Value Chain Analysis

The aim of this course is to introduce participants to approaches and tools for the analysis of socio-technical systems, with a specific focus on supply chains and industrial networks. In particular, the course aims to demonstrate the importance of analysing physical networks and actor networks in parallel and in an integrated manner in order to understand supply chain and industrial network dynamics, and ultimately direct their design and operation of these systems towards more sustainable outcomes. The course is part of the Post-graduate School of Industrial Ecology and is taught in cooperation with Professor Roland Clift and Assistant Professor Lauren Basson of the University of Surrey. Course during summer.

On successful completion of this module, it is the intent that participants:
• understand the theoretical foundations and appropriate practical application of a wide range of systems methodologies, and in particular the integrated application of methodologies relevant to the development and/or management of supply chains and industrial networks
• understand the concepts and practical application of dynamic Material Flow Analysis and Economic Value Chain Analysis, and in particular the complexities associated with recycling and material import/export across business and political boundaries
• understand and be able to select appropriate ecometics and sustainability indicators for the assessment of supply chains and industrial networks
• understand the social dimensions of networks and (the drivers for and implications of) the behaviour of individuals and organisations (referred to as actors or agents)
• understand methodologies for the analysis and simulation of actor behaviour (including soft systems methodology, role playing, simulation games, agent based modelling)
• be able to apply the above methodologies in an integrated manner for the analysis of socio-technical systems (demonstrated in terms of a case study supply chain or industrial network)

The research training activities in this course will be the following:
• Critical reading and discussion of concepts and theories in seminars, covering the consideration of socio-technical systems and their integrated analysis.
• Application of theories and concepts in groups and individually
• Case studies focused on socio-technical systems varying in scale and complexity.
• Functioning in multidisciplinary teams: communicating with other disciplines, integrating your own discipline and delivering coherent group results
• Presenting of views and results
• Writing of scientific papers and group reports.