Overview
REGULATIONS FOR THE BACHELOR OF COMMERCE HONOURS DEGREE IN LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (BS12)
| Duration | 4 years |
| Minimum Credit Load | 480 |
| Maximum Credit Load | 540 |
| Maximum MBKs Credit Load | 384 |
- INTRODUCTION
1.1 These regulations shall be read in conjunction with the Faculty Regulations and the General Academic Regulations for Undergraduate degrees herein referred to as General Regulations.
1.2 The degree will be awarded to candidates who have successfully completed the programme and passed examinations in accordance with regulations set in the Faculty Regulations.
1.3 The duration of the degree programme shall normally be a minimum of four years including a period of Work-Related Learning in a relevant industrial/ commercial setting during the third level.
- LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the study students should be able to: –
- Develop new product ideas and systems to improve the operations of supply chain systems
- Advise businesses, states and communities on ways in which supply chains can enhance innovation and industrialization.
- Demonstrate understanding of and appreciation for the importance of the impact of globalization and diversity in modern organizations.
- Display an ability to engage in critical thinking by analysing situations and constructing and selecting viable solutions to solve problems.
- Collaborate effectively with various groups and stakeholders.
- Exhibit knowledge of current information, theories and models, and techniques and practices in supply chain management, logistics and retail environments
- CAREER PROSPECTS
The Bachelor of Science Honours degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management offers students a broad understanding of general management, accounting and economics as a foundation for the appreciation of end-to-end supply chain issues. On completion of the degree graduates can pursue careers as procurement and merchandising managers and supply chain operatives and managers. Opportunities also arise as supervisors of Transport, Logistics, Distribution and Supply Chain Management operations as well as various levels in the management of ports of entry, customs warehouse management, inventory, and brand management.
- ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- Normal Entry
- To qualify for normal entry into the Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management programme, a candidate, in addition to satisfying the minimum requirements as prescribed under the General Regulations and the Faculty Regulations for English Language at ‘O’ Level, such candidate must have obtained at least two passes in any ‘A’ Level subjects.
- To qualify for entry into the Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (Visiting School) programme a candidate, in addition to satisfying the minimum requirements prescribed under the General Regulations and the Faculty Regulations for English Language at ‘O’ Level must have: –
Either:
–Diploma of the Institute of Bankers (IOBZ)
–HND/ND in Business Studies
–HND/ND in Accountancy
–HND/ND in Purchasing Management
–Diploma in Education
–Institute of Administration and Commerce (IAC)
–Institute of Personnel Management Zimbabwe (IPMZ) Diploma
–Diplomas of the Institute of Real Estate Management
–Diploma in Business Administration (ZIM)
–Any other relevant tertiary qualifications
Or
–Passes in 2 any ‘A’ Level subjects
And
–At least two years working experience in a relevant field
–Proof of employment
- Mature Entry
Refer to Section 3.3 of the General Regulations.
- Special Entry
- Candidates who have successfully completed Higher National Diploma in Business Studies or have obtained equivalent qualifications may apply for direct entry into Level II of the degree programme.
- Direct entry into Level II of the programme is subject to availability of places.
- Candidates admitted under Regulation 3.2 above will normally be exempted from Level I on a module-by module basis.
- No candidate may complete the degree in less than three academic levels.
- Successful completion of the Work-Related Learning component at Level III is compulsory for all candidates.
- GENERAL PROVISONS
- A candidate is required to undertake a minimum of five (5) modules per semester unless one is carrying over or retaking certain modules from the previous academic level or semester, respectively.
- Each module is worth twelve (12) credits, Work-Related Learning level which is worth one hundred and twenty (120) credits and the dissertation which is worth twenty-four (24) credits.
- The department may accept students who have been discontinued from other programmes on condition that they meet the entry requirements of the department and subject to availability of
- A student requires 504 credits to complete this programme.
- PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT
| Course work | 30% |
| Written examinations | 70% |
- FAILURE TO SATISFY THE EXAMINERS
Refer to Section 9 of the General Regulations.
- PROVISIONFORPROGRESSION
Refer to Section 6 of the Faculty Regulations.
- WORK-RELATED LEARNING GENERAL GUIDELINES
Refer to Section 8 of the Faculty Regulations.
- GRADING AND DEGREE CLASSIFICATION
Refer to Section12 of the Faculty Regulations.
- DEGREE WEIGHTING
Refer to Section 13of the Faculty Regulations.
