Global Supply Chain Management – Gatwick Airport Northern Runway Expansion

University:
University of Bedfordshire
Subject:
Global Supply Chain Management
Module:
Global Supply Chain Management
Level:
Masters / Postgraduate
Assignment Type:
MS Essays
Word Count:
4,200 words
Academic Year:
2025/26

Assignment Overview

This individual report examines several strategic and operational aspects of the global supply chain associated with the Gatwick Airport Northern Runway expansion. The assessment requires students to investigate the organisation and its current global supply chain challenges, while applying relevant supply chain management theories, frameworks and models to analyse its operations and develop strategic recommendations. The report begins by providing a background of the organisation, with particular attention to its current global supply chain issues and strategic supply chain relationships. Key areas of investigation include risk management, supply chain resilience, outsourcing, supplier planning and selection, supply chain integration, network design, leadership, benchmarking, decision-making, and the application of lean and agile approaches. These areas provide the basis for understanding how the organisation can manage its supply chain effectively within a complex and changing global environment. A critical evaluation of external factors affecting the organisation's global supply chain is also required through the use of a PESTEL analysis. This enables consideration of the political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors that may influence supply chain performance, risks, costs and strategic decisions. The report must then develop key strategic recommendations aimed at optimising the organisation's global supply chain. The recommendations should focus on reducing costs, supporting sustainability, improving operational efficiency and enhancing supply chain resilience. Each recommendation should be supported by appropriate supply chain management theories and models, such as agile supply chain approaches, lean supply chain principles and global sourcing strategies. Students are expected to provide a clear rationale for their recommendations using theoretical insights and relevant academic and professional literature. The assessment places emphasis on critical reasoning, wider reading and the ability to connect supply chain theory with practical organisational issues. A logically structured, professional and business-like report is required, supported by appropriate evidence and Harvard referencing. The marking criteria assess the use of theory and frameworks, critical analysis and evaluation, conclusions and recommendations, and the overall structure, presentation and referencing of the report. The assignment is worth 70% of the unit assessment and has a required length of approximately 4,200 words, with a permitted variation of ±10%. The report should demonstrate an understanding of global supply chain management practices and the ability to apply relevant theories and frameworks to analyse supply chain challenges and develop realistic strategic recommendations.

Megaminds Experience

Megaminds has supported academic requirements in global supply chain management, global supply chain management and related disciplines.