OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Name: OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Availability: InStock

A 240-credit, Ofqual-regulated qualification covering 12 mandatory units across Level 4 and Level 5, equipping learners with specialist knowledge and practical skills in logistics and supply chain management.

Course Features

This qualification consists of 12 mandatory units totalling 240 credits, 2400 hours Total Qualification Time, and a minimum of 1200 Guided Learning Hours, delivered over two academic years.

12 mandatory units across Level 4 and Level 5
240 credits total (120 credits at each level)
Equivalent to Higher National Diploma (HND) and Year 2 of a UK Bachelor's degree
Approved and regulated by Ofqual (Qualification Number: 610/0334/7)
Flexible delivery: face-to-face, distance learning, and online modes available
Internal assessment with external verification by OTHM

About This Course

The OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management is designed to provide learners with a specialist programme that delivers depth of knowledge and understanding of key aspects within the logistics and supply chain management sector. The qualification spans two academic years of study, with learners completing 120 credits of Level 4 units and 120 credits of Level 5 units, making it equivalent to the first two years of a UK honours degree.

Covers all major functions of logistics: warehousing, transportation, procurement, distribution, and inventory management
Integrates financial management and accounting principles for logistics decision-making
Develops leadership, team management, and communication skills relevant to the sector
Provides strategic and operational knowledge of global supply chains
Addresses contemporary issues including technology, sustainability, risk, and globalisation
Equivalent to two years of a UK honours degree, recognised internationally

What You'll Learn

The qualification develops learners across a comprehensive range of logistics and supply chain disciplines. Upon completing all 12 mandatory units, learners will be able to:

Apply academic research and writing skills to support evidence-based professional practice
Analyse the internal and external business environment of a logistics organisation using recognised frameworks
Manage operations, warehousing, inventory, transportation, and distribution functions effectively
Apply finance and accounting principles to monitor and improve logistics business performance
Lead and manage teams using appropriate leadership and motivation theories and techniques
Develop and implement business strategies within logistics and supply chain contexts
Manage procurement cycles, inventory systems, contracts, and financial arrangements in supply chains
Evaluate the impact of globalisation and establish effective global supply chain strategies
Identify and manage risks, technologies, and sustainability challenges in contemporary supply chains

Who Should Attend

This qualification is designed for learners aged 18 and above who wish to pursue or advance a career in logistics and supply chain management. It is particularly suited to current or aspiring managers seeking formal academic recognition of their knowledge and skills.

Current logistics and supply chain professionals seeking a recognised qualification
Aspiring middle or senior managers in transportation, warehousing, distribution, or procurement roles
Individuals who have completed a relevant Level 3 or Level 4 qualification and wish to progress
Learners who hold GCE Advanced level qualifications in 2 subjects or an equivalent qualification
Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience in the logistics sector
Individuals looking to gain direct entry into Year 3 of a UK Bachelor's degree programme

Entry Requirements

Entry to this qualification requires learners to meet at least one of the following academic or experiential criteria. Non-native English speakers must provide evidence of English language competency in accordance with OTHM's English Language Expectations.

Relevant Level 3 Diploma qualification or an equivalent qualification
GCE Advanced level in 2 subjects or an equivalent qualification
Mature learners (over 21) with relevant management experience (confirmation required from the delivery centre prior to registration)
Evidence of English language competency for learners not from a majority English-speaking country

Assessments

All units within this qualification are internally assessed by the approved centre and externally verified by OTHM. The qualifications are criterion referenced, based on the achievement of all specified learning outcomes. Learners must demonstrate fulfilment of all learning outcomes and meet the standards of all assessment criteria to achieve a pass for each unit.

Written coursework assignments (primary assessment method across all units)
Presentations (required for selected units including Academic Writing and Research Skills, Leading and Managing Teams, Principles and Concepts of Strategy, Procurement and Inventory Management, and Global Context of Supply Chains)
Reflective log (required for the Leading and Managing Teams unit)
External verification of all internally assessed unit evidence by OTHM

Progression

Successful completion of the OTHM Level 5 Extended Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management enables learners to access a wide range of academic and professional progression opportunities. As an Ofqual-regulated qualification, it provides direct entry into Year 3 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme.