Programme Structure
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Level 1 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BM131 | Principles of Management | 12 |
| EC131 | Economic Principles 1 | 12 |
| HCS135 | Introduction to Information Technology | 12 |
| CS131 | Basic Communication Skills | 12 |
| LCS131 | Principles of Supply Chain Management | 12 |
| LCS132 | Retail Management | 12 |
| ACC135 | Financial Accounting for Business 1A | 12 |
Level 1 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LSC133 | Principles of Logistics and Transport Management | 12 |
| LSC135 | Business Law | 12 |
| LSC136 | Introduction to Business Statistics | 12 |
| ACC136 | Financial Accounting for Business 1B | 12 |
| LSC134 | Principles of Procurement | 12 |
| EC134 | Economic Principles 2 | 12 |
Level 2 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LSC231 | Public Procurement | 12 |
| ENT131 | Entrepreneurship 1 | 12 |
| GSB211 | Gender Studies for Business | 12 |
| LSC232 | Supply Chain Risk Management | 12 |
| LSC233 | Transport Economics | 12 |
Level 2 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LSC234 | Buyer and Consumer Behaviour | 12 |
| LSC236 | Promotions Management | 12 |
| LSC238 | Passenger and Cargo Transport Management | 12 |
| LSC235 | Customs Practice and Documentation | 12 |
| LSC237 | Business Research Methods | 12 |
Level 3 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LSC330 | Work-Related Learning Placement Report | 40 |
Level 3 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LSC331 | Work-Related Report | 40 |
| LSC332 | Academic Supervisor Report | 40 |
Level 4 Semester 1
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LSC431 | Brand Management | 12 |
| LSC432 | Inventory, Stores and Warehouse Management | 12 |
| LSC433 | Global Sourcing | 12 |
| LSC434 | Project Management | 12 |
Level 4 Semester 2
| Code | Module Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| LSC435 | Corporate Governance and Business Ethics | 12 |
| LSC436 | Contract and Relationship Management | 12 |
| LSC437 | Research Project | 24 |
| LSC438 | Consumer Protection | 12 |
- MODULE SYNOPSES
LSC131 Principles of Supply Chain Management
The module aims to cover foundational concepts and principles that form the bedrock for the management of firm and inter-firm activities. Topics cover definitions of logistics and supply chain management; types of supply chains; design and mapping. Sustainability, risks and resilience. Efficiency, coordination and responsiveness.
LSC132 Retail Management
Retail Management aims to equip candidates with the principles and managerial aspects of retailing. It explores the domain of retailing which is marketing to individuals and households. Emphasis is placed on management aspects of retailing such as the retail environment and its relationship to consumer demographics and trends, the retail mix strategy, merchandising, vendor relations and locations as they apply to both goods and services. The trends and developments and their impact in retailing are examined. Candidates are given real-life retailing cases upon which they make retail decisions. Other major areas covered include the determination of a target market, site selection decisions, staffing and training employees, outlet promotion, customer services, and control of outlet operations.
LSC133 Principles of Logistics and Transport Management
This module aims to provide an understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques of logistics and transport management. The module outline includes fundamentals such as definition and evolution of logistics and transport, research activities in the transport sector, stakeholders in the transport sector, transport modes and their economic operating characteristics, containerization, the role of transport in business, technology and transportation, total quality of transport in light of total quality management (TQM), logistics organization design and development, customer response principles and systems, inventory planning and management, warehouse operations, transportation and distribution management, supply management, logistics and supply chain information systems, logistics performance, cost and value measures.
LSC134 Principles of Procurement
This module aims at providing an understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques of procurement. Fundamentals in Principles of Procurement should focus on the purchasing environment and globalization purchasing drivers, theoretical frameworks, tools and techniques used in international purchasing supply chain management, Trade Promotion Organizations [ Common Market for Eastern Southern Africa (COMESA), Southern African Development Countries (SADC), World Trade Organisation (WTO), United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), International Trade Conference (ITC), Zimbabwe Trade (ZIMTRADE), European Union (EU), Government, African Union, Export Processing Zone Association (EPZA), Zimbabwe Investment Centre (ZIC), Zimbabwe Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC)]. The new supplier research and Research and Development (R&D) the five rights of purchasing, supplier research and appraisal, negotiation, tendering and contract management to be included. The procurement process strategies, tactics and plans, ethics and social responsibility in procurement and global purchasing are key.
LSC135 Business Law
The module aims to develop knowledge and understanding of the general legal framework within which an accountant operates and to develop an awareness of and an ability to understand common law. Students will learn to appreciate the legal framework, and sources of Zimbabwean law and enable them to appreciate the legal implications of business transactions. The module will cover the nature of law, law of contract, sale and purchase, lease, agency, employment and delict.
LSC136 Introduction to Business Statistics
The module focuses on mathematical and statistical concepts, tools, skills and techniques in the analysis, interpretation and application of numerical information and testing of theoretical fundamentals. It encompasses basic concepts of statistics, representation of statistical results, measures of central tendency and dispersion including probability concepts, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, index numbers, time series analysis, regression and correlation analysis and financial calculations (simple and compound interest, annuities, sinking funds and amortization schedules.)
