Supply chain management and logistics: an introduction. Demand forecasting in a supply chain. Inventory and uncertainty management. Network planning. Distribution strategies. Procurement and outsourcing. Pricing and revenue management. Coordination in a supply chain.
Syllabus:
1. An overview of logistics and supply chain management: the complexity of the supply network, objectives and uncertainties, cycle view and push-pull view.
2. Demand forecasting in a supply chain: components of forecasts and forecasting methods, time series forecasting methods.
3. Inventory management: exploiting economies of scale (EOQ model and order aggregation), facing uncertainty (safety stock, periodic vs. continuous replenishment), risk pooling.
4. Network planning: factors and data influencing network design, data aggregation, optimization and simulation, location and flow models.
5. Distribution strategies: direct shipping, intermediate points, cross-docking, transhipment.
6. Sourcing and procurement decisions: in-house or outsourcing decisions, supplier selection, e-markets.
7. Pricing and revenue management: customer segments, perishable assets, bulk and spot customers.
8. Coordination in a supply chain: the value of information and the bullwhip effect, supply contracts and strategic alliances.