Introduction

In today’s interconnected world, effective supply chain and logistics management is a cornerstone of successful business operations. This course offers a deep dive into the essentials of supply chain management (SCM), logistics optimization, forecasting techniques, inventory control, and transportation systems. Through detailed modules, real-world applications, and actionable strategies, learners will gain the skills needed to manage complex supply chains and logistics networks.

Course Structure

Section 1: Foundations of Supply Chain Management

This section lays the groundwork by introducing the key principles of supply chain management. You’ll learn about the core processes, decision-making phases, and challenges faced by supply chain professionals. Topics include the three-tier concept of SCM, pitfalls in inventory management, and the role of the SCM manager.

Section 2: Strategic Supply Chain Management

Explore how to align competitive strategies with supply chain strategies. This section delves into the factors affecting strategic fit, the role of major drivers, and overcoming obstacles in SCM. Learn to design strategies that enhance efficiency and ensure resilience in your supply chain operations.

Section 3: Logistics Management

Understand the critical role of logistics in supply chain management. This section covers the duties and responsibilities of logistics managers, objectives of logistics, productivity enhancement, and data profiling techniques. You’ll gain insights into creating seamless logistics operations to support supply chain activities.

Section 4: Forecasting and Aggregate Planning

Accurate forecasting and effective aggregate planning are essential for balancing supply and demand. This section discusses forecasting characteristics, predictable variations, time flexibility, and implementing solutions to optimize resource utilization.

Section 5: Inventory Management Essentials

Dive into the fundamentals of inventory management, including types of inventory, ordering costs, and inventory control systems. You’ll explore advanced concepts such as Material Requirements Planning (MRP) and Just-In-Time (JIT) approaches to reduce costs and improve inventory efficiency.

Section 6: Transportation Management

Transportation is the backbone of supply chains. This section examines transportation modes, factors influencing shippers' decisions, trade-offs in transportation design, and scheduling techniques. Real-world practices are explored to equip learners with practical knowledge for optimizing transportation networks.

Section 7: Inbound Supply Chain Management

Inbound logistics is a critical component of SCM. This section covers supplier relationships, inbound contracts, product design collaboration, and procurement strategies. You’ll learn how to integrate inbound logistics effectively into the broader supply chain framework.

Conclusion

By the end of this course, learners will have a holistic understanding of supply chain and logistics management. Equipped with practical tools, strategic insights, and problem-solving techniques, participants will be ready to tackle real-world supply chain challenges and create value for their organizations.