Global Supply Chain Management
Unit Outlines

Global Supply Chain Management

AI Generated Intermediate 40 hours 8 topics

Learning Objectives

5 objectives
  • Understand fundamental concepts and the global context of supply chain management.
  • Analyze and design efficient global supply chain networks considering sourcing, production, distribution, and logistics.
  • Identify and mitigate risks inherent in global supply chains to build resilient operations.
  • Evaluate sustainability practices and ethical considerations within global supply chains.
  • Examine the role of technology and innovation in transforming global supply chain operations.

Content Outline

Preview

Unit 986: Global Supply Chain Management

1. Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management

  • Definition and scope of supply chain management (SCM)
  • Importance of SCM in global business
  • Key concepts: supply chain, value chain, logistics, procurement
  • Impact of globalization on supply chains
    • Increased complexity
    • Extended supply chain networks
    • Cultural and regulatory challenges

2. Global Supply Chain Network Design

  • Elements of supply chain network design
    • Sourcing decisions
    • Production location and capacity planning
    • Distribution channels and centers
    • Logistics and transportation planning
  • Network optimization techniques
    • Cost vs. service trade-offs
    • Use of modeling and simulation tools
  • Strategies for efficient global supply chain design
    • Centralized vs decentralized networks
    • Outsourcing and offshoring considerations

3. Risk Management in Global Supply Chains

  • Types of risks in global supply chains
    • Geopolitical risks
    • Economic and market fluctuations
    • Natural disasters and environmental risks
    • Supply disruptions and supplier risks
  • Risk assessment methodologies
    • Risk identification and analysis
    • Probability and impact assessment
  • Risk mitigation strategies
    • Diversification of suppliers and routes
    • Inventory buffers and contingency planning
  • Building supply chain resilience
    • Flexibility and agility
    • Collaboration and information sharing

4. Sustainability in Global Supply Chains

  • Importance of sustainability in SCM
  • Sustainable practices in procurement, production, and distribution
  • Ethical considerations and corporate social responsibility (CSR)
  • Environmental impact of global supply chains
    • Carbon footprint and emissions
    • Waste management and circular economy
  • Regulatory frameworks and sustainability standards

5. Global Logistics and Transportation

  • Role of logistics in global supply chains
  • Modes of transportation
    • Air, sea, road, rail, and multimodal transport
  • Freight forwarding and third-party logistics (3PL)
  • Customs regulations and trade compliance
  • Challenges in managing global logistics
    • Lead times and delays
    • Documentation and legal requirements
    • Cost control and optimization

6. Technology and Innovation in Global Supply Chains

  • Digital transformation in SCM
  • Automation and robotics
  • Blockchain technology for transparency and traceability
  • Internet of Things (IoT) for real-time monitoring
  • Advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence
  • Emerging trends and future outlook

7. Supplier Relationship Management in Global Supply Chains

  • Importance of supplier relationships
  • Supplier selection criteria and evaluation
  • Performance measurement and continuous improvement
  • Collaboration and partnership strategies
  • Conflict resolution and negotiation in global contexts

8. Global Supply Chain Performance Metrics

  • Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for global SCM
    • Delivery performance, inventory turnover, cost measures
  • Benchmarking supply chain performance
  • Performance measurement techniques and tools
  • Using metrics for continuous improvement

End of Unit Outline

Unlock the full outline
Get the complete content outline, learning outcomes and assessment methods for Global Supply Chain Management.
KSh 20 one-off, or included with a plan

Learning Outcomes

Unlock the outline above to see learning outcomes.

Assessment Methods

Unlock the outline above to see assessment methods.

Quick Information

Unit Global Supply Chain Management
Difficulty Intermediate
Duration40 hours
Topics8
CreatedJul 20, 2026
GeneratedJul 20, 2026 16:02

Prerequisites

  • Basic understanding of business operations and management principles
  • Foundational knowledge of logistics and procurement
  • Familiarity with international trade concepts

Recommended Resources

  • Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2021). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation. Pearson.
  • Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & Supply Chain Management. Pearson UK.
  • Simchi-Levi, D., Kaminsky, P., & Simchi-Levi, E. (2021). Designing and Managing the Supply Chain: Concepts, Strategies and Case Studies. McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Harland, C., & Lamming, R. (Eds.). (2013). Supply Chain Risk: A Handbook of Assessment, Management, and Performance. Routledge.
  • Articles from the Journal of Supply Chain Management and Supply Chain Management Review.
  • Online resources: APICS Supply Chain Channel, CSCMP Supply Chain Quarterly.

Unit Topics

8
Introduction to Global Supply Chain Management
This topic will provide an overview of supply chain management, focusing on the global context. It w...
Global Supply Chain Network Design
This topic will delve into the design of global supply chain networks, including decisions related t...
Risk Management in Global Supply Chains
This topic will explore the various risks faced by organizations operating in global supply chains,...
Sustainability in Global Supply Chains
This topic will focus on the growing importance of sustainability in global supply chains. Students...
Global Logistics and Transportation
This topic will cover the role of logistics and transportation in global supply chains. Students wil...
Technology and Innovation in Global Supply Chains
This topic will explore the impact of technology and innovation on global supply chain management. S...
Supplier Relationship Management in Global Supply Chains
This topic will focus on the importance of building strong relationships with suppliers in global su...
Global Supply Chain Performance Metrics
This topic will discuss key performance metrics used to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of...