Progress to the OTHM Level 6 Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Gain direct entry into Year 3 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme through OTHM's university progression arrangements
Pursue roles such as Logistics Manager, Supply Chain Analyst, Procurement Specialist, Operations Supervisor, or Transportation Coordinator
Progress to postgraduate study in logistics, supply chain management, or related disciplines

Curriculum

Understanding the concept and purpose of academic research and writing, including academic language, writing conventions, and types of research (descriptive, associational, intervention)
Conducting academic research using different sources such as journals, textbooks, government data, and conferences; distinguishing between primary and secondary research
Demonstrating critical thinking skills including analysis, interpretation, argument evaluation, and objective versus subjective reasoning
Constructing reliable and valid academic arguments using evidence, premises, inductive and deductive reasoning, and logical argument structures

Understanding the business of logistics including categories (inbound, outbound, reverse, distribution, after-sales) and major elements (transportation, inventory management, warehousing, packaging, information systems)
Examining relationships between logistic functions including procurement, transportation, inventory management, warehousing, distribution, and customer service, and how these influence business structure
Measuring a logistics business's internal environment using frameworks such as McKinsey's 7S, VRIO, SWOT, and value chain analysis
Measuring a logistics business's external environment using tools including PESTLE, Porter's Five Forces, Ansoff Matrix, competitor analysis, and scenario analysis

Understanding the fundamentals of operations management including inputs, transformations, outputs, operational structures, and the relationship between operational and organisational objectives
Understanding logistics management fundamentals including logistics network planning types, supply chain relationships, stock location, delivery locations, and transport options
Warehousing and inventory management principles including stock rotation, segregation, audits, replenishment, and disposal processes
Transportation and distribution including route planning, vehicle tracking, modes of transport (land, sea, air), multi-modal transport, sustainable distribution, and national and international legislation

Understanding the finance and accounting function including roles (bookkeepers, financial accountants, management accountants), financial statements (income statement, statement of financial position), and decision-making in logistics
Sources of finance including working capital, liquidity, cash flow forecasts, internal sources (retained profits, sale of assets) and external sources (bank overdraft, hire purchase, leasing, shares, loans, debt factoring), and depreciation methods
Preparing and monitoring budgets including operating, cash, fixed, master, zero-based, and activity-based budgets, and conducting variance analysis to identify adverse and favourable variances
Analysing financial performance using ratio analysis (profitability, liquidity, efficiency) and identifying actions to address underperformance in a logistics business

Understanding the concept and purpose of communication including communication models (linear, interactional, transactional) and the importance of effective communication in driving change and stakeholder engagement
Effective communication elements including verbal and non-verbal communication, pitch and tone, body language, listening skills, emotional intelligence, digital and written communication
Internal communication including methods (meetings, email, intranets, social media tools, team briefings), internal stakeholder analysis, and identifying barriers such as cultural, language, and technology barriers
External communication including methods (press releases, social media, marketing materials, reports), conducting external stakeholder analysis, and overcoming external barriers including terminology, language, and geographic barriers

Leadership and management theories including trait theory, situational theory, contingency theory, transformational leadership, scientific management, bureaucratic management, and human relations theory; differentiating leadership styles (autocratic, democratic, laissez-faire)
Team development using models such as Tuckman's stages (forming, storming, norming, performing), Belbin's team roles, Adair's task-team-individual framework, and McGregor's X/Y theory
Improving individual and team performance using SMART goals, training and development, appraisals, coaching and mentoring, and motivation theories including Maslow's hierarchy of needs, Herzberg's two-factor theory, and Vroom's expectancy theory
Determining own capacity as an effective leader and manager using personal SWOT analysis, MBTI assessments, emotional intelligence assessment, and reflective journals

