Introduction to Supply Chain Management

Short Course - 15 credits at SCQF level 11

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Aerial photo of lots of shipping containers

Short Course & Professional Development

Learn how integrated supply chains contribute to the achievement of organisational efficiency and effectiveness.

We will explore supply chain strategy in the context of the internationalisation of business, with a focus on sustainability in supply chain design and operations. We will consider supply chain design, the role of information in supply chain management, measuring supply chain performance, sustainability and the triple bottom line, circular supply chains, logistics and transportation management, and the role of technology with a focus on industry 4.0.

Mode of Study

Online Learning

Mode of Attendance

Part Time

Start Date

1 June 2026

Course Length

13 weeks

Topics

On completion of this course, participants are expected to be able to:

Critically analyse and evaluate key concepts, principles and models related to Supply Chain Management.
Critically evaluate organisations' integrated supply chains to identify performance improvement opportunities and measure their efficiency.
Synthesise a range of concepts, principles and models to make informed judgements about sustainability in supply chain contexts.
Synthesise a range of concepts, principles and models and appraise exiting logistics and supply chain strategies to make informed judgements about transportation issues.

RGU Upskilling

Undertaking a RGU online short course can help you to develop or change your career or support your business to grow.

We're proud to offer a range of online short courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals both locally, nationally and in the global community. Additionally, if you are domiciled in Scotland, you may be eligible for a fee-waiver place, which means you could study for free. Identified and created in collaboration with industry, these credit-bearing online courses are designed to enhance employability for individuals and organisations looking to upskill their workforce.

Find out more about the range of courses on offer and the benefits of studying online with RGU:

RGU Upskilling

Course & module information

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information. The university is currently undertaking an update to the course information system. This may result in minor, temporary inaccuracies, to course and module information. If you have any concerns or questions about relating to your chosen programme, please contact our admissions team.

Detailed module information

Learning methods

This module is delivered through online learning, via the University's Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle. A two hour session is planned each week to allow engagement between the teaching team and the course participants to accommodate learner questions and any concerns. The full two hour session may not be required each week.

In the 13 week course duration, there is 9 weeks delivery, with assessment submission 4 weeks later.

Independent Study

Materials and exercises are available online, allowing participants to study flexibly and independently at any time or in any place around existing work and life commitments.

On this course you will also have access to further reading resources and online tutor support.

Assessment

This course is assessed through a written assignment, including essay.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

The Inclusion Centre

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, Moodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Moodle

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

Academic writing
Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
Maths and statistics
Information technology support

Study Skills Support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

University Library

RGUflex

Collect academic credit flexibly and claim an award from the University. RGUflex delivers on-demand flexible learning where you can upskill, reskill or pursue a passion. It can also be used by employers to allow them to build an education pathway for their employees to gain the skills and knowledge to meet business needs.

Find out more

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Academic Year 2025/2026

Fee-waiver places

If you are domiciled in Scotland, you may be eligible for a fee-waiver place, meaning you can study for free.

To meet the requirements to be allocated a funded place, applicants must meet the criteria to be assessed as "Home" for the purposes of fees. Find out more about the Fee Status and the Scottish Government regulations that we use to make our assessment:

Determine your fee status

Eligibility is assessed on application and further evidence may be required.

All other applicants

Applicants who are not eligible for a fee-waiver place will be required to meet the module cost to study:

Course fee - £520 for entire module

Additional Costs

Some other costs are not included in the course fees:

Accommodation and Living Costs
Printing

Other Fees and Costs

Disclaimer

For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:

Finance and Funding

*"Rest of UK (RUK) and Ireland" includes England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

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Our facilities for this course

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Any Questions?

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Terms and Conditions of Admissions and Enrolment