LSC231 Public Procurement
Government expenditure on non-pay-related areas covers a vast range of equipment, goods and services: weapons systems, stationery, furniture, uniforms, food, capital projects including consultancy services, banking services, information systems and services, the management of facilities, as well as medical services, road building and maintenance and utilities. This requires an insight into the background and context of government procurement and the changing and challenging nature of such procurement in the light of commercial best practices. As such Public Procurement law is an area of interest for procurement practitioners both from the public and private sectors. There are major developments in most jurisdictions in regard to public procurement. The module will look into the objectives of Public Procurement system, Government Procurement v Private Sector Procurement, an overview of UNCITRAL Model Law, an overview of EU Procurement Directives, World Bank Procurement Rules, an overview of WTO GPA, an overview of Public Procurement Laws: such as COMESA, the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Asset Act 2018. Consequently, the module covers current Procurement Law and Policy from international perspective.
LSC233 Transport Economics
The module aims to offer a clear understanding of the basics of transport economics. Fundamentals in Transport Economics to include financial and economic implications and types of transport costs, financial implications of transport regulations, and productivity standards. Distribution planning, security in transport and warehousing activities, reverse logistics, distribution requirements planning, cost versus service trade-offs in investing for transport, outsourcing transport and transport broking.
LSC234 Buyer and Consumer Behaviour
Buyer and Consumer Behaviour aims to introduce students to the principles of buyer and consumer behaviour. It touches on issues such as characteristics of consumers and buyers and principles of how people make choices of what to buy. Furthermore, it deals with factors which influence buyers and consumers such as economic, social, political and psychological factors affecting buyer behaviour, Industrial buyers versus domestic buyers. How marketers can benefit from understanding consumer behaviour
LSC235 Customs Practice and Documentation
The module aims at ensuring that students understand and appreciate customs practices and related documentation. Documents used in international trade, customs regulations customs, clearing procedures and Practice the use of Customs Asycuda Manual, the Harmonised System (HS) Tariff Book, Removal in Bond (RIB), Removal in Transit (RIT), Bonded Warehouses, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) exchange control measures, trade facilitation, permits & licences practice of customs clearing (a lot of practicals have to be done), Trade Agreement (Export Processing zones, World Trade Organisations (WTO) International Regulations and Conventions to be included. The Vienna Conventions International Maritime Regulations, the Customer Rules of Containerization (1992 with amendments), principles and practice of Letters of Credit (including the UCP500 and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Documentary Credits Handbook), Electronic Data Interchange and case studies on shipping, the law of international trade and World Customs Union to be covered.
LSC236 Promotions Management
Meaning, role, impact and scope of Public Relations. Promoting and protecting corporate image and building corporate brand and products. Public relations vehicles/ tools. Major types of media used. Managing stakeholder relations. Role of Internet and use of modern ITCs. Press relations, product publicity, corporate communications; dealing with legislators, government and others stakeholders.
LSC237 Business Research Methods
This module aims to give the students theoretical knowledge of business research and enabling the students to carry out their research projects in their specialized area. The scientific approach, research types and the role of research in business environment are covered. It deals with the general research process which includes problem identification and definition, topic formulation, proposal development, literature review, research methodology, data analysis and interpretation, conclusions and recommendations as well as the entrepreneurial thrust of the research. Computer packages such as Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) which aid research data handling and analysis should also be covered in the module.
LSC238 Passenger & Cargo Transport Management
The module aims at imparting knowledge and understanding of the principles of passenger and cargo transport management. This module covers: stakeholders in passenger transport acquisition, vehicle routing and scheduling, transport functionality, principles and participates, fuel management as well as breakdown, vehicle maintenance and replacement policy, methods of servicing vehicles, transport regulations on local and cross boarder transport operators, training and development of staff, traffic control, legislation, licensing and permits, preventive maintenance and route viability and transport planning and investment, national transport policy
LSC331 Work-Related Report
The module is a report developed by the candidate during attachment. The thrust of the report is to relate theory covered in the university to practice. It follows a schematic report layout covering issues such as, company background, departments attached, challenges encountered, new issues learnt, any gap between information covered in the University, review of related literature to issues covered, comparison of practical issues and reviewed literature, any gap and conclusions and recommendations to the company and the University. A guideline to the development of the report is issued to the candidates as a module outline.
LSC332 Academic Supervisor Report
Approved industrial attachment of not less than 8 months and not more than 12 months is aimed at providing exposure to the students in the third year. The purpose of industrial attachment is to expose students to professional working life and give them adequate exposure to relate theory to real life situations in industry. The candidate is expected to rotate within the company in order to be exposed to all functions of that organisation. The candidate must be appraised by each departmental supervisor who assigns the student day to day duties. A percentage score should be given before leaving for the next department. The scores for each department supervisor are aggregated at the end to give a final industrial supervisor’s mark which will contribute to Industrial Attachment Continuous Assessment mark. During the attachment the student is expected to complete a logbook which will be utilised by the Academic Supervisor. The academic supervisor must assess the student at least twice and award a mark on the designated instruments on each visit and the average mark will contribute to the Industrial Attachment Continuous Assessment mark.
