The MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management program at Lancaster University Leipzig equips students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in logistics, supply chain management, and data analytics. Emphasizing practical applications and informed decision-making, the program prepares graduates for successful careers in the growing logistics industry, including roles such as Business Analyst, Logistics Manager, and Supply Chain Analyst.

Degree Overview:

The MSc Logistics and Supply Chain Management is a 12-month Master's degree program offered at Lancaster University Leipzig, Germany. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for successful careers in logistics and supply chain management (SCM) in an international context. It focuses on the practical application of quality management science to supply chain and logistics management, developed in close consultation with industry. A key differentiator is its emphasis on data analysis to inform supply chain and logistics decisions, making it suitable for graduates interested in both SCM and data analytics. The program intends to shape future logistics and supply chain managers capable of analyzing and solving problems strategically, considering technology's role and inter-organizational management. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in operations and SCM, logistics management, procurement and supply, and analytics. The program addresses the growing demand for individuals who can effectively use data to make informed decisions in supply chain and logistics management.

Outline:

The program structure includes several modules:

• Logistics Management: This module covers key concepts, approaches, and challenges in logistics management, examining its strategic role within organizations and supply chains.
It delves into contemporary issues and enhances decision-making capabilities for tactical and strategic challenges across various industries and contexts, including operations in resource-poor and politically unstable environments. The teaching method is interactive, combining theoretical and practical aspects through readings, research, case studies, and practitioner/academic perspectives.
• Strategic Supply Chain Management: This module explores the principles and practices of supply chain management across various sectors and contexts, critically examining it as a facet of trans-organizational operations management.
It focuses on inter-organizational relationships and their connection to internal organizational matters.
• Statistics and Descriptive Analytics: This module develops skills in describing, analyzing, and interpreting data effectively using computer software.
It underpins many other modules and, while assuming little prior statistical knowledge, is not considered easy for those with prior experience.
• Operational Research and Prescriptive Analytics: This module introduces Business Analytics and Operational Research, covering the subjects' origins, development, and real-life problem modeling.
It provides an overview of models and solution methods, including decision analysis, linear programming, inventory control, simulation, and Markov chains.
• Operations and Supply Chain Excellence: This module introduces innovations and capabilities associated with excellence in operations and supply chain management, including quality assurance, lean production principles, six sigma, constraint management, supplier management, and sustainable supply chain management, in both manufacturing and service contexts.
It covers facility location, network design, warehousing, inventory control, vehicle routing and scheduling, and environmental considerations.
• Global Sourcing: This module covers key principles, theories, practices, and tools of strategic sourcing, including sourcing strategy development, strategic sourcing decision analysis, efficient sourcing process setup, supplier selection and evaluation, and buyer-supplier negotiations.
It also addresses contemporary developments like digital sourcing.
• Forecasting and Predictive Analytics: This module introduces forecasting in business, regression model building, extrapolative forecasting methods (Exponential Smoothing), and Machine Learning/AI methods (Neural Networks), all within a case study context.
• Dissertation (Industry) or Dissertation (Research Project): Students choose between researching a real business problem for an organization (Industry) or undertaking a research project (Research Project).
Both options require employing research methods, problem scoping, and literature review to deliver a viable solution or contribute to the field's knowledge.

Assessment:

Assessment methods include individual coursework (oral and written presentations) and examinations. Independent study is encouraged to supplement learning. Currently, all modules are delivered in block teaching.

Teaching:

Teaching involves a combination of small group lectures and group-based tutorial coursework (oral and written presentations). All teaching is conducted in English. The program utilizes a block teaching system, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time.

Careers:

Graduates are highly sought after in logistics and supply chain management. Potential career paths include: Business Consultant/Analyst, Logistics Engineer/Manager, Consultant, Customer Service, Purchasing/Procurement Manager, International Logistics Manager, Inventory Manager, and Supply-Chain Manager/Analyst. Leipzig's strong logistics industry, including companies like DHL, DB Schenker, Lufthansa Cargo, and Amazon Air, provides numerous opportunities. The city's economic development office reports significant job growth in this sector.

Other:

The program is taught in English. Not all optional modules are available every year. The degree certificate is awarded by Lancaster University, UK. The Leipzig region is described as a key logistics hub for European and global markets.

• International: €24,500
• EU/UK: €16,250

Lancaster University Leipzig is a branch campus of Lancaster University in the UK, and the courses it provides are the same as those in the UK.

The campus is located in the city centre of Leipzig and welcomes German, EU and international students. The university offers Bachelor’s, Master’s, Foundation or Pre-Master’s entry.

Upon successful completion of one of the programmes, students who study in Leipzig receive their degrees from Lancaster University. It does not matter where a student studied – either at the Leipzig campus or at the main Bailrigg campus in the UK – students are awarded the same degree certificate issued by Lancaster University in the UK, which will enable students to apply to any postgraduate programme either in Germany, the UK or in any other country in the world.

A Lancaster University degree is internationally recognised and highly valued by institutions and employers. Lancaster University’s operation in Leipzig has been approved by the Saxon State Ministry for Higher Education, Research and the Arts. The campus is located in the heart of the city of Leipzig and welcomes both German, EU and international students.