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Chris Caplice

This Supply Chain Fundamentals course is part of the MITx MicroMasters Credential in Supply Chain Management, offered by #1 ranked SCM Master's program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

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This Supply Chain Fundamentals course is part of the MITx MicroMasters Credential in Supply Chain Management, offered by #1 ranked SCM Master's program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

The CTL.SC1x Supply Chain Fundamentals course provides the foundational skills for supply chain management and logistics. You will learn how to develop and apply analytic tools, approaches, and techniques used in the design and operation of logistics systems and integrated supply chains. The material is taught from a managerial perspective, with an emphasis on where and how specific tools can be used to improve the overall performance and reduce the total cost of a supply chain. We place a strong emphasis on the development and use of fundamental mathematical models to illustrate the underlying concepts involved in both intra- and inter-company logistics operations.

The main topic areas we will focus on this course are:

  • Demand Forecasting, Planning, and Management
  • Inventory Planning, Management, and Control
  • Transportation Planning, Management, and Execution

While our main objective is to develop and use models to help us analyze these situations, we will make heavy use of examples from industry to provide illustrations of the concepts in practice. This is neither a purely theoretical nor a case study course, but rather an applied analytical course that addresses real problems found in practice.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Incorporate and manage uncertainty and risk within supply chain management
  • Segment different customers, products, and channels and design an optimal portfolio of logistics approaches and strategies for these various segments
  • Identify, design, and implement the appropriate forecasting methodology for each segment
  • Identify, design, and implement the appropriate inventory replenishment policy for each segment
  • Select the optimal transportation routing and modal choice for each segment

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Provides a solid grounding in the fundamentals of supply chain management and logistics
Taught by instructors from the #1 ranked SCM Master's program at MIT
Covers essential topics such as demand forecasting, inventory planning, and transportation management
Emphasizes the development and use of mathematical models to analyze supply chain operations
Provides numerous examples from industry to illustrate the concepts taught
Requires a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics

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Reviews summary

Supply chain basics covered well

Learners say this Supply Chain Fundamentals course is a great introduction to the field, with many finding the content to be engaging and in-depth, while challenging. While no reviews specifically mention it, the course is part of a MicroMasters credential in Supply Chain Management from MITx.
Part of MITx MicroMasters credential in Supply Chain Management.
"This is also a part of MITx Micromasters credential in Supply chain Management."
Course was rigorous and challenging.
"This course was rigorous and challenging."
"As expected from MIT-level of course: it's interesting, challenging, engaging, and for me personally quite enlightening."
High-quality, in-depth content.
"High-quality, in-depth content and engaging style of the instructor."
"quality was high (up to my expectation of a MIT course)."
You should have Excel skill before taking this course.
"You should have Excel skill before taking this course, so I recommend Data Analysis to the Max() , an edX course taught by DelfX."

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 Supply Chain Fundamentals with these activities:
Review mathematics skills
Identify areas of weakness by going through high school math topics such as basic algebra, statistics, and probability.
Browse courses on Mathematics
Show steps
  • Review basic algebra
  • Review probability and statistics
  • Take practice problems
Introduction to Supply Chain Management
Supplement course information and gain insights on industry best practices.
Show steps
  • Read chapters covering foundational concepts
  • Summarize key points
  • Discuss insights with peers
Organize Course Notes and Materials
Effective organization of course materials will enhance accessibility and support effective revision.
Browse courses on Supply Chain Management
Show steps
  • Review and categorize course notes
  • Create a comprehensive study guide
  • Utilize digital tools for organization and retrieval
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Develop a supply chain diagram
Visually represent the flow of goods and information to understand supply chain processes and potential bottlenecks.
Show steps
  • Identify key supply chain components
  • Map the flow of goods and information
  • Analyze the diagram to identify areas for improvement
Host a Supply Chain Discussion Group
Engage in discussions, share insights, and collaborate on supply chain topics to deepen understanding and foster critical thinking.
Browse courses on Supply Chain Management
Show steps
  • Schedule regular meetings
  • Prepare discussion topics
  • Facilitate discussions and encourage participation
Solve supply chain case studies
Apply course concepts to real-world scenarios, develop analytical skills, and enhance decision-making abilities.
Browse courses on Supply Chain Management
Show steps
  • Read and analyze case studies
  • Identify problems and potential solutions
  • Develop and present recommendations
Supply Chain Improvement Proposal
Integrate course learning to develop a comprehensive plan for enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in the supply chain.
Show steps
  • Identify areas for improvement
  • Research best practices and industry trends
  • Develop and present a detailed proposal
Mentor Junior Supply Chain Professionals
Share knowledge and experience to guide and support early-career professionals in the supply chain field.
Browse courses on Supply Chain Management
Show steps
  • Identify junior professionals seeking guidance
  • Provide personalized advice and support
  • Monitor their progress and offer encouragement

