Overview
The perception that supply chain management (SCM) is critical to organizational performance is growing stronger. This is reflective of current challenges in the supply chain environment (e.g., greater complexity and exposure to risk, rising oil prices, continuing labour shortages, increasing environmental awareness) and strategic supply chain opportunities (such as global expansion, adoption of information technology, mass customization, and postponement of production or movement). Supply chain integration of critical functions (logistics, marketing, operations, purchasing) and institutions (retailers, manufacturers, logistics service providers) is required to expand global reach and improve supply chain performance.
This in-residence elective focuses on various tools, techniques, and approaches for SCM, with supply chain integration as an underlying theme. It also looks at the practical application of technology and close collaboration, which are key components in SCM. You will study a variety of supply chain contexts (e.g., for-profit versus not-for-profit; humanitarian logistics) and the role of SCM in the production and distribution of goods, services, and information. The program includes a special focus on SCM in the services context.
SCM involves strategically managing flows of goods, services, and knowledge, along with relationships within and among organizations, to achieve or support enterprise objectives. The goal of this course is for participants to understand the big picture of SCM, apply analytical tools, and make recommendations for supply chain performance improvement. You will also study alternative perspectives on logistics vis-à-vis SCM, which define the breadth and depth of SCM.
Concepts and topics addressed in the course include supply chain mapping, the balanced scorecard, the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model, tools for cycle time reduction, information sharing, relationship building, systems technology, and risk management. The course combines interactive lectures with case studies and other group-based learning activities.
Outline
Students will be required to participate in online discussions during Weeks 1–4 and 7–9. Week 6 is set aside for development of the assignment proposal, and Week 10 is set aside for finalizing the assignment. Several group activities will be completed during the in-residence week (Week 5).
The course is divided into 10 weeks:
Week 1: Logistics, Supply Chain Management & the Strategic Perspective
Week 2: Supply Chain Mapping & the SCOR Model
Week 3: Supply Chain Design
Week 4: Supply Chain Performance & Risk Management
Week 5: In-Residence Week (on-site or virtual)
Week 6: Major Individual Assignment – Preliminary Proposal
Week 7: Green & Sustainable Supply Chain Management
Week 8: Global Supply Chain Management
Week 9: Supply Chain Technology & the Supply Chain of the Future
Week 10: Major Individual Assignment – Final Paper
Learning outcomes
At the end of this in-residence elective, you will be able to demonstrate the following:
- Knowledge of various approaches to SCM
- Understanding of recent trends in SCM
- Ability to apply leading tools and techniques for effective SCM
- Appreciation of SCM in a variety of contexts
Evaluation
Your grade will be based on the successful completion of an individual assignment (proposal + final paper) and on your participation in moderated group discussions and In-Residence Week activities.
| Activity | Weight |
| Collaboration | |
| Discussion Participation | 35% |
| In-Residence Participation | 30% |
| Individual | |
| Major Individual Assignment – Preliminary Proposal | 5% |
| Major Individual Assignment – Final Paper | 30% |
| Total | 100% |
To receive a passing grade in this course, you must meet these minimum standards:
- receive a minimum of 60% on the collaboration components;
- receive an average grade of 60% on the Major Individual Assignment (including the Preliminary Proposal); and
- receive an average grade of 60% over all course components (i.e., Major Individual Assignment and Collaboration components).
Materials
Digital course materials
Links to the following course materials will be made available in the course:
Christopher, M. (2023). Logistics and supply chain management (6th. ed.). Pearson Education.
All other course materials will be accessed online.