Supply Chain Analytics

Supply chain analytics is a set of approaches utilized to efficiently integrate suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses and stores and to efficiently manage material, information and financial flows so that merchandise is produced and distributed at the right quantities, to the right locations, and at the right time, in order to maximize systemwide surplus or value. It plays an important role in today's global economy, because efficient supply chains not only make companies more profitable but also allow customers to receive better products at lower prices. For business and technology management students, it becomes critical to have a good understanding of supply chains and its vital role as a source of both performance improvement and business innovation. The goals of the course are i) to provide an understanding and appreciation of key challenges in supply chain analytics and key drivers of supply chain performance, and ii) to expose students to techniques and strategies used to optimize supply chain decisions and to anticipate or explain supply chain phenomena. The teaching method used is seminar style with a mix of lectures, case discussions, problem-solving exercises, spreadsheet-modeling demonstrations and class discussions. Students will be graded on class participation, individual assignments, quizzes, and a final group project. The course is suitable for students of business analytics or technology management, as well as aspiring consultants or entrepreneurs.