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Doug Thomas
and
Vidya Mani
This course focuses on the premise of “What is a Sustainable Supply Chain? It covers the building blocks of a supply chain, the sustainability related standards, rules, and legislation that are applicable to the supply chain and the role of business, society, and government in building a sustainable supply chain.
Read more
This course focuses on the premise of “What is a Sustainable Supply Chain? It covers the building blocks of a supply chain, the sustainability related standards, rules, and legislation that are applicable to the supply chain and the role of business, society, and government in building a sustainable supply chain.
Read more
This course focuses on the premise of “What is a Sustainable Supply Chain? It covers the building blocks of a supply chain, the sustainability related standards, rules, and legislation that are applicable to the supply chain and the role of business, society, and government in building a sustainable supply chain.
You will build a basic foundational knowledge of how supply chains work, the main nodes and flows with a supply chain. You will learn how to create a transparent supply chain process and close the loops on internal and external supply chains. Finally, you will be able to tie-in how national policies and climate and geo-political risks impact your supply chain.
This course is ideal for managers in the procurement, operations, supply chain, and strategy domains who need to create and manage a sustainable supply chain while navigating the various industry specific challenges.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/5engv2/sustainable
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What's inside
Syllabus
Introduction to Supply Chain Management
Welcome to the Introduction to Supply Chain Management module. In this module, we will trace the supply chain from the end consumer all the way back to the supplier. We will learn appropriate terminology, identify key decisions and learn how to make these decisions. We will also discuss how supply chains are currently being reshaped by firm-driven innovation, shifting consumer preferences, emerging technology and evolving public policy. Finally, this module will provide a basis for supply chain fundamentals and the sustainable supply chain challenges.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction to Supply Chain Management
Welcome to the Introduction to Supply Chain Management module. In this module, we will trace the supply chain from the end consumer all the way back to the supplier. We will learn appropriate terminology, identify key decisions and learn how to make these decisions. We will also discuss how supply chains are currently being reshaped by firm-driven innovation, shifting consumer preferences, emerging technology and evolving public policy. Finally, this module will provide a basis for supply chain fundamentals and the sustainable supply chain challenges.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Explores the intersection of supply chain management and sustainability, which is highly relevant to various industries
Focuses on creating and managing sustainable supply chains, which is essential for businesses in today's market
Taught by instructors with expertise in supply chain management and sustainability
Provides a solid foundation in supply chain management concepts, including the building blocks, flows, and decision-making
Covers industry-specific sustainability standards, rules, and regulations, which is crucial for compliance and risk management
Examines the role of business, society, and government in building sustainable supply chains, providing a comprehensive perspective
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Reviews summary
Comprehensive guide to sustainable supply chains
According to learners, this course provides a solid foundational understanding of how supply chains operate and how to integrate sustainability principles. Many found the content on critical supply chains and national interests particularly insightful, highlighting its relevance to geo-political and climate risks. The course is largely seen as highly relevant for professionals in supply chain, procurement, and operations, offering practical tools and strategies. However, a few learners noted that while the course offers a strong theoretical framework, it could benefit from more hands-on application or advanced case studies for those with prior experience. Overall, it's considered an excellent primer for navigating the evolving landscape of sustainable logistics.
Strong theoretical grounding, some desire more hands-on application.
"Some parts felt a bit theoretical, and I would have loved more interactive exercises or case studies to apply the concepts more directly."
"Could use more in-depth coverage on complex topics or optimization techniques to make it more hands-on."
"While providing a strong theoretical framework, I found myself wishing for more practical tools and actionable strategies for implementation."
Content reflects recent geo-political and climate risks.
"The module on 'Critical Supply Chains and National Interests' was particularly timely and relevant."
"I appreciated how current events, like geo-political shifts, were integrated into the course material."
"The instructors did a great job connecting the content to evolving public policy and real-world challenges."
Highly relevant for managers in supply chain and operations.
"I can immediately apply what I've learned in my role. Highly recommend for any professional in procurement or operations."
"The segment on transparency was insightful, and I found the course highly relevant to my current professional challenges."
"It's a must-take for anyone looking to understand sustainable practices and apply them directly."
Provides a strong base in sustainable supply chain management.
"This course was exactly what I needed to bridge my knowledge in supply chain with the growing demands for sustainability."
"An excellent foundation! I particularly enjoyed how it connected global policies to practical supply chain decisions."
