original figure of
$5.50.

Task 1 of 1 Management Briefing

Instructions

You have secured an advisory position with Intel UK division. You will be briefing mid-level
managers on performance measurement approaches and techniques. You will be using the
case study and further independent research to ensure the briefing is comprehensive. You
report will consist of the following:

1. Evaluate the concepts and principles of operations and supply chain management.
2. Critically discuss the key drivers of effective supply chain management.
3. Assess how effective operations and supply chain management can enhance
competitiveness.

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

4. Critically evaluate key decisions made by businesses to improve their supply chain
and operations.
5. Critically review the application of different strategic approaches to supply chain and
operations management in organisations.
6. Assess the relevance of performance measurement within supply chain and
operations management. management.
7. Evaluate various financial, non-financial, single and multi-factor performance
measures applicable to organisations such as Intel.
8. Evaluate the selection and application of key performance indicators for effective
supply chain and operations management at Intel.
9. Explain how intra and inter-organisational benchmarking can help organisations like
Intel to improve their supply chain and operations management efficiency.
(LO1, AC1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 and LO2, AC2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4)

Delivery and Submission

 1x Word file (circa 4500 words excluding TOC, diagrams, references and
appendices)

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT


Unit Reference Number H/618/1235
Unit Title Sustainable Operations Management
Unit Level 7
Number of Credits 20
Total Qualification Time 200
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 100
Mandatory / Optional Mandatory
Unit Grading Structure Pass/Fail

Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding, knowledge and skills of
sustainable operations management, including key elements of sustainability and their
importance to businesses, the business drivers and barriers affecting the move towards
sustainability, the different practices across the supply chain that can be worked upon to
improve sustainability as well as the performance measures and the business impact of
sustainability. A variety of different sectors are explored.

Learning Outcome – Assessment Criterion –


The learner will: The learner can:
1. Understand the concept 1.1 Explain the relevance of sustainability to businesses.
and theories of 1.2 Critically assess key dimensions of sustainability incl.
sustainable supply environmental, social and economic as well as practices
chains. within each context.
1.3 Assess the relevance of different drivers of
sustainability practices.
1.4 Appreciate the barriers or challenges to businesses
with regards to sustainability.
1.5 Explain the different performance measures used to
measure sustainability as well as how sustainability is
reported.
2. Understand how to make 2.1 Evaluate the existing position of a business with
the businesses more regards to different sustainability practices.
sustainable. 2.2 Highlight the appropriateness of different
sustainability practices for a business.
2.3 Evaluate the sustainability and business-related
implications of implementing (sustainability) practices for
a business.

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

Newspaper report

Tesco: working with suppliers to cut food waste by Katharine Earley

Tesco has become the UK's first retailer to disclose the volume of food waste it produces,
and is working with its suppliers to reduce this.

Around 1.3bn tonnes of food is wasted globally each year, according to the UN's Food and
Agriculture Organisation (FAO), putting pressure on the environment and costing producers
£460m annually.

Working with sustainability consultancy Anthesis, Tesco developed a smart way of


measuring where food waste occurred – from "farm to fork" – for 25 of its top-selling
products. The company collected data from its producers and suppliers on why and how
much food was wasted, and combined this with waste data from its own operations and
Wrap statistics on domestic food waste.

By building a food waste footprint for each product, Tesco identified problem hotspots and
created action plans to cut waste, from ending multi-buy offers on large bags of salad to
ordering bakery products more accurately. It found that, for example, 17% of the grapes
produced for its supermarkets are wasted by the consumer, and is working with suppliers to
obtain fresher produce and improve the storage advice on packaging.

Tesco's move to share its food waste data achieved widespread media coverage and was
welcomed by leading food and environmental campaigners, including Wrap, Fareshare,
Feeding the 5000 and Waste Watch.

The "Farm to Fork" metric is a first for the retail industry and has set a benchmark for
businesses keen to act on food waste. Major UK retailers, including all the country's biggest
supermarket chains, have since agreed to work with the British Retail Consortium to share
their data from 2015.

Tesco's focus on reducing food waste forms part of its wider commitment to addressing the
economic, health and environmental issues that are most important to the longevity of its
business, and improving the transparency of its supply chain.

URL: https://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/sustainability-case-studies-tesco-
food-waste

Task 1 of 1 Essay

Instructions:

As a part the assessment of this module, your tutor has asked you to write an essay on
‘Sustainable operations management’. You will be using the newspaper article as an
inspiration and conduct further research. You can write your essay on Tesco or a similar
organisation of your choice who are actively pursuing sustainability in their operations
management.

