Supply Chain Management

This course introduces higher education students to the fundamental aspects of supply chain management, drawing upon established principles and practices.

The course begins with an introduction to supply chain management, providing a clear overview of key concepts and the integral role of supply chains in the global economy. In designing the supply chain network, students explore the criteria for creating effective and adaptable networks that align with business strategies. Next, the section on planning and coordinating demand and supply offers insights into balancing demand forecasting, inventory management, and sales and operations planning to ensure a consistent flow across the supply chain.

The course continues with production, distribution, and logistics and delves into the operational aspects, exploring methods to optimize production schedules, distribution networks, and logistics operations. Sourcing and procurement covers essential strategies for supplier selection, negotiations, contract management, and strategic partnerships.

Students will then examine economic principles that influence supply chain decisions, understanding concepts such as cost-benefit analysis, economic order quantity, and the bullwhip effect. The impact of IT section outlines how information technology, including ERP and SCM software, contributes to modern supply chain management.

Returns and reverse logistics are explored next, guiding students through processes of returns, recycling, and remanufacturing.

Finally students are guided through how effective Supply Chain Management can be utilised to optimise financial returns of the company.