"I gained a solid foundation from completing this course, especially in understanding global policies and their impact."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Sustainable Supply Chains with these
activities:
Review supply chain terminology
Show steps
Review the basic vocabulary and concepts of supply chain management to strengthen your foundational understanding.
Show steps
-
Gather resources and materials
-
Recognize and define key terms
-
Understand the relationships between different terms
-
Apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios
Review basic supply chain and sustainability fundamentals
Show steps
By reviewing these foundational concepts, you will have a deep understanding of core ideas in the course
Show steps
-
Review your notes from previous coursework or study materials on supply chain management and sustainability
-
Do practice questions or problems to test your understanding
-
Summarize the main concepts and frameworks in your own words
Review Supply Chain Management Concepts
Show steps
Be familiar with fundamental concepts in supply chain management prior to starting this course.
Browse courses on
Supply Chain Management
Show steps
-
Review standard supply chain operating models and functions.
-
Identify the critical success factors in managing supply chains.
-
Research case studies of effective supply chain management.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Read 'Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation' by Sunil Chopra and Peter Meindl
Show steps
Explore a comprehensive and widely recognized textbook that delves into the core concepts and best practices of supply chain management.
View
Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning,...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read each chapter thoroughly
-
Take notes and highlight key points
-
Complete the practice questions and exercises
Review supply chain concepts
Show steps
Review the basic concepts of supply chain management to refresh your knowledge and prepare for the course.
Browse courses on
Supply Chain Management
Show steps
-
Read the course syllabus and skim the textbook
-
Review your notes from previous supply chain courses or related work experience
-
Attend an introductory lecture or workshop on supply chain management
Join a study group or online forum
Show steps
Connect with peers and discuss course topics to enhance your understanding and learn from others.
Show steps
-
Find a study group or online forum related to supply chain management
-
Attend regular meetings or participate in online discussions
-
Share your knowledge and learn from others
Explore online supply chain simulations
Show steps
Participate in online simulations to gain hands-on experience in managing supply chains.
Show steps
-
Find a reputable online supply chain simulation platform
-
Complete several levels of the simulation
-
Review your performance and identify areas for improvement
Analyze case studies on supply chain disruptions
Show steps
Examine real-life examples of supply chain disruptions to gain insights into their causes and potential solutions.
Browse courses on
Supply Chain Disruptions
Show steps
-
Identify and gather case studies
-
Analyze the root causes of the disruptions
-
Evaluate the strategies implemented to mitigate the impact
Design a sustainable supply chain for a specific industry or product category
Show steps
Applying the concepts taught in this course to a real-world scenario will help you develop a deep understanding of how sustainable supply chains are designed
Browse courses on
Supply Chain Design
Show steps
-
Choose an industry or product category that interests you
-
Research the current supply chain for that industry or product category
-
Identify areas where the supply chain could be made more sustainable
-
Design a new supply chain that incorporates your sustainability improvements
-
Present your design to the class or a group of peers
Develop a supply chain case study
Show steps
Conduct a case study on a real-world supply chain to apply your knowledge and develop problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Case Study Analysis
Show steps
-
Select a supply chain case study
-
Analyze the case study and identify the key issues
-
Develop recommendations for improving the supply chain
-
Present your findings in a written report or presentation
Develop a sustainability plan for a supply chain
Show steps
Create a comprehensive plan that outlines strategies and actions for implementing sustainable practices within a supply chain.
Show steps
-
Conduct a sustainability assessment
-
Identify areas for improvement
-
Develop specific sustainability goals
-
Outline a roadmap for implementation
Contribute to an open-source supply chain project
Show steps
Make a meaningful contribution to the open-source community by engaging in supply chain-related projects.
Show steps
-
Identify a project that aligns with your skills and interests
-
Submit a proposal or request to join the project team
-
Work collaboratively with other contributors
Review supply chain terminology
Show steps
Review the basic vocabulary and concepts of supply chain management to strengthen your foundational understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather resources and materials
- Recognize and define key terms
- Understand the relationships between different terms
- Apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios
Review basic supply chain and sustainability fundamentals
Show steps
By reviewing these foundational concepts, you will have a deep understanding of core ideas in the course
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review your notes from previous coursework or study materials on supply chain management and sustainability
- Do practice questions or problems to test your understanding
- Summarize the main concepts and frameworks in your own words
Review Supply Chain Management Concepts
Show steps
Be familiar with fundamental concepts in supply chain management prior to starting this course.
