Inventory and Logistics Management Course

Lesson 1 • What Inventory Management Means

Defines inventory management and its strategic importance to profitability. Establishes the vocabulary used throughout the course.

Lesson 2 • Types and Classifications of Inventory

Categorizes inventory by function and stage in the supply chain. Enables accurate labeling and prioritization of stock.

Lesson 3 • Inventory Management Objectives

Identifies the competing goals managers must balance: service level, cost, and cash flow. Frames the decision-making context for later chapters.

Lesson 1 • Forecast Integration into Inventory Planning

Translates forecast outputs into actionable inventory parameters. Closes the loop between demand signals and replenishment decisions.

Lesson 2 • Quantitative Time-Series Methods

Applies statistical models to historical sales data to project future demand. Builds proficiency in moving averages and exponential smoothing.

Lesson 3 • Causal and Collaborative Forecasting

Uses external variables and cross-functional data to improve accuracy. Introduces collaborative planning frameworks shared with suppliers and customers.

Lesson 4 • Qualitative Forecasting Methods

Covers judgment-based techniques used when historical data is scarce. Connects expert input to structured, defensible forecasts.

Lesson 1 • Multi-Echelon Replenishment Concepts

Introduces inventory coordination across multiple stocking locations. Prepares students for network-level replenishment decisions covered later.

Lesson 2 • Economic Order Quantity Model

Derives the EOQ formula and its underlying assumptions. Establishes the baseline replenishment model for deterministic demand.

Lesson 3 • Periodic Review Systems

Covers fixed-interval ordering as an alternative to continuous review. Compares P-system and Q-system trade-offs for different environments.

Lesson 4 • Reorder Point and Safety Stock

Calculates when to trigger a replenishment order under demand and lead-time uncertainty. Links safety stock levels to desired service levels.

Lesson 1 • Storage Systems and Equipment

Surveys racking, shelving, and automated storage technologies. Matches storage systems to product characteristics and throughput requirements.

Lesson 2 • Order Picking and Packing Methods

Compares picking strategies by labor efficiency and order accuracy. Introduces wave, batch, and zone picking for high-volume operations.

Lesson 3 • Warehouse Performance Measurement

Defines KPIs for warehouse productivity, accuracy, and cost. Enables continuous improvement through data-driven operational reviews.

Lesson 4 • Receiving and Put-Away Processes

Details the steps from inbound shipment to confirmed stock location. Establishes accuracy controls that protect downstream inventory records.

Lesson 1 • Physical Inventory and Reconciliation

Guides the planning and execution of full physical inventory counts. Covers reconciliation steps that restore system integrity after discrepancies.

Lesson 2 • Cycle Counting Programs

Designs and manages ongoing cycle count schedules to replace annual physical inventories. Links count frequency to item criticality and error risk.

Lesson 3 • Inventory Control Policies and Procedures

Establishes the rules and access controls that prevent unauthorized inventory changes. Creates a governance framework for sustained accuracy.

Lesson 4 • Sources of Inventory Record Error

Identifies the root causes of discrepancies between physical and system counts. Builds diagnostic skills needed before designing control solutions.

Lesson 1 • Transportation Modes and Trade-offs

Compares road, rail, air, ocean, and intermodal transport on cost, speed, and reliability. Provides a decision framework for mode selection.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Compliance in Transportation

Identifies the compliance obligations affecting freight movement across borders and modes. Prepares students to manage documentation and safety requirements.

Lesson 3 • Carrier Selection and Contracting

Covers the criteria and process for evaluating and contracting freight carriers. Links carrier performance to supply chain reliability.

Lesson 4 • Transportation Network Design

Applies network modeling to optimize routes, hubs, and distribution points. Balances service level requirements against total transportation cost.

Lesson 1 • Supply Chain Risk and Disruption Management

Identifies supply chain vulnerabilities and builds mitigation strategies. Prepares students to maintain continuity during supplier or logistics failures.

Lesson 2 • Cross-Functional Collaboration in Supply Chains

Aligns procurement, operations, sales, and finance around shared inventory goals. Reduces internal silos that create excess stock or service failures.

Lesson 3 • Vendor-Managed Inventory Programs

Explains how suppliers take responsibility for replenishing customer stock. Covers the data sharing and trust requirements for successful VMI.

Lesson 4 • Supplier Performance Management

Establishes scorecards and review processes to monitor and improve supplier delivery and quality. Connects supplier performance to inventory reliability.

Lesson 1 • Building a Continuous Improvement Culture

Embeds structured improvement cycles into inventory and logistics operations. Develops leadership skills for sustaining gains over time.

Lesson 2 • Inventory Optimization Modeling

Uses simulation and optimization tools to set inventory targets across a product portfolio. Balances service level, cost, and capital constraints simultaneously.

Lesson 3 • Total Logistics Cost Management

Integrates transportation, warehousing, and inventory costs into a unified cost model. Enables trade-off decisions that minimize total supply chain cost.

Lesson 4 • Lean Principles in Inventory Management

Applies lean thinking to eliminate waste and reduce inventory without sacrificing service. Connects pull systems and flow principles to inventory reduction.