Category | Assignment | Subject | Management |
---|---|---|---|
University | University of Portsmouth | Module Title | M34017 Supply Chain Management |
Word Count | A3 Poster and Excel file |
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Assessment Type | Individual |
Assessment Title | Coursework 2 (CW2) Summative |
Academic Year | 2025 |
Submission Deadline | 25 June 2025 |
Planned Feedback Time | 10 days |
To complete this component, you are required to develop a supply chain model in an Excel file and produce a visual poster summarising your model’s key insights. This is not an essay-based assessment. Avoid large blocks of text in either output. Focus on clear, structured technical analysis using tables, charts, and calculations in Excel, and visually summarise your findings on the poster. This builds on the problem you identified in Coursework 1.
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
LO1 Create novel supply chain strategies for dealing with emerging technologies and their implications on business models, society and environmental aspects in a rapidly evolving global market.
LO2 Apply a range of advanced and specialised models to improve supply chain performance (e.g. fully integrated chains, lean and agile chains, closed-loop and green supply chain).
LO3 Design a modern supply chain by selecting appropriate tools and techniques to plan, control, and manage the supply chain to achieve overall efficiency and effectiveness.
LO4 Critically analyse and support a supply chain design by assessing critical components of supply chains (capacity, location, relationships, risks, pricing, outsourcing).
In this assessment, you will expand on the improvement idea proposed in your Coursework 1 by developing a detailed supply chain model and a supporting poster. Your task is to develop a clear and evidence-based case for your proposed improvement using Excel and visual communication tools.
You are required to follow the structured process below. Each step must be addressed to gain full marks:
1. Context and Supply Chain Map
Briefly reintroduce your supply chain and industry. Reuse or refine your original supply chain map from CW1.
2. Scope Definition
Define the specific aspect of the supply chain you are improving (e.g., inventory, sustainability, digitalisation). Ensure the scope is focused and clearly stated in both your Excel file and poster.
3. Evaluation Framework
Create a framework to evaluate the success of your improvement (e.g., cost-benefit analysis, carbon footprint, time savings). Clearly explain your criteria.
4. Data, Assumptions, and Modelling in Excel
Use researched data (cite sources) and reasonable assumptions to populate your Excel model. Include detailed computations and use charts or tables to show results. Summarise these insights on your poster.
5. Risk Analysis
Conduct a risk assessment for your improvement plan. This may be presented as a risk register or other technique. Explain the qualitative impact of risk on your evaluation.
6. Sensitivity Analysis
Select one or more key assumptions or risk factors. Use Excel to test how sensitive your results are to changes in these values. Present your findings visually on your poster and explain their quantitative impact.
Get the Solution of this Assessment
Order Non Plagiarized AssignmentThe default option is to complete Coursework 2 as described above. However, if your feedback on Coursework 1 indicates that your case study is not suitable for modelling (e.g., the scope is too narrow, lacks data, or is overly service-based), you are strongly encouraged to consider one of the alternative options provided.
If you choose an alternative option, you must be aware that the alternative options are capped at 69% because they represent structured, guided problem-solving exercises rather than independent, research-led investigations. While these options still allow you to demonstrate technical competence and analytical thinking, they do not fully capture the originality, contextual understanding, and problem-scoping that the full assignment requires. The cap ensures consistency in assessment standards and fairness for those who complete the more demanding, custom route. Please consult your tutor before Switching to an alternative option to ensure it is appropriate for your situation.
Option 1: Value Stream Mapping Case Study (Capped at 69%)
You may complete Coursework 2 by analysing the Pro Fishing Boats — A Value Stream Mapping Exercise case study from: Jacobs, F. R., & Chase, R. (2023). Operations and Supply Chain Management (McGraw-Hill, ISE edition), page 424.
This option is recommended if your CW1 feedback indicated your chosen case was unsuitable for modelling. You must follow the same six steps as in the standard CW2 task:
1. Introduction and supply chain map
2. Scope and objectives
3. Evaluation framework
4. Data modelling in Excel
5. Risk analysis
6. Sensitivity analysis
Use Enterprise Dynamics Simulation Software to demonstrate value stream improvements. As with the main task, include both an Excel model and a visual poster. A full risk and sensitivity analysis is expected. Your maximum mark for this option is 69%. Please speak with your tutor if you are considering this route.
Option 2: Facilities Location Case study (Capped at 69%)
You may complete Coursework 2 by analysing the Sycamore Plastics (SP) manufacturing company case study from: Jacobs, F. R., & Chase, R. (2023). Operations and Supply Chain Management (McGraw-Hill, ISE edition), page 447. This case focuses on facility location decisions using supply chain optimisation techniques.