Browse courses on
Supply Chain Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review standard supply chain operating models and functions.
- Identify the critical success factors in managing supply chains.
- Research case studies of effective supply chain management.
Nine other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 12 activities
Read 'Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation' by Sunil Chopra and Peter Meindl
Show steps
Explore a comprehensive and widely recognized textbook that delves into the core concepts and best practices of supply chain management.
View
Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning,...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read each chapter thoroughly
- Take notes and highlight key points
- Complete the practice questions and exercises
Review supply chain concepts
Show steps
Review the basic concepts of supply chain management to refresh your knowledge and prepare for the course.
Browse courses on
Supply Chain Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the course syllabus and skim the textbook
- Review your notes from previous supply chain courses or related work experience
- Attend an introductory lecture or workshop on supply chain management
Join a study group or online forum
Show steps
Connect with peers and discuss course topics to enhance your understanding and learn from others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group or online forum related to supply chain management
- Attend regular meetings or participate in online discussions
- Share your knowledge and learn from others
Explore online supply chain simulations
Show steps
Participate in online simulations to gain hands-on experience in managing supply chains.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a reputable online supply chain simulation platform
- Complete several levels of the simulation
- Review your performance and identify areas for improvement
Analyze case studies on supply chain disruptions
Show steps
Examine real-life examples of supply chain disruptions to gain insights into their causes and potential solutions.
Browse courses on
Supply Chain Disruptions
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and gather case studies
- Analyze the root causes of the disruptions
- Evaluate the strategies implemented to mitigate the impact
Design a sustainable supply chain for a specific industry or product category
Show steps
Applying the concepts taught in this course to a real-world scenario will help you develop a deep understanding of how sustainable supply chains are designed
Browse courses on
Supply Chain Design
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose an industry or product category that interests you
- Research the current supply chain for that industry or product category
- Identify areas where the supply chain could be made more sustainable
- Design a new supply chain that incorporates your sustainability improvements
- Present your design to the class or a group of peers
Develop a supply chain case study
Show steps
Conduct a case study on a real-world supply chain to apply your knowledge and develop problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Case Study Analysis
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Select a supply chain case study
- Analyze the case study and identify the key issues
- Develop recommendations for improving the supply chain
- Present your findings in a written report or presentation
Develop a sustainability plan for a supply chain
Show steps
Create a comprehensive plan that outlines strategies and actions for implementing sustainable practices within a supply chain.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Conduct a sustainability assessment
- Identify areas for improvement
- Develop specific sustainability goals
- Outline a roadmap for implementation
Contribute to an open-source supply chain project
Show steps
Make a meaningful contribution to the open-source community by engaging in supply chain-related projects.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a project that aligns with your skills and interests
- Submit a proposal or request to join the project team
- Work collaboratively with other contributors
Career center
Learners who complete Sustainable Supply Chains will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultant
Sustainability Consultants provide expert advice to organizations that are moving towards or have achieved various sustainability standards, certifications, or other sustainable business practices. Courses such as Sustainable Supply Chains will help you understand how to operate, manage, and maintain sustainable business practices on a wide scale. This course will help you build a foundation in the key aspects of building and maintaining a sustainable supply chain, which can be extrapolated to other business processes to develop a fuller sustainability plan.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate Social Responsibility Managers oversee, monitor, and manage an organization's approach to sustainability. This can extend to environmental sustainability, social sustainability, and governance sustainability. Sustainable Supply Chains provides a foundation in how to manage and operate sustainable supply chains. Corporate Social Responsibility Managers must understand how to lead and manage sustainable business practices with a focus on a company's supply chain, and this is a key focus of the course.
Supply Chain Analyst
Supply Chain Analyst
Supply Chain Analysts can work on projects that increase their organization's sustainability. For example, they may seek out vendors who specialize in environmentally sustainable raw materials. Sustainable Supply Chains can provide the foundation to identify such opportunities within your supply chain.
Sustainability Engineer
Sustainability Engineer
Sustainability Engineers focus on environmental protections in a field such as manufacturing or energy. Making sustainable and environmentally friendly choices is a core component of being a successful Sustainability Engineer. The Sustainable Supply Chains course covers how to build and maintain a sustainable supply chain, which can help reduce a company's harmful environmental impacts.
