CTL.SC3x - Supply Chain Dynamics

WEEK 1: Introduction to Supply Chain Dynamics: In this first week, we will overview the supply chains as complex systems. We introduce the idea of complexity, and we identify five primary drivers of supply chain complexity. We will also review how to work with partners and discuss how a lack of collaboration can lead to significant impacts, such as the bullwhip effect.

WEEK 2: Introduction to System Dynamics: In this lesson, we will introduce some of the core concepts of the discipline known as System Dynamics and illustrate how these relate to supply chains. We will review the essential components of system dynamics, what it is, how to apply it, and how to use models to understand it. We go over various approaches to visualize system complexity. We then move into a discussion on modeling the systems. Throughout the lesson, we build a "toolbox" for system dynamics, including causal loop diagrams, behavior over time charts, stock & flow diagrams, and models.

WEEK 3: Supply Chain Strategy & Alignment: This week, we introduce business and discuss the most common business strategy frameworks and methodologies. We focus on how supply chains align with the selected company strategy to enable it.

WEEK 4: Process Analysis and Applications in Practice: We will introduce the basic idea of a simple process and illustrate the core characteristics of capacity, variability, and flow. We then demonstrate how different buffering strategies for inventory, time, or capacity can be employed in supply chains. In the second half of the lesson, we bring the lessons together from the first two modules into a segment called Applications in Practice through a company's case study.

WEEK 5: Prep Week: This is a prep week in which no new graded assignments will be released. It provides you time to complete previous assignments and prepare for the Midterm next week.

WEEK 6: Midterm Exam: The midterm exam will include multiple-choice questions and problems that will cover the review of the concepts in the first four weeks of the course. The exam will only be available for 72 hours, and once you start it, there is a limited time (4 hours) to complete it.

WEEK 7: Global Supply Chain Management I: Dr. Bruce Arntzen introduces global supply chains and explains the challenges and opportunities of trading between countries. Trade agreements and optimization models of a supply chain are introduced this week.

WEEK 8: Global Supply Chain Management II: Dr. Bruce Arntzen continues the discussion of trade agreements. He reviews different approaches to setting up manufacturing and the motivation and challenges of the offshoring strategy. He illustrates current industry trends based on real examples.

WEEK 9: Risk Management & Resilience: Professor Yossi Sheffi explains the different causes of disruption. Based on the analysis of various examples and real cases, he classifies disruptions. He finishes the risk management and resilience lesson by discussing the lessons learned in the actual instances presented and explaining how companies can improve their resilience and manage risk.

Week 10: Exogenous Factors: This week, we will wrap up supply chain dynamics with forces that influence the design and management of a supply chain. We will discuss a series of forces on the supply chain, including regulation and law, natural & human resources, industry & society, and customers. Dr. Alexis Bateman introduces an example through a palm oil case study to understand these forces.

WEEK 11: Prep Week: Again, this is a prep week with no new graded assignments., so you can get prepared for the Final Exam!

WEEK 12: Final Exam: The final exam covers all of the material in this course, with particular focus in the last four weeks. The objective is to understand how all concepts, tools, and techniques reviewed in this course fit together. The exam will only be available for 72 hours, and once you start it, there is a limited time (4 hours) to complete it.