This option is suitable if your CW1 case was found to be unsuitable for modelling. You must still follow the same six steps as the main coursework:
1. Introduction – Briefly introduce the case and present the facility location challenge.
2. Scoping – Qualitatively state your improvement objective.
3. Evaluation Framework – Translate your objective into a mathematical model.
4. Excel Modelling – Build a transportation tableau and solve the location problem using Excel’s Solver.
5. Risk Analysis – Develop your own risk register related to location decision-making.
6. Sensitivity Analysis – Select critical assumptions from your model and test their impact on your solution.
You must submit an Excel model and a visual poster. The maximum mark for this option is 69%.
Assessment Mark Scheme: Final Project Report (70%) |
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Criteria |
Pass |
Pass |
Pass |
Pass |
Fail |
Fail |
80 - 100 |
70 - 79 |
60-69 |
50-59 |
40-49 |
0-39 |
|
Introduction - |
Presents a clear, well- |
|
The context is explained |
The supply chain context is |
Context is vague or |
The introduction is |
Evaluates how |
researched supply chain |
coherent context. The |
clearly but lacks depth in |
overly broad or general. |
only partially relevant. |
disorganised, |
clearly and concisely |
context using concise and |
supply chain is well |
research or critical |
Background lacks detail or |
Presentation lacks |
confusing, or not |
the context and |
relevant information. |
researched, and the |
insight. Some relevant |
clarity. Some relevance to |
focus and research |
aligned with the task. |
background of the |
Demonstrates strong insight |
relevance of the |
background is presented, |
the task is implied but not |
depth. Key elements |
Shows minimal |
chosen supply chain |
and an ability to frame the |
background to the task is |
but connections to the |
well developed. |
are missing or unclear. |
understanding or |
are presented (0.1) |
case effectively for |
apparent. |
task could be stronger. |
|
|
engagement with the |
|
modelling. |
|
|
|
|
supply chain context. |
Problem Scoping - |
Clear, focused, and well- |
Clear and feasible scoping |
A relevant issue is |
The issue is framed |
The problem lacks |
The problem is vague, |
Assesses how well |
scoped problem addressing |
of a relevant supply chain |
scoped with reasonable |
broadly or generically. |
relevance or clarity. |
poorly scoped, or |
the improvement |
a relevant, current supply |
issue. Multiple |
clarity. Feasibility is |
Only one configuration is |
The proposed task |
infeasible. No |
problem is framed, |
chain issue. Several realistic |
improvement options are |
demonstrated, but only a |
explored, with little |
appears unrealistic or |
configurations are |
scoped, and aligned |
configurations are explored, |
considered with good |
few configurations are |
comparison. Feasibility is |
disconnected from the |
considered, or the work |
to the coursework’s |
showing originality and |
depth and structure. |
explored. Some |
implied but not well |
assessment scope. |
lacks originality. Overly |
timescale and aims. |
thoughtful design. |
|
refinement is needed. |
demonstrated. |
Limited or no viable |
generic content or |
(0.1) |
|
|
|
|
options are discussed. |
unstructured |
|
|
|
|
|
|
presentation. |
Performance |
A detailed, well-structured |
A well-developed |
The framework offers a |
Some relevant |
Incomplete or poorly |
No clear framework is |
Framework |
framework that clearly links |
framework that links supply |
sound basis for |
performance measures are |
structured framework |
used. Only generic |
(0.2) |
supply chain improvements |
chain variables to key |
performance evaluation |
used, but the framework |
with unclear |
performance ideas are |
|
to measurable performance |
performance metrics. |
but omits some important |
lacks depth, structure, or |
performance links. |
presented without |
|
outcomes. Excellent |
Research is solid, with |
elements (e.g., certain |
completeness. Limited |
Lacks research depth. |
structured evaluation. |
|
research and justified |
well-supported |
cost types or non-cost |
evidence of integration or |
Metrics appear |
Visuals and |
|
assumptions enhance |
components. |
metrics). |
evaluation. |
arbitrary or |
explanation are |
|
credibility. |
|
|
|
disconnected from |
unfocused or irrelevant. |
|
|
|
|
|
supply chain changes. |
|
Performance |
High-quality, well-sourced |
Strong use of relevant data |
Adequate use of data |
Minimal data supports |
Data is poorly chosen, |
Very unconvincing, |
Analysis - Assesses |
data informs a clear and |
to estimate performance |
with mostly relevant |
performance estimates. |
missing, or irrelevant. |
unclear, flawed |
the use of data to |
persuasive performance |
outcomes. Results are well |
sources. Performance |
Estimates are roughly |
Performance estimates |
performance estimate. |
evaluate |
analysis. Assumptions are |
explained and visually |
estimates are sensible |
presented and lack clarity |
lack structure and are |
Too much text. |
performance, the |
justified, and results are well |
clear. Some assumptions |
but could be more |
or detailed justification. |
hard to follow. Results |
Trivial illustrations. |
accuracy and |
presented using structured |
may need minor |
precise or supported by |