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientist
Environmental Scientists focus on protecting natural resources and developing more sustainable solutions to complex environmental issues. Courses such as Sustainable Supply Chains can help build a foundational knowledge of the environmental sustainability and regulations many industries face.
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyer
Environmental Lawyers work to protect the environment and ensure that companies are operating within the confines of environmental regulations. Sustainable Supply Chains can help introduce you to the sustainability regulations companies face, which can help you better understand the environmental focus of the field.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers oversee the supply chain process, which includes strategic sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, and logistics. They may be tasked with improving their organization's sustainability. Sustainable Supply Chains can provide the knowledge to lead these efforts and understand the ins and outs of building a sustainable supply chain.
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officer
Compliance Officers ensure that their organization operates within legal and regulatory requirements. Knowledge of sustainability regulations and standards is a key requirement for Compliance Officers, and this is a core focus of Sustainable Supply Chains.
Sustainability Reporter
Sustainability Reporter
Sustainability Reporters communicate their organization's sustainability performance to various stakeholders, which can include customers, investors, and the government. Courses such as Sustainable Supply Chains will help build foundational knowledge of what sustainability is, how to measure and track it, and how to communicate sustainability.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts may work on projects that pertain to sustainability. Sustainable Supply Chains can help build a strong foundation in supply chain management and sustainability.
ESG Analyst
ESG Analyst
ESG Analysts focus on the sustainability performance of various companies. Courses such as Sustainable Supply Chains can help build a foundational knowledge of what sustainability is and how to measure and track it.
Corporate Sustainability Officer
Corporate Sustainability Officer
Corporate Sustainability Officers oversee sustainability initiatives for their organization. Sustainable Supply Chains can provide a foundation in building and maintaining a sustainable supply chain, which is a key aspect of leading an organization towards sustainability.
Procurement Manager
Procurement Manager
Procurement Managers may be involved in selecting environmentally friendly vendors and sourcing sustainable products. Courses such as Sustainable Supply Chains help build a foundational knowledge in how to develop and manage a sustainable supply chain.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Operations Managers may be responsible for developing processes that reduce their company's environmental footprint. Knowledge of sustainability best practices and standards can be applied in this role to improve environmental performance.
Logistics Manager
Logistics Manager
Logistics Managers may be responsible for optimizing their organization's shipping and distribution processes for increased efficiencies. Courses such as Sustainable Supply Chains may help introduce concepts for reducing an organization's carbon footprint in logistic processes and optimize their supply chain for sustainability.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5engv2/sustainable
Reading list
We've selected nine books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Sustainable Supply Chains.
One of the most popular supply chain management textbooks at academic institutions, this book is helpful as a background reading or as a starting point for deeper understanding of supply chain fundamentals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable supply chain management from a global perspective, covering topics such as sustainability standards, international trade, and climate change. It valuable resource for students and researchers who want to learn more about the global challenges and opportunities of sustainable supply chain management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable supply chains, covering topics such as sustainability assessment, supplier engagement, and green logistics. It valuable resource for students and researchers who want to learn more about the theoretical and practical aspects of sustainable supply chain management.
Provides a comprehensive overview of operations and supply chain management. It covers the key concepts, frameworks, and best practices for developing and implementing operations and supply chain strategies.
Provides a global perspective on logistics and supply chain management. It covers the key challenges and opportunities for developing and implementing logistics and supply chain strategies in different regions of the world.
Provides a practical guide to sustainable supply chain management for the construction industry, covering topics such as sustainable building materials, sustainable construction methods, and sustainable construction waste management. It valuable resource for construction contractors, architects, and engineers who want to learn more about how to create and manage sustainable supply chains.
Provides a logistics perspective on supply chain management. It covers the key concepts, frameworks, and best practices for developing and implementing logistics-based supply chain strategies.
Provides a managerial perspective on transportation and logistics. It covers the key concepts, frameworks, and best practices for developing and implementing transportation and logistics strategies.
Provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain design. It covers the key concepts, frameworks, and best practices for designing and implementing supply chains for value creation.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5engv2/sustainable
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Rating
4.7
Effort
6 hours to complete
Level
Introductory
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Virginia Darden School Foundation
Instructors
Doug Thomas
Vidya Mani
Language
English
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