CTL.SC2x - Supply Chain Design

WEEK 0: OVERVIEW OF SUPPLY CHAIN DESIGN: In this week, we will provide an overview of the course and introduce the concept of design. We will also offer a rapid review of the central concepts taught in SC1x.

WEEK 1: BASIC SUPPLY CHAIN NETWORK DESIGN: This first week introduces Network Flow models and solves them using spreadsheets. We then present the Facility Location problem and show how to formulate and solve it using Mixed Integer Linear Programs (MILPs).

WEEK 2: ADVANCED SUPPLY CHAIN NETWORK DESIGN: In this week, we combine the Facility Location problem with the network flow models to formulate and solve more significant Network Design problems to include facility capacity, level of service, inbound and outbound transportation, etc. We use the model to solve and test the sensitivity of the assumptions in a more extensive case study. We also discuss advanced topics in network design, including modeling multiple products, multiple echelons, and multiple time periods. Flexibility and robustness are also discussed.

WEEK 3: PRODUCTION PLANNING: This week, we move from network design to working with internal (and external) manufacturing partners. We present the Fixed Planning Horizon model and solve it to develop optimal production plans. We then introduce and demonstrate the use of Bill of Materials (BOM), Material Requirements Planning (MRP) systems, and Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP) systems.

WEEK 4: SALES & OPERATIONS PLANNING AND DISTRIBUTION STRATEGIES: Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process is presented and discussed this week. We also present different distribution strategies and discuss how e-commerce has affected the design of distribution networks.

WEEK 5: OFF-WEEK: This is a week off. It is a chance for you to catch up on your graded assignments and review the previous material. This week, we also addressed practical concerns about running a network design project.

WEEK 6: MIDTERM EXAM: The Midterm exam covers all of the material from weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4. The objective is to ensure mastery of Network Design, Production Planning, and Distribution Channel Strategies. It will be a timed exam, available for 72 hours, and once you start the exam within this period, there is a limited time to complete it.

WEEK 7: SUPPLIER MANAGEMENT: Professor Yossi Sheffi kicks off the module on supplier management by providing an overview of a firm's sourcing and procurement functions and giving insights into how different approaches can be applied depending on the situation. Professor Sheffi continues the discussion on supplier management by presenting optimization-based procurement. He also shows how these powerful techniques can be used in practice.

WEEK 8: SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE I: Jim Rice will draw the connections between supply chains and accounting. He will provide a brief overview of the major accounting concepts relevant to supply chains, including Activity Based Costing (ABC), Working Capital, and the Cash-to-Cash conversion cycle.

WEEK 9: SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE II: Dr. Jarrod Goentzel continues the discussion on supply chain finance by introducing discounted cash flow (DCF) analysis. He will demonstrate using DCF analysis in capital budgeting and justifying supply chain investment decisions.

WEEK 10: SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE III AND ORGANIZATIONAL DESIGN: We wrap the course up by discussing and demonstrating how to design the supply chain organization itself. We also introduce a case study. In the end, we spend some time summarizing and synthesizing the concepts taught throughout the course.

WEEK 11: OFF-WEEK: This is a week off. It is a chance for you to review the course material.

WEEK 12: FINAL EXAM: The final exam covers all of the material in this course. The objective is to understand how all models, concepts, and approaches fit together. It will be a timed exam, available for 72 hours, and once you start the exam within this period, there is a limited time (4 hours) to complete it.