Supply Chain Operations Course

Lesson 1 • Supply Chain Concepts and Terminology

Defines core vocabulary and the scope of supply chain management. Establishes shared language used throughout the entire course.

Lesson 2 • Material, Information, and Financial Flows

Traces how goods, data, and money move across the chain. Shows how flow alignment reduces cost and improves service.

Lesson 3 • Supply Chain Structure and Models

Examines common supply chain configurations and their trade-offs. Connects structural choices to operational performance outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Quantitative Forecasting Methods

Covers statistical techniques for generating demand forecasts from historical data. Builds analytical capability applied in inventory and production planning.

Lesson 2 • Qualitative and Collaborative Forecasting

Explores judgement-based and cross-functional forecasting approaches. Addresses situations where historical data is limited or unreliable.

Lesson 3 • Demand Sensing and Real-Time Signals

Introduces short-cycle demand sensing using point-of-sale and market data. Enhances forecast responsiveness beyond traditional monthly planning cycles.

Lesson 4 • Demand Drivers and Patterns

Identifies internal and external factors that shape demand. Understanding patterns is the prerequisite for selecting the right forecasting method.

Lesson 1 • Inventory Accuracy and Control

Establishes processes for maintaining accurate inventory records. Accurate data is essential for reliable replenishment and financial reporting.

Lesson 2 • Safety Stock and Service Levels

Quantifies buffer stock needed to absorb demand and supply variability. Links safety stock decisions directly to customer service level targets.

Lesson 3 • Inventory Types and Classification

Categorises inventory by function and value to prioritise management effort. ABC and XYZ analysis form the basis for differentiated control policies.

Lesson 4 • Inventory Optimisation Strategies

Applies advanced techniques to reduce total inventory cost while protecting service. Builds on replenishment models to achieve network-wide optimisation.

Lesson 1 • Supplier Selection and Qualification

Covers criteria and processes for identifying and approving capable suppliers. A rigorous qualification process reduces quality and delivery risk.

Lesson 2 • Supplier Performance Management

Establishes scorecards and review processes to monitor and improve supplier performance. Continuous feedback drives supplier development and risk reduction.

Lesson 3 • Contract Negotiation and Terms

Builds negotiation skills and explains key commercial contract elements. Strong contracts protect both parties and define performance expectations.

Lesson 4 • Strategic Sourcing Fundamentals

Introduces the sourcing process and spend analysis as the starting point for procurement strategy. Differentiates strategic sourcing from transactional purchasing.

Lesson 1 • Carrier Management and Relationships

Covers carrier selection, contracting, and performance monitoring. Strong carrier relationships improve capacity access and service reliability.

Lesson 2 • Transportation Planning and Execution

Addresses load planning, routing, and shipment execution processes. Efficient planning reduces empty miles and improves on-time delivery.

Lesson 3 • Transportation Modes and Selection

Compares road, rail, air, ocean, and intermodal options on cost, speed, and reliability. Mode selection directly affects landed cost and customer service.

Lesson 4 • Customs, Trade Compliance, and Incoterms

Introduces international trade documentation, customs clearance, and trade terms. Compliance prevents costly delays and penalties in cross-border shipments.

Lesson 1 • Receiving and Put-Away Processes

Details inbound flow from dock receipt through inventory location assignment. Accurate receiving prevents downstream fulfilment errors.

Lesson 2 • Warehouse Management Systems

Explains WMS functionality and how it controls and optimises warehouse operations. System capability directly enables accuracy, visibility, and labour efficiency.

Lesson 3 • Order Picking and Fulfilment Methods

Compares picking strategies and their impact on labour cost and accuracy. Selecting the right method is critical for meeting order cycle time targets.

Lesson 4 • Warehouse Design and Layout

Covers principles for designing efficient warehouse layouts that minimise travel and maximise space. Good design is the foundation for all subsequent operational improvements.

Lesson 1 • Supply Chain Visibility and Early Warning

Introduces tools and data sources that provide real-time supply chain visibility. Early warning signals enable faster response before disruptions escalate.

Lesson 2 • Business Continuity and Recovery Planning

Develops plans to maintain operations and recover quickly after a disruption occurs. Tested plans reduce recovery time and protect customer relationships.

Lesson 3 • Disruption Mitigation Strategies

Covers proactive strategies to reduce the likelihood and impact of supply disruptions. Mitigation actions are tailored to risk type and organisational tolerance.

Lesson 4 • Risk Assessment and Prioritisation

Applies probability and impact analysis to rank risks by severity. Prioritisation focuses mitigation resources on the most consequential threats.

Lesson 1 • Aligning Supply Chain with Business Strategy

Connects supply chain design choices to competitive priorities such as cost, speed, and flexibility. Strategic alignment ensures the supply chain enables rather than constrains growth.

Lesson 2 • Continuous Improvement in Supply Chains

Applies lean, Six Sigma, and PDCA methodologies to drive ongoing supply chain improvement. A structured improvement culture sustains competitive advantage over time.

Lesson 3 • Network Design and Optimisation

Covers facility location, capacity allocation, and flow path modelling across the supply network. Optimised networks minimise total landed cost while meeting service requirements.

Lesson 4 • Supply Chain Performance Scorecards

Builds balanced scorecards that link operational metrics to strategic outcomes. Integrated measurement enables leadership to manage the supply chain as a strategic asset.