Your essay should cover the following:

1. Explain the relevance of sustainability to businesses.


2. Critically assess key dimensions of sustainability incl. environmental, social and
economic as well as practices within each.

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3. Assess the relevance of different drivers of sustainability practices.


4. Appreciate the barriers or challenges to businesses with regards to sustainability.
5. Explain the different performance measures used to measure sustainability as well
as how sustainability is reported.
6. Evaluate the existing position of a business with regards to different sustainability
practices.
7. Highlight the appropriateness of different sustainability practices in your chosen
business.
8. Evaluate the sustainability and business-related implications of implementing
(sustainability) practices in your chosen business.
(LO1, AC1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5 and LO2, AC2.1, 2.2, 2.3)

Delivery and Submission:

 1x Word file (circa 4500 words excluding TOC, diagrams, references and
appendices)

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OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

BUSINESS RESEARCH METHODS

Unit Reference Number T/508/0626


Unit Title Business Research Methods
Unit Level 7
Number of Credits 20
Total Qualification Time 200
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) 100
Mandatory / Optional Mandatory
Unit Grading Structure Pass/Fail

Unit Aims
The aim of this unit is to develop learners’ understanding of research principles including the
formulation of research proposals, literature reviews, referencing, data collection using
interviews and surveys, questionnaire design, statistical analysing using SPSS, qualitative
data, and methods for drawing conclusions from the analysed data.

Learning Outcome – Assessment Criterion –


The learner will: The learner can:
1. Be able to identify 1.1 Appraise research problems.
research problems and
formulate research 1.2 Develop appropriate research objectives and justify
objectives. their choice.
2. Understand how to
2.1 Evaluate literature relevant to a research problem.
review the literature on a
research topic. 2.2 Critically analyse different theoretical approaches to a
research problem.
3. Be able to design 3.1 Critically evaluate appropriate research
appropriate business methodologies in terms of research objectives.
research methodologies.
3.2 Design an appropriate methodology in terms of
research objectives.
3.3 Justify a selected methodology in terms of research
objectives.
4. Be able to develop a 4.1 Propose techniques for use with quantitative and
research proposal. qualitative data.
4.2 Create a research question, literature review and
methodology.

Task 1 of 1 - Research Proposal (AC1.1,1.2,2.1,2.2,3.1,3.2,3.3,4.1,4.2)

Based on your academic studies on this programme, you are now required to develop a
research proposal which will demonstrate understanding of research methods at an
advanced level. Consult with your tutor/supervisor to determine a suitable area of research
within the Logistics and Supply Chain Management discipline.

Instructions
In this task, you will need to produce a research project proposal in which you:

ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | VWWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 19


OTHM LEVEL 7 DIPLOMA IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT | ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS

1. Introduction
a. Introduce the problem or opportunity with supporting data and trends.
b. Clearly explain the background to the business problem or opportunity,
and justify the reasons for, and the value of, the research to your employer
and the wider academic community.
c. Outline the research project’s aims and objectives.
d. State the limitations and scope of the proposed research.

2. Literature Review
a. Critically review key literature and recent academic publications around the
subject area discussing key definitions, current theoretical frameworks, and
research carried out in similar areas.
b. Develop a conceptual and theoretical framework for the research from the
literature review explaining how and why it supports and informs your
approach the research process.

3. Research Methodology
a. Explain and justify your research approach and strategy.
b. Data collection:
o Discuss data collection methods.
o Select the instrument, design it and justify an appropriate method with an
outline of a pre-test/pilot to be included as an appendix.
o Clearly outline the administration of the data collection process.
c. Population and Sampling: Define the research population, sampling strategy
and clarify access to respondent issues.
d. Data Analysis: Describe and justify how you propose to analyse and report
the results and findings of your research with a discussion about reliability and
validity and the
management of error.

4. Statement of Ethics
a. Discuss access to respondent issues, permissions from organisation to conduct
research, confidentiality, rights of withdrawal, consent, management of data security
etc.

5. Timeline
a. Develop a plan using GANTT Chart from start to completion of the research.

Delivery:
 1 x Word Research Proposal

Submission:
 1 x Word Research Proposal - 2500 words

Referencing:
 Each section must reflect any supporting Harvard style citations.
 A comprehensive Harvard style reference list must be included at the end of the
work.
 An extended bibliography of at least twenty academic, journal and industry
relevant sector sources to be included at the end of the end of the work.

Evidence to be submitted:
 1x Word Research Proposal - 2500 words

ASSIGNMENT BRIEFS | SEPTEMBER 2020 | VWWW.OTHM.ORG.UK 20

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