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, order aggregation, discount policies), 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 models.
5. Distribution strategies: direct shipping, intermediate points, cross-docking, transshipment, flow models.
6. Sourcing and procurement decisions: in-house or outsourcing decisions, supplier selection, e-markets.
7. Coordination in a supply chain: the value of information and the bullwhip effect, supply contracts and strategic alliances.