Master’s Degree Programme in Profitable Supply Chain Management

Objectives

Logistics operations are directly related to the profitability of companies.

During the master’s degree studies, you obtain the know-how and skills required for the management of supply chains. You achieve this by studying financial, knowledge, and risk management with reference to the logistics field and practical challenges in logistics operations, as well as analyzing and developing logistics processes.

Upon graduation, you qualify as a multifaceted professional in the field of logistics. You are able to take into account the different cost factors of the logistics activities and understand how the different logistical activities are interlinked. You will also form an understanding of the “big picture” of the whole supply chain entity. Also, you are capable of working in various administrative and management positions within the vast logistics sector. In addition, the studies will improve your ability to work as an entrepreneur.

Degree programme description

The scope of the degree programme studies is 90 ETCS credits.

Core Competence, 40 ECTS credits
The focus of core competence studies is on the versatility of logistics operations and their development. Both the economic and technical perspectives of logistics operations are studied. The core competence studies consist of the following study modules:
• Financial and knowledge management
• Logistics planning and development


Complementary competence 20 ECTS

You can choose complementary competence studies from a wide selection of Xamk’s Master School’s common studies according to your interests.

These common studies cover courses both in Finnish and English and include the following:
· Digitality and technology in society
· International operating environments and communication
· Management, leadership and entrepreneurship
· Research and development.

You can also choose complementary competence studies from other higher education institutions if they are at the master’s degree level.
If you have previously completed studies at the level of EQF 7, and they match the objectives of the degree, they can be accredited as part of your studies. For more information, contact the Degree Programme Coordinator.

Thesis 30 ECTS credits

The master’s degree programme is aimed at students who already possess a BBA or BSc. Eng (or some other suitable bachelor’s) degree and have gained at least two years of work experience after graduation. The studies are especially suitable for students who have graduated from bachelor’s degree programmes in business logistics or business administration and have work experience in logistics/supply chain operations, in addition to logistics engineers or other engineers having logistical/supply chain work experience.

Logistics is an integral part of all business activities, and logistics operations account for a significant part of the total costs of many companies. Therefore, companies need employees who master both the organization and financial management involved in logistics operations.

Implementation of studies

Flexible studies while working

As the programme is arranged by means of online/distance learning, it enables studying while working. However, having a job is not a requirement for starting the studies. The studies include online lectures, independent studying, and group assignments. It is possible to integrate course assignments into your own work and the activities of your employer. Online lectures are kept approximately once a month, lasting 1-2 days.

Study guidance

At the beginning of your studies, you begin your personal study planning (PSP), which helps you make choices related to your studies, practical training, master's thesis, and international activities. Your Studies Coordinator will support you in preparing your personal study plan. Studying at Master School allows you to build the career path of your choice in line with your own objectives.

Student wellbeing

Student wellbeing is a top priority for us, and we support students in various ways in all matters related to their studies. Our entire staff, including the Studies Coordinators, Student Wellbeing Advisors, Study Psychologists, student healthcare personnel, and University Chaplain, is committed to ensuring your wellbeing.

Digital environments and BYOD – Bring Your Own Device

Digital learning environments are a part of daily student life. The environments offer tools for studying regardless of time and place and enable individual, flexible learning paths.
You can, for example, use Microsoft Office free of charge.
According to Xamk’s BYOD policy, students must bring and use their own devices on campus.

RDI and cooperation with world of work

The degree programme is multidisciplinary, providing you with the opportunity to meet professionals from various fields during your studies. Together with your teachers, they challenge you to practise your critical thinking and argumentation skills. As a result, you will not only gain new perspectives on your own field but also contribute to the development of other fields.

The networks created with experts during your studies will also be a considerable advantage for you after graduation. This is something that students graduating from Xamk Master School consider one of the most important aspects of their education.

Development-oriented approach to work.

At Master School, you learn to retrieve and process field-specific research data and apply it to your own work. Learning is research-based, development-oriented, and aimed at promoting innovation.

You can also carry out research work and other assignments as part of Xamk’s research, development and innovation (RDI) projects.

RDI specialists are an essential part of Xamk Master School, building bridges with the world of work. Among Finnish universities of applied sciences, Xamk stands out as the largest in the field of RDI activities; the total number of ongoing projects per year is nearly 300.

Learning environments

The degree programme studies are carried out, e.g., via the Learn online learning platform, different networking platforms and commonly available means of communication (such as MS Teams). Depending on the nature of the learning objective, individual courses are based on a variety of learning methods and environments.