Career center

Learners who complete Supply Chain Fundamentals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Inventory Analyst
Inventory Analysts are responsible for managing the flow of goods and materials within a company. They develop and implement inventory control systems, which help to ensure that the company has the right amount of inventory on hand to meet customer demand. This course will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role, including how to develop and use inventory models, optimize inventory levels, and manage inventory costs.
Demand Planner
Demand Planners forecast and anticipate customer demand for products and services, using statistical models and techniques, such as those covered in this course. They are responsible for developing and implementing demand plans that ensure that the right products are available in the right quantities at the right time. This course will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role, including how to collect and analyze data, develop and use forecasting models, and manage uncertainty.
Logistics Manager
Logistics Managers plan, implement, and control the movement of goods and materials within a company. They are responsible for ensuring that goods are delivered to customers on time and in good condition. This course will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role, including how to develop and implement logistics plans, manage transportation costs, and optimize logistics operations.
Warehouse Manager
Warehouse Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a warehouse. They are responsible for ensuring that the warehouse is efficient and effective. This course will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role, including how to develop and implement warehouse plans, manage warehouse operations, and optimize warehouse costs.
Procurement Manager
Procurement Managers are responsible for sourcing and purchasing goods and materials for a company. They are responsible for negotiating contracts with suppliers and ensuring that the company gets the best possible price and quality for its goods and materials. This course will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role, including how to develop and implement procurement plans, manage supplier relationships, and optimize procurement costs.
Supply Chain Analyst
Supply Chain Analysts are responsible for analyzing and improving the performance of a company's supply chain. They work to identify and eliminate bottlenecks, reduce costs, and improve customer service. This course will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role, including how to develop and use supply chain models, analyze supply chain data, and manage supply chain risks.
Transportation Manager
Transportation Managers are responsible for planning and managing the transportation of goods and materials. They are responsible for selecting the most efficient and cost-effective transportation modes and routes. This course will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role, including how to develop and implement transportation plans, manage transportation costs, and optimize transportation operations.
Operations Manager
Operations Managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a company. They are responsible for ensuring that the company's operations are efficient and effective. This course will provide you with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this role, including how to develop and implement operations plans, manage operations costs, and improve operations efficiency.
Project Manager
Project Managers lead and manage projects from start to finish. They are responsible for planning, executing, and controlling projects to ensure that they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality. This course may be useful for Project Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of supply chain management, logistics, and operations.
Risk Manager
Risk Managers identify, assess, and manage risks. They develop and implement risk management plans and procedures, and they monitor and mitigate risks. This course may be useful for Risk Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of supply chain management, logistics, and operations.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design, develop, and implement computer systems. They work to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of an organization's information systems. This course may be useful for Systems Analysts who want to develop a deeper understanding of supply chain management, logistics, and operations.
Sustainability Manager
Sustainability Managers are responsible for developing and implementing sustainability strategies and programs. They work to reduce the environmental impact of a company's operations and supply chain. This course may be useful for Sustainability Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of supply chain management, logistics, and operations.
Quality Manager
Quality Managers are responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. They develop and implement quality control systems and procedures, and they monitor and improve the quality of products and services. This course may be useful for Quality Managers who want to develop a deeper understanding of supply chain management, logistics, and operations.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help companies to improve their performance by analyzing their business processes. They identify and recommend ways to improve efficiency, effectiveness, and customer service. This course may be useful for Business Analysts who want to develop a deeper understanding of supply chain management, logistics, and operations.
Management Consultant
Management Consultants help companies to improve their performance by providing advice on a variety of topics, including supply chain management, logistics, and operations. This course may be useful for Management Consultants who want to develop a deeper understanding of these topics.

Reading list

We've selected 23 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 Supply Chain Fundamentals.
Provides a comprehensive treatment of supply chain management, from strategy to planning to operation. It is written by leading experts in the field and is considered a foundational text on the subject.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to logistics systems management, covering topics such as inventory management, transportation, and supply chain network design. It is written by leading experts in the field and valuable resource for students and practitioners.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain management, covering topics such as demand forecasting, inventory management, transportation, and logistics. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field.
This textbook offers a comprehensive overview of supply chain management from a logistics perspective. It covers a wide range of topics, including demand forecasting, inventory management, transportation planning, and customer service.
Provides a comprehensive overview of logistics and supply chain management. It covers a wide range of topics, including supply chain strategy, inventory management, transportation management, and customer service.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of supply chain management. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of quantitative models used in supply chain management. It covers a wide range of topics, including inventory management, transportation planning, and supply chain optimization.
Provides a comprehensive treatment of supply chain management from a logistics perspective. It covers topics such as inventory management, transportation, and supply chain network design. It is written by a leading expert in the field and valuable resource for students and practitioners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain networks. It covers a wide range of topics, including supply chain network design, supply chain network planning, and supply chain network optimization.
This textbook provides a logistics perspective on supply chain management. It valuable resource for both students and practitioners who want to learn more about the role of logistics in supply chain management.
Provides a concise and accessible overview of supply chain management and logistics. It is written by leading experts in the field and valuable resource for students and practitioners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of global supply chain management. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field.
Provides a comprehensive and practical guide to supply chain management. It covers topics such as supply chain design, planning, and control. It is written by leading experts in the field and valuable resource for students and practitioners.
Provides a comprehensive treatment of supply chain management from a global perspective. It covers topics such as supply chain design, planning, and control. It is written by leading experts in the field and valuable resource for students and practitioners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain risk management. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the supply chain revolution. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the future of supply chain management. It valuable resource for students and practitioners who want to learn more about the field.

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