Operations and Supply Chain Management Course

Lesson 1 • Core Operational Concepts and Terminology

Introduces fundamental vocabulary including throughput, capacity, and efficiency. Provides the shared language needed for all subsequent chapters.

Lesson 2 • Measuring Operational Performance

Introduces key performance indicators used to evaluate operational health. Students select and interpret metrics appropriate to specific operational contexts.

Lesson 3 • Operations Strategy and Competitive Priorities

Links operational choices to strategic goals such as cost, quality, speed, and flexibility. Students align process decisions with market positioning.

Lesson 4 • Process Thinking and Systems View

Frames organisations as interconnected processes rather than isolated functions. Students apply systems thinking to identify interdependencies and feedback loops.

Lesson 1 • Capacity and Bottleneck Analysis

Teaches calculation of process capacity and identification of constraining resources. Students apply the theory of constraints to prioritise improvement efforts.

Lesson 2 • Process Variability and Its Effects

Examines how demand and processing-time variability degrade process performance. Students quantify variability and apply buffering strategies to mitigate its impact.

Lesson 3 • Process Mapping Techniques

Covers flowcharts, swimlane diagrams, and value stream maps as analytical tools. Students document current-state processes to expose waste and inefficiency.

Lesson 4 • Process Redesign and Improvement

Guides students through structured redesign using DMAIC and waste-elimination frameworks. Students produce a future-state process design with measurable improvement targets.

Lesson 1 • Quality Philosophies and Frameworks

Surveys total quality management, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement philosophies. Students compare frameworks and select approaches suited to their operational context.

Lesson 2 • Building a Quality Management System

Guides students through designing an integrated quality management system for an organisation. Students create documentation, audit plans, and continuous improvement cycles.

Lesson 3 • Statistical Process Control

Teaches control chart construction and interpretation for monitoring process stability. Students distinguish common-cause from special-cause variation to guide corrective action.

Lesson 4 • Quality Tools for Root Cause Analysis

Introduces the seven basic quality tools for diagnosing defect sources. Students apply fishbone diagrams and Pareto analysis to prioritise corrective actions.

Lesson 1 • Inventory Performance and Reduction

Evaluates inventory performance using turns, days-on-hand, and carrying cost metrics. Students identify and implement strategies to reduce excess inventory without harming service.

Lesson 2 • Inventory Types and Functions

Classifies inventory by type and purpose, including cycle, safety, and pipeline stock. Students recognise how each inventory type affects cost and service-level outcomes.

Lesson 3 • Economic Order Quantity Models

Derives and applies the EOQ model and its extensions to minimise total inventory cost. Students adjust the model for quantity discounts and non-instantaneous replenishment.

Lesson 4 • Safety Stock and Service Levels

Calculates safety stock requirements under demand and lead-time uncertainty. Students link safety stock decisions to target fill rates and cycle service levels.

Lesson 1 • Supply Chain Risk and Resilience

Identifies supply chain vulnerabilities and applies resilience-building strategies. Students develop risk mitigation plans using diversification, redundancy, and flexibility levers.

Lesson 2 • Distribution Network Design

Covers facility location, network configuration, and distribution channel selection. Students use cost-service trade-off analysis to design efficient distribution networks.

Lesson 3 • Supply Chain Structure and Participants

Maps the tiers of a supply chain from raw material suppliers to end customers. Students analyse how structural choices affect cost, risk, and responsiveness.

Lesson 4 • Supply Chain Strategy Alignment

Applies the Fisher framework to match supply chain design with product demand characteristics. Students distinguish efficient from responsive supply chains and design accordingly.

Lesson 1 • Quantitative Forecasting Methods

Covers moving averages, exponential smoothing, and regression-based forecasting techniques. Students apply each method and interpret outputs for operational planning.

Lesson 2 • Fundamentals of Demand Management

Distinguishes independent from dependent demand and explains the role of forecasting in planning. Students identify demand patterns and select appropriate forecasting approaches.

Lesson 3 • Forecast Accuracy and Error Measurement

Teaches MAD, MAPE, and bias metrics to evaluate and compare forecast models. Students use error analysis to select and continuously improve forecasting methods.

Lesson 4 • Demand Sensing and Advanced Analytics

Explores machine learning and real-time data signals as enhancements to traditional forecasting. Students evaluate when advanced methods add value over statistical baselines.

Lesson 1 • Supplier Identification and Qualification

Covers market research, RFI/RFP processes, and supplier qualification criteria. Students build a supplier evaluation scorecard aligned with organisational requirements.

Lesson 2 • Supplier Development and Collaboration

Explores joint improvement programmes, co-innovation, and strategic partnership models. Students design a supplier development initiative targeting capability gaps.

Lesson 3 • Supplier Performance Management

Establishes KPI frameworks and review processes for ongoing supplier performance. Students design a supplier scorecard and corrective action process.

Lesson 4 • Strategic Procurement Framework

Positions procurement as a strategic function beyond transactional purchasing. Students apply spend analysis and category management to prioritise procurement efforts.

Lesson 1 • Logistics Technology and Visibility

Surveys warehouse management systems, transportation management systems, and track-and-trace tools. Students evaluate technology investments using service improvement and cost reduction criteria.

Lesson 2 • Logistics Strategy and Total Cost

Frames logistics as a strategic lever balancing service and total delivered cost. Students apply total logistics cost analysis to evaluate network and mode decisions.

Lesson 3 • Transportation Modes and Selection

Compares road, rail, air, ocean, and intermodal transportation on cost and service dimensions. Students select optimal modes for given shipment profiles and service requirements.

Lesson 4 • Warehouse Operations and Design

Covers warehouse layout, slotting, receiving, storage, and order fulfilment processes. Students design a warehouse layout optimised for throughput and accuracy.