LSC431 Brand Management
The main objective of Brand Management is to provide the student with a comprehensive and up-to-date treatment of the subject of brands, brand equity and brand marketing strategies. At the end of the module the student should be able to develop insight into how to create profitable branding strategies by building, measuring and managing brand equity. Although it is easy for competition to often duplicate manufacturing processes and factory designs, it is not easy to reproduce strongly held beliefs and altitudes established in the minds of consumers. The student will learn about the concept of brand equity, family brands, corporate brands, national versus private brands and generic brands which can provide marketers with a valuable perspective on interpreting the potential effects of various strategies on their brands. It stresses the importance of branding in marketing strategies. At the end of the module the student should be able to develop insight into how to create profitable branding strategies by building, measuring and managing brand equity.
LSC432 Inventory, Stores and Warehouse Management
The module aims at offering an understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques of inventory and stores management. Inventory, Stores and Warehouse Management covers managing inventories under different demand situations, managing inventory for different organizational contexts, statistical analysis as an inventory management tool, warehouse management, automated warehouse and inventory management systems, materials handling facilities and equipment. Material Requirements Planning and Control, warehouse location and design principles, stores procedures, stocktaking, health and safety of staff and security of stocks, materials handling and the use of warehousing software programmes to be included.
LSC433 Global Sourcing
The module aims at offering a clear understanding of the basics of global sourcing, concepts and techniques. Developing foreign sourcing, the global sourcing model, landed costs, post 9/11 and the effect of Global Purchasing, international procurement strategies and plans, risk management and Insurance, look east policy, developing an inbound supply chain risk management strategy and low-cost centres and their impact in Zimbabwe to be covered.
LSC434 Project Management
This module provides a systematic and thorough introduction to all aspects of project management. Projects are an increasingly important aspect of modern business. Therefore, the module underlines the importance of understanding the relation between projects and the strategic goals of the organisation. The module also discusses the technical, cultural, and interpersonal skills necessary to successfully manage projects from start to finish. It emphasises that project management is a professional discipline with its own tools, body of knowledge, and skills. Concepts are reinforced by case studies covering a wide variety of project types and industries
LSC435 Corporate Governance and Business Ethics
The aim of the module is to equip students with the necessary principles and knowledge on how organizations are run paying attention to best practices and ethical behaviours. Areas covered includes principles of corporate governance, Corruption, whistle blowing and industrial espionage, Principles of business ethics in international context Pricing, product, promotion, distribution ethics, Environmental ethics, industrial relations ethics.
LSC436 Contract and Relationship Management
The module aims at imparting knowledge and understanding of the principles, concepts and techniques of contract management. Contract Management to cover definition of terms, evolution and role of tenders and contracts in business. Ethics in procurement (public and private), principles of tendering in Zimbabwe and beyond, public and private procurement procedures, tendering process, problems associated with tenders a lot of practicals, the dangers and risks of tenders, the formation of a contract, administration of contracts, termination of contracts, dispute settlement – Arbitration and litigation and the paradigm shift in Tender Management. It will provide a comprehensive understand of the legal issues that relate to the formation of contracts, type of contracts, analyse the documentation that can comprise a commercial agreement for the supply of goods or services, analyse the legal issues that relate to the creation of commercial agreements with customers or suppliers, compare types of contractual agreements made between customers and suppliers, appraise examples of key performance indicators (KPIs) in contractual agreements, contract variations, responsibilities of contracting parties, understand the dynamics of relationships in supply chains, differentiate between different types of commercial relationships in supply chains, appraise portfolio analysis techniques to assess relationships in supply chains, identify the competitive forces that impact on relationships in supply chains, identify the processes for terminating relationships.
LSC437 Research Project
Project in International Procurement/Logistics/and Transport to deal on: A case-based research project of at least 12000 words and not more than 12 500 words on an approved Procurement, Logistics and Transport topic is required at the end of semester 8. It starts in semester 7 with the submission of approved project proposal by the student to the department. Students are required to use the theoretical framework gained throughout their studies and the research skills taught to uncover the causes behind problems in international procurement and create practicable solutions to the problems in an analytical manner.
LSC438 Consumer Protection
The module acknowledges that the consumer is the principal focus of retail and business operations in general and so attempts to explore the legal implications of that relationship. The main objectives of the module include examining the meaning of consumerism and its impact on consumer rights; defining and describing the rights of consumer in the marketplace as well as the obligations of providers of goods and services towards consumers; protecting of consumers; identifying how the law protects consumers in the marketplace against malpractice and exploring international practice for the protection of consumers.