International relations

Global Supply Chains: Making an (un)sustainable world?

Module code: 044IRSID
Level 6
30 credits in spring semester
Teaching method: Seminar
Assessment modes: Not yet finalised

Global Supply Chains (GSPs) underpin contemporary economic globalisation. The key question this course asks is, are GSP’s generating sustainable development – through job creation, poverty alleviation, social inclusion, and environmental protection? Formulating policies to establish sustainable GSP’s requires knowledge of the origins and evolution of these industrial structures and an understanding of the dimensions through which GSP’s impact upon society, economy and environment. This course: • Provides an historical overview of the formation of the system of GSP. • Presents theoretical perspectives that enable students to conduct GSP analysis and research. • Discusses policies that can facilitate GSPs for development and environmental protection.

Module learning outcomes

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of relationships between global supply chains and sustainable forms of development.
• Apply a range of skills in the retrieval and use of primary and secondary sources.
• Analyse and evaluate theories relevant to understanding global supply chains’ role in the political economy of development.
• Analyse and evaluate theories relevant to understanding global supply chains’ role in environmental sustainability.