Business leaders are being offered the chance to tap into the latest world-class research into logistics and supply chain management with the launch of a specialist masters course at Nottingham University Business School.

The new part-time Executive MSc in Global Supply Chain Management will allow senior professionals to claim the competitive edge for themselves and their companies in a key area of growth across the manufacturing and service businesses.

It will offer a global perspective on current issues in supply chain and logistics management — an advantage for career progression and promotion, while providing immediate benefits to current roles.

The course will feature specialist core modules on supply chain strategy and performance measurement and process excellence and lean thinking and customer care, as well as the chance to study elective modules on e-business and knowledge management; supply networks simulation; and managing international operations.

Designed with the ambitious but busy professional in mind, the course will be offered in self-contained, one-week modules to enable it to reduce the impact on work schedules.

The flexible nature of the course means that professionals can join at various times throughout the year and choose to spread the programme over three or four years or, by the fast track route can complete it in just two years.

Developed in partnership with the Supply Chain Planning and Control Function at Rolls Royce plc, the course will bring together excellence in research-led teaching and a prestigious qualification from a leading business school with a practical understanding of the concepts and principles of supply chain management.

Scott Goddard, Director of MA/MSc Programmes at Nottingham University Business School, said: “The course is targeted primarily at staff and managers of larger manufacturing companies who have a complex, probably global supply chain to design and manage.

The connection with Rolls-Royce means that it is particularly relevant to those working in complex industrial settings — sectors such as aerospace, as well as other areas such as engineering, automotive and metals industries. It will also be of interest to specialist logistics companies.”