Learning Objectives
5 objectives- Understand the fundamental concepts and importance of supply chain management in business operations.
- Trace the historical evolution of supply chain management from traditional logistics to modern global networks.
- Analyze strategic considerations in designing supply chain networks to optimize efficiency and cost.
- Apply demand planning, forecasting, and inventory management techniques to align supply chain activities.
- Evaluate the role of logistics, supplier relationships, risk management, and sustainability in supply chains.
Content Outline
PreviewUnit 977: Comprehensive Supply Chain Management
1. Overview of Supply Chain Management
- Definition and scope of supply chain management (SCM)
- Importance of SCM in modern business operations
- Key elements of SCM:
- Procurement
- Production
- Distribution
- Customer service
- Flow of goods, information, and finances from suppliers to customers
2. Evolution of Supply Chain Management
- Traditional logistics and its limitations
- Introduction of integrated supply chain concepts
- Development of global supply chains
- Impact of technology and globalization on SCM
- Current trends and future outlook
3. Supply Chain Network Design
- Strategic importance of network design
- Factors influencing network design:
- Supplier selection criteria
- Distribution channel options
- Transportation modes and their trade-offs
- Tools and models for network optimization
- Balancing cost, service level, and flexibility
4. Demand Planning and Forecasting
- Concepts of demand planning
- Importance of accurate forecasting in SCM
- Forecasting techniques:
- Qualitative methods (Delphi, market research)
- Quantitative methods (time series, causal models)
- Integration of forecasting with supply planning
- Use of software tools for demand management
5. Inventory Management
- Role of inventory in supply chains
- Types of inventory (raw materials, WIP, finished goods)
- Inventory control strategies:
- Just-In-Time (JIT)
- Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)
- Safety stock calculation
- Impact of technology (RFID, automated replenishment)
- Balancing inventory levels with service and cost
6. Logistics and Transportation Management
- Definition and scope of logistics
- Transportation management objectives
- Route optimization techniques
- Carrier selection criteria
- Last-mile delivery challenges and solutions
- Use of technology in logistics (GPS tracking, TMS)
7. Supplier Relationship Management
- Importance of supplier partnerships
- Supplier selection process and criteria
- Performance evaluation and monitoring
- Collaboration strategies to improve quality and innovation
- Contract management and negotiation
8. Risk Management in Supply Chains
- Types of risks affecting supply chains:
- Operational
- Environmental (natural disasters)
- Geopolitical and regulatory
- Risk identification and assessment methods
- Mitigation strategies:
- Diversification
- Contingency planning
- Insurance and contracts
- Role of technology in risk monitoring
9. Sustainable Supply Chain Practices
- Definition and significance of sustainability in SCM
- Sustainable sourcing and ethical procurement
- Green logistics and transportation
- Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives
- Measuring and reporting sustainability performance
- Case studies of sustainable supply chains
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