MA4606: Supply Chain Modelling

School Cardiff School of Mathematics
Department Code MATHS
Module Code MA4606
External Subject Code 100404
Number of Credits 10
Level L7
Language of Delivery English
Module Leader DR Daniel Gartner
Semester Spring Semester
Academic Year 2025/6

Outline Description of Module

The Supply Chain Modelling module aims to provide students with an in-depth understanding of timely and effective supply chain modelling and optimization techniques. The course is taught using mathematical models and case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of the models.

At the end of the course the students are familiar with standard problems and models in supply chain modelling and management. More specifically, students are capable to model supply chain optimisation problems mathematically and to solve these problems with appropriate algorithms and software packages. This enables the participants to analyse supply chains and to make sound decisions in this field.

On completion of the module a student should be able to

  • Identify the strategic, tactical and operational dimensions of supply chain modelling.
  • Select optimal sites for service facilities.
  • Plan the composition and scheduling of a workforce.
  • Quantitatively analyse service quality in the context of continuous improvement.
  • Apply revenue management approaches and solve capacity control problems in supply chains.
  • Quantify the value of stochastic programming in supply chain modelling.
  • Present findings and recommendations in a concise manner to non-experts in the area

How the module will be delivered

You will be guided through learning activities appropriate to your module, which may include:

  • Weekly face to face classes (e.g. labs, lectures, exercise classes)
  • Electronic resources to support the learning (e.g. videos, exercise sheets, lecture notes, quizzes)

Students are also expected to undertake at least 150 hours of self-guided study throughout the duration of the module, including preparation of formative assessments.

Skills that will be practised and developed

OR and analytics: modelling and optimisation of supply chains.

Mathematical reasoning: understanding the theory and assumptions that underpin supply chain models and algorithms.

Application of optimisation computer packages to supply chains.

Written communication skills.

How the module will be assessed

 

A 2 hour University Exam (100%).

 

 

Assessment Breakdown

Type % Title Duration(hrs)
Exam - Spring Semester 100 Supply Chain Modelling 2

Syllabus content

  • Introduction to supply chain modelling
  • Site selection of facilities
  • Workforce planning and scheduling
  • Service quality and continuous improvement
  • Revenue management.

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