Digital Transformation for Sustainable Supply Chain Transparency at Unilever: Blockchain, IoT and AI
This MSc Business Consultancy Project requires students to undertake an evidence-based consultancy investigation addressing a strategically significant business problem within a selected organisation. The assessment is designed to replicate professional consultancy practice by requiring students to define a focused organisational challenge, critically analyse secondary evidence, apply relevant management frameworks, evaluate stakeholder implications and develop practical recommendations that create value for the client organisation. The final submission is a 5,000-word consultancy report, including a 500-word employability reflection. The reference project examines Unilever Plc and focuses on the challenge of improving transparency and traceability across its complex global supply chain. Particular attention is given to the potential application of Blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support real-time traceability, predictive analytics, ethical sourcing, operational efficiency and sustainability performance. The project considers how digital transformation could support Unilever's sustainability objectives while responding to growing regulatory, environmental and stakeholder pressures. The consultancy report requires a structured analysis consisting of an executive summary, introduction, company/client overview, clearly defined business problem and consultancy focus, and detailed stakeholder analysis. Students then undertake an extensive data analysis and framework application section using two or three relevant theoretical models alongside credible secondary evidence, industry reports, company data, tables, charts or Excel outputs. Findings should be interpreted critically and linked back to appropriate strategic or management frameworks while incorporating ethical and sustainability considerations. The project concludes with three prioritised, actionable and evidence-based recommendations, including consideration of implementation risks, barriers and anticipated benefits. Students must also critically reflect on the employability skills developed through the consultancy project, including research, analysis, problem-solving, project management, communication, professional behaviour, ethical awareness and future career development. All academic and professional evidence must be cited using the Harvard Referencing System, with emphasis on credible and current sources.
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