Introductory description

The module provides an introduction to Supply Chain Analytics (SCA).

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduction - The Evolution of SCM
Basic supply chain principles, outsourcing, offshoring, push/pull supply chains and supply chain performance
Supply Network Design
Value of Information
Supply Chain Risk Management
Inventory Control
Newsvendor Problem
Scheduling
Vehicle Routing
Quality Control

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Identify the contextual and theoretical setting for the study of SCM and define concepts and methods commonly used in SCM.
• Understand the particular challenges of supply chains.
• Understand a range of optimization techniques to solve typical problems in the design and operation of supply chain.
• Analyse case studies to propose potential business solutions as they relate to design of supply chain strategies for value creation in supply chains.

Indicative reading list

Chopra Sunil, Meindl Peter (2016) Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning , and Operation Pearson/Prentice Hall, 6th edition.
Douglas C. Montgomery (2007) Statistical Quality Control: A Modern Introduction.

Subject specific skills

Analyse organisations' supply chains, assessing and recognising risk, and the methods available to minimize it .
Evaluate and recommend improvements to the design and operation of a supply chain.
Understand and be able to apply optimisation and data analytics to supply chain problems.
Develop and demonstrate modelling skills to formally describe and model typical SCM problems.

Transferable skills

Written communication skills.
Group working.
Problem solving skills.