Operations and supply chain management has never been more important than today when global supply chains have been disrupted heavily by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mitigating the negative impacts and building a more sustainable, digitally-driven, and resilient supply chain is regarded as a common goal for many companies and leaders.
The Global Operations and Supply Chain Management MSc at Bristol provides future leaders with unique opportunities to develop their mindsets and the skills to take on these challenges. With a focus on data analytics in supply chain management (e.g., supply chain planning, simulation, optimisation, and econometric analysis on procurement and supply relationship), this programme examines the latest topics in globalisation, digitalisation, corporate social responsibility, and ethics issues.
Explore a broad range of careers with Operations and Supply Chain Management
The career choices for the operations and supply chain management graduates are diverse. The subject covers many professional roles and organisational functions, such as purchasing, product management, logistics, distribution, and operations. Depending on the industry, the responsibilities of the operations and supply chain professional will be different. The variety of job responsibilities and career opportunities also means that the operations and supply chain professional needs to be equipped with diverse skill and knowledge.
According to the latest global Chief Supply Chain Officers survey conducted by Gardner, there is a clear shortage of supply chain talent. Only 27% of leaders agree that they have all the talent needed to meet current supply chain performance requirements. Digitalisation, data analytics (such as machine learning and natural language processing), systems thinking, and sustainability awareness are what the leaders are considering for their supply chain talent strategy.
What skills and knowledge will you learn at Bristol?
We target every aspect of operations and supply chain management in the digital era, e.g., Blockchain, Industry 4.0, and automation. The curriculum systematically combines both theory and practice in the operations and supply chain management discipline to help students develop critical thinking and leadership.
Through an integrated approach including lectures, small group seminars and analytical projects, we will explore a range of case studies in different learning modules – from the world’s biggest corporation to start-ups.
Through working on a data analytics project and the final dissertation, students will learn technical skills in supply chain optimisation, forecasting, econometric analysis (e.g., panel data analysis and time series analysis), and data mining to inform decision making in supply chain planning as well as qualitative research skills such as content analysis and thematic analysis.
Why study Global Operations and Supply Chain Management at Bristol?
The academics teaching on this programme are active researchers in the field of operations and supply chain management as well as relevant subjects such as social media data analytics, game theory and behavioural operational research. Their research has been widely published and they are regularly contributing to active consultancy projects. This means our students learn from academics with first-hand experience of real-life business challenges and this is incorporated into the curriculum.
In addition, we enjoy close links with industry, government, and voluntary sectors which provides valuable opportunities to engage directly with supply chain professionals. Students will hear from sector experts in guest lectures, and there may be the option to take part in a live consulting project with a client organisation.
Our Global Operations and Supply Chain Management programme is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply. Students benefit from a variety of case study data and on completion of the course, students with the required work experience can apply to become full members of CIPS without taking further examinations.
Graduate prospects
Recent graduates on this programme (2019/20) have received job offers from Phillips, P&G, Schneider Electric, L’Oreal, and Alibaba. Positions range from operations manager, supply chain manager and business analytics consultant. Popular career paths include:
- Purchasing Manager
- Product Manager
- Operations Manager
- Logistics Analyst
- Logistics Manager
- Distribution Manager
- Supply Chain Manager
Find out more about our MSc Global Operations and Supply Chain Management programme and how to apply.