Principles of business strategy including operational, tactical, and corporate strategy levels, strategic frameworks (vision, mission, objectives, strategy, tactics), and deliberate versus emergent strategies
Key business strategy theories and concepts including growth, diversification, cost leadership, and hybrid strategies; strategic management processes; and organisational theories (scientific management, bureaucratic management, human relations, systems management)
Measuring micro and macro environments using VRIO, SWOT, value chain analysis, PESTLE, Porter's Five Forces, Ansoff Matrix, competitor analysis, and scenario analysis
Strategic options including joint ventures, market penetration, vertical and horizontal integration, internationalisation, and mergers and acquisitions

Fundamentals of procurement management including the distinction between procurement and purchasing, the procurement cycle (needs recognition, budget approval, sourcing, negotiation), methods (e-procurement, procurement contracts, economies of scale, just-in-time), and ethical procurement
Relationship between procurement and the supply chain including estimating demand, sourcing vendors, the distinction between procurement management and supply chain management, and how procurement inputs feed supply chain outputs
Fundamentals of inventory management including the distinction between inventory management and inventory control, the inventory management cycle, methods (just-in-time, cross docking, drop shipping), and types of inventories
Relationship between inventory management and the supply chain including control of purchases and sales, independent and derived demand, supplier issues, production requirements, and sales and marketing activities

Contract management in logistics including key components (business case, relationship management, reviewing contractor performance), upstream and downstream activities, and the contract management cycle (scoping, planning, implementing, performance management)
Managing contracts in logistics including contract management frameworks (set-up, management, close-out), differentiating contract management from contract administration, key performance indicators (quality, cost, time), and types of contract risks (financial, legal, security, brand, reputational, operational)
Fundamentals of financial management in logistics including resource allocation and control, financial decision-making, procure-to-pay cycle, working capital management, and the order-to-cash cycle
Managing finances in logistics including key financial relationships (logistics and the bottom line, shareholder value, profitability), total cost analysis, costing and performance estimation, and types of financial risks (liquidity, credit, equity, currency)

Fundamentals of globalisation including key drivers (economic integration, international trade, political doctrine, environmental impact), key concepts (international law, cross-cultural interaction), and the influence of globalisation on business structure, culture, and functions using Hofstede's dimensions and McKinsey's 7S model
Impact of globalisation on supply chains including new revenue streams, diversification, economies of scale, environmental challenges, effects on competitive advantage, foreign direct investment, technological advancement, and global decision-making
Establishing a global supply chain including supply chain planning processes, strategic, tactical, and operational planning, supply management, demand management, demand-driven and intelligent planning, and product management decisions
Managing a global supply chain including network design, risk management (risk avoidance versus risk aversion), e-communication, integrated technologies, sustainability, green supply chains, climate change, and the future of supply chains

Fundamental SCM concepts and principles including the key parts of the SCM process (demand and supply management, sales and operations planning, product/portfolio management), SCM models (continuous flow, agile, fast chain), and the distinction between logistics management and supply chain management
Supply chain management flows including product flow, information flow, financial flow, value flow, and risk flow, and how businesses illustrate and assess these flows
Barriers to effective SCM including globalisation, market forces, economic activity, resource availability, external risks, and technology; assessing internal challenges using SWOT and external challenges using PESTLE
Complexities of relationships in supply chains including the relationship spectrum, the relationship life cycle, portfolio analysis techniques, matrices for supplier and purchaser positioning, and sources of added value through supply chain relationships
Role of leadership in supply chains including operational, tactical, and strategic leadership; stakeholder analysis and communication; improving efficiencies; building relationships; reducing costs; and lowering barriers

Impact of emerging technologies on SCM including artificial intelligence, driverless vehicles, the Internet of Things, automation, blockchain, and the effective integration and management of these technologies within supply chains
Impact of supply chains on the environment including waste, pollution, greenhouse gases, climate change, sustainable logistics, Net Zero targets, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
SCM in a global economy including international trade dynamics, economic interdependence, fiscal policies, types of economies, global production and consumption patterns, and managing their impacts on supply chains
Management of risk in supply chains including categories of risk (financial, strategic, operational, hazard), STEEPLED framework risks (social, technological, economic, environmental, political, legislative, ethical, demographic), fraud in supply chains, sustainable procurement standards (UN, ILO, ETI, ISO20400), and international risk management standards (ISO 31000, ISO 28000)

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