Assumptions are mostly |
are speculative or |
|
credibility of |
visuals. |
clarification. |
additional evidence. |
implicit. |
weakly supported. |
|
estimates, and how |
|
|
|
|
|
|
well the analysis |
|
|
|
|
|
|
supports the |
|
|
|
|
|
|
proposed |
|
|
|
|
|
|
improvement |
|
|
|
|
|
|
(0.2) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Risk Analysis - Evaluates how well the student identifies, categorizes, and analyses risks using structured techniques (0.1) |
Comprehensive, well- sourced risk analysis using a recognised framework. Risks are prioritised and connected to the proposal. Communicated clearly with visuals. |
Thorough use of a recognised risk framework with appropriate detail. Risks are relevant and prioritised. Minor areas could benefit from more depth or clarity. |
A credible risk framework is applied with generally relevant risks. Some risks are underdeveloped or loosely linked to the proposal. Presentation is mostly clear. |
Risk analysis exists but lacks depth or selectivity. The framework is only partly used. Important risks may be missed or poorly evaluated. |
Risk framework is weak or inconsistently applied. Risks are vague or generic. Weak connection to the project. Visuals or structure may be unclear. |
No meaningful risk analysis or framework applied. Risks are missing, generic, or irrelevant. Unstructured explanation and poor communication. |
Sensitivity Analysis - Assesses the student's ability to identify critical variables, test their impact using a systematic method, and interpret results clearly. (0.1) |
Multiple critical variables tested using a structured, well-presented sensitivity analysis. Results are clearly interpreted and meaningfully influence the final conclusion. |
|
At least one relevant variable is tested. The method is correct but lacks depth or scope. Results are interpreted but may not strongly influence the conclusion. |
Attempted analysis using one variable or unclear method. Interpretation is limited, and results are not clearly integrated into the decision-making. |
Sensitivity analysis is attempted but poorly executed. Inappropriate or unclear variables chosen, and no meaningful interpretation provided. |
No useful sensitivity analysis. Incorrect method, irrelevant variables, or no interpretation. Presentation is confusing or absent.. |
Poster design - Assesses how well the poster uses layout, visuals, and visual hierarchy to communicate key insights clearly and professionally to both technical and general audiences. (0.1) |
Clear visual hierarchy, consistent formatting, and excellent use of space and colour. Visuals (tables, charts, icons, etc.) are professionally presented and directly reinforce key messages. The poster is accessible and engaging, with flawless integration of content and design. |
Clean, well-structured layout with clear sections and logical flow. Visuals are relevant and well- labelled. Text and visuals are balanced, contributing to easy understanding for a range of audiences. |
Good use of layout and visuals to communicate core content. Information is organised logically, but some sections may be dense, inconsistent, or lacking visual emphasis. Minor improvements could enhance visual appeal or clarity. |
Poster includes basic visuals and layout structure but lacks consistency in design (e.g., mismatched fonts, unclear headings, crowded or empty spaces). Visuals support the message but are not fully integrated. |
The layout is cluttered or unbalanced. Visual elements may be hard to interpret or disconnected from the main content. Difficult to follow or navigate the message visually. |
Poster lacks structure, contains minimal or irrelevant visuals, and fails to use basic visual design principles. The layout hinders understanding and does not support the message. |
Excel File - Assesses clarity, structure, and analytical depth of the Excel file. Credit is given for effective use of functions, transparency, and professional presentation (0.1) |
Excel file is clearly structured, well- documented and highly readable. Demonstrates advanced Excel functions usage. All calculations are traceable, and analysis supports decision-making. |
Well-organised and easy-to-navigate file. Uses several intermediate to advanced functions effectively. Includes labels and comments to explain logic. The workbook clearly supports the analysis in the poster. |
Good structure, but some sections are not fully explained or organised. Uses some Excel functions, but not consistently. Analysis is evident and mostly supports the poster content. |
Contains relevant data and calculations but lacks structure or clarity. Few or no named ranges or explanations. Excel is used mostly for manual calculations with limited functions. |
Poorly formatted. Contains scattered or disconnected tables. Use of formulas is minimal. Difficult to follow the logic of the analysis or link it to the poster. |
Excel is used only to display text or static tables. No meaningful analysis or functions are applied. No connection to coursework objectives. |
Any material included in your coursework should be fully cited and referenced in APA 7 format. Detailed advice on referencing is available from the library.
If you need additional assistance, you can ask your lecturer, your personal tutor, or Student Services.
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