KA7063 - Procurement and Supply Chain Management

What will I learn on this module?

This module will enable you to explore the concept of procurement and supply chain management in the context of construction projects by considering the tools and frameworks available for effective partnerships to develop synergies across the supply chain to influence project value. You will identify and analyse key contractual issues and assess the impact of and need for contracts across the construction project supply chain. The themes you may study include the economic and social background to inter-organisational relations; stakeholder management, including ethics, quality management, organisational culture, working relationships and collaborative working, the function of contracts in the context of managing construction projects across the whole supply chain, contractual and commercial relations between the all parties within the supply chain including risk; time, quality and cost management, and contractual issues, including performance; extensions of time, damages; negligence, termination, breach of contract and defects liability.

How will I learn on this module?

This module will allow you to develop the relevant subject knowledge. You will learn through a combination of engaging, interactive methodologies and teaching approaches, including lectures, seminars, academic staff-guided independent learning, independent student learning, and by engagement in technologically-enhanced learning (TEL). A directed study of textbooks will support formally scheduled teaching, PSRB reports and scholarly journal articles (hard copy or electronic), critical evaluation of case studies, problem-based learning, simulation and reflection exercises. Additional formally scheduled teaching approaches will include video presentations, peer group discussions and presentations. The module will also use an inter-disciplinary approach to the development of the syllabus and teaching resources.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Academic staff will provide guidance, 1-2-1 support (where possible), or use interactive asynchronous online peer support forums on the University’s virtual learning environment (VLE) to support you in your studies. Academic staff will use guided independent learning activities, e.g., directed reading. You will supplement this structured support with independent learning activities.
As a distance learning student, access to these resources will also be readily available. In addition you will also receive regular and frequent online guidance sessions; access to one-to-one academic guidance sessions by telephone, email, skype and interactive collaboration with online peer support forums.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
MLO 1 - Establish a conceptual understanding of procurement and supply chain strategies within the built environment projects.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
MLO 2 - Implement and critically evaluate appropriate procurement processes by which construction projects and services are acquired from internal and/or external sources.
MLO 3 - Identify and critically evaluate appropriate client requirements to develop respective procurement and supply chain strategies that enable project success, business benefits and overall sustainable operations.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
MLO 4 - Embrace professionalism, demonstrate multi-disciplinary skills and apply expert and specialised knowledge in the field of construction project management.
MLO 5 - Embrace intercultural cooperation through consciousness, responsible and professional ethical conduct in a reflexive way.

How will I be assessed?

Formative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a formative manner to help build your confidence and highlight any misunderstandings you may have of the theoretical and professional concepts presented in the module. Your formative feedback will be given to you either verbally by academic staff on the module during formally-scheduled teaching sessions or digitally using the University’s VLE. Your formative feedback aims to help you learn and prepare for the submission of your summative assessment.

Summative Assessment
Academic staff on the module will assess you in a summative manner by one piece of coursework. Academic staff on the module will use the coursework to evaluate your ability to satisfy all of the module’s learning outcomes. You will use the University’s VLE to submit your coursework. Academic staff on the module will use digital feedback tools to issue your feedback.

Pre-requisite(s)

NA

Co-requisite(s)

NA

Module abstract

The construction industry is a complex, dynamic, and exciting global industry which shapes all of our lives by providing the built environment in which we live. However, construction projects can only be considered successful if they are delivered on time, to budget, to the required quality, safety and without unnecessary harm to the environment. To achieve these goals, partnerships and collaboration between organisations within the project supply chain are essential for the successful management of construction projects; however, by nature, these interrelationships between the parties are governed by contracts and the law. This module, through the exploration of the tools and frameworks of procurement, contracts and supply chain management, seeks to establish how synergies, across the supply chain, can influence successful project delivery.

Course info

Credits 20

Level of Study Postgraduate

Mode of Study 2 years Full Time (with Advanced Practice in the second year)
2 other options available

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025 or January 2026

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

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