Supply Chain Engineer Course

Lesson 1 • Supply Chain Structure and Scope

Defines the boundaries and components of a supply chain from raw material to end consumer. Establishes the vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Supply Chain Performance Metrics

Covers the key performance indicators used to evaluate supply chain health. Provides a baseline for benchmarking and continuous improvement.

Lesson 3 • Core Supply Chain Processes

Introduces the plan-source-make-deliver-return framework as a universal process model. Connects each process to measurable business outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Demand Sensing and Real-Time Signals

Explores short-horizon demand sensing using near-real-time data to improve replenishment accuracy. Connects sensing outputs to automated ordering triggers.

Lesson 2 • Quantitative Forecasting Methods

Covers statistical techniques from simple moving averages to exponential smoothing and regression. Students apply each method to real demand data sets.

Lesson 3 • Forecast-to-Plan Translation

Converts approved demand forecasts into production and procurement plans. Bridges demand planning and supply execution within the S&OP cycle.

Lesson 4 • Collaborative Forecasting Processes

Introduces cross-functional and customer-integrated forecasting practices. Reduces forecast error by incorporating market intelligence from multiple sources.

Lesson 1 • Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimisation

Extends single-location models to networked inventory across warehouses and distribution centres. Identifies optimal stocking points to minimise total network inventory cost.

Lesson 2 • Safety Stock Calculation and Service Levels

Teaches statistical safety stock sizing linked to target service levels and lead time variability. Quantifies the cost of achieving higher fill rates.

Lesson 3 • Inventory Replenishment Policies

Covers fixed-order-quantity, fixed-interval, and min-max replenishment systems. Students select the right policy based on demand variability and lead time.

Lesson 4 • Inventory Types and Functions

Distinguishes cycle, safety, pipeline, and anticipation inventory and their cost drivers. Provides the conceptual foundation for all subsequent inventory decisions.

Lesson 1 • Supply Risk Identification and Mitigation

Identifies sources of supply disruption and builds mitigation strategies into sourcing decisions. Connects risk management to business continuity planning.

Lesson 2 • Strategic Sourcing and Category Management

Applies spend analysis and portfolio models to develop category-level sourcing strategies. Differentiates tactical purchasing from strategic sourcing.

Lesson 3 • Contract Negotiation and Terms

Covers negotiation strategy, pricing models, and key contractual terms for supply agreements. Students structure contracts that protect supply continuity and manage risk.

Lesson 4 • Supplier Selection and Qualification

Establishes criteria and processes for identifying, evaluating, and approving suppliers. Reduces supply risk by ensuring supplier capability before award.

Lesson 1 • Transportation Modes and Trade-Offs

Compares road, rail, ocean, air, and intermodal transport on cost, speed, and reliability dimensions. Mode selection decisions are linked to product and service requirements.

Lesson 2 • Carrier Selection and Management

Covers the process of qualifying, contracting, and managing carrier performance. Builds a resilient carrier base that supports service commitments.

Lesson 3 • Logistics Network Design

Applies network modelling to determine optimal facility locations, quantities, and flows. Balances transportation cost, inventory cost, and customer service targets.

Lesson 4 • Warehouse and Distribution Operations

Examines warehouse layout, receiving, storage, picking, and shipping processes. Connects warehouse efficiency to order fulfilment speed and accuracy.

Lesson 1 • Resilience Strategies and Redundancy

Covers redundancy, flexibility, and agility strategies that reduce vulnerability to disruption. Each strategy is evaluated against its cost and risk-reduction benefit.

Lesson 2 • Disruption Response and Recovery

Develops playbooks for detecting, responding to, and recovering from supply chain disruptions. Speed of response is linked to pre-planned protocols and clear escalation paths.

Lesson 3 • Risk Quantification and Prioritisation

Applies probability-impact analysis and financial modelling to rank risks by expected loss. Prioritisation directs mitigation investment to the highest-value exposures.

Lesson 4 • Risk Identification and Classification

Provides a structured taxonomy of supply chain risks across demand, supply, operational, and external categories. Risk identification is the prerequisite to all mitigation work.

Lesson 1 • Enterprise Resource Planning in Supply Chains

Explains how ERP systems integrate procurement, inventory, production, and finance data. Students navigate ERP modules relevant to supply chain transactions.

Lesson 2 • Supply Chain Visibility and Control Towers

Introduces real-time visibility platforms that aggregate data across supply chain partners. Control towers enable proactive exception management and faster decision-making.

Lesson 3 • Emerging Technologies in Supply Chain

Surveys IoT, blockchain, autonomous robotics, and AI applications reshaping supply chain operations. Students assess technology maturity and fit for specific supply chain problems.

Lesson 4 • Advanced Planning and Scheduling Systems

Covers APS tools that optimise demand, supply, and production plans beyond ERP capability. Students configure planning parameters and interpret system-generated plans.

Lesson 1 • Global Supply Chain Design Considerations

Addresses the complexity of designing supply chains that span multiple countries and trade regimes. Students evaluate global sourcing, manufacturing, and distribution trade-offs.

Lesson 2 • Sustainability and Circular Supply Chains

Embeds environmental and social sustainability into supply chain strategy and network design. Students quantify carbon footprint and design circular material flows.

Lesson 3 • Sales and Operations Planning at Scale

Designs and facilitates an enterprise S&OP process that aligns demand, supply, and financial plans. Students lead S&OP meetings and resolve cross-functional trade-offs.

Lesson 4 • Supply Chain Transformation and Change Management

Guides students through planning and executing large-scale supply chain improvement programmes. Addresses the organisational and behavioural dimensions of supply chain change.