Supply Chain Analytics from edX

Supply chains are complex systems involving multiple businesses and organizations with different goals and objectives. Many different analytical methods and techniques are used by researchers and practitioners alike to better design and manage their supply chains. This business and management course introduces the primary methods and tools that you will encounter in your study and practice of supply chains. We focus on the application of these methods, not necessarily the theoretical underpinnings.

We will begin with an overview of introductory probability and decision analysis to ensure that students understand how uncertainty can be modeled. Next, we will move into basic statistics and regression. Finally, we will introduce optimization modeling from unconstrained to linear, non-linear, and mixed integer linear programming.

This is a hands-on course. Students will use spreadsheets extensively to apply these techniques and approaches in case studies drawn from actual supply chains.

SC0x is different from our other courses as it is self-paced and has a scheduled final exam. All material is made available during the second week, allowing learners to begin with any topic at their own convenience.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Basic analytical methods
How to apply basic probability models

Statistics in supply chains
Formulating and solving optimization models

Basic analytical methods
How to apply basic probability models
Statistics in supply chains
Formulating and solving optimization models

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on the application of these methods, not necessarily the theoretical underpinnings

Provides case studies drawn from actual supply chains for practical application and context

Taught by Chris Caplice, a seasoned instructor in the field

Self-paced with a scheduled final exam, allowing for flexibility and accomodating various learning styles

Provides a comprehensive overview of analytical methods in supply chains

May require an existing foundation in statistics or probability

Reviews summary

Mixed reviews for supply chain analytics

According to students, Supply Chain Analytics is a course that may offer some reasonable insights into how marketers think. However, others caution that the course may mislead learners into believing they'll obtain a comprehensive understanding of analytics. The description and explanation of factor analysis is particularly criticized as being of poor quality.

Offers insights into how marketers think.

May mislead learners into believing they'll achieve a strong understanding of analytics.

"do not be misled into believing that you'll achieve a reasonable understanding of analytics."

Explanation of factor analysis is poor.

"The description and explanation of factor analysis, for example, is appallingly bad."

Career center

Learners who complete Supply Chain Analytics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Supply Chain Analyst

A Supply Chain Analyst analyzes the flow of goods and services within a supply chain. They work on a variety of tasks, such as supply chain mapping, inventory optimization, and transportation planning. This course would provide a Supply Chain Analyst with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help a Supply Chain Analyst to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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Supply Chain Manager

A Supply Chain Manager oversees the flow of goods and services within a company. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure that products are delivered to customers in a timely and cost-effective manner. This course would provide a Supply Chain Manager with the analytical skills needed to make informed decisions about inventory management, transportation, and logistics. The course would also help a Supply Chain Manager to understand the risks and uncertainties involved in the supply chain and to develop strategies to mitigate these risks.

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Operations Research Analyst

An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and analytical techniques to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations. They work on a variety of problems, such as scheduling, inventory management, and logistics. This course would provide an Operations Research Analyst with the foundational knowledge in probability, statistics, and optimization that is needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help an Operations Research Analyst to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and solve mathematical models.

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Management Consultant

A Management Consultant helps businesses to improve their performance. They work on a variety of projects, such as strategic planning, organizational design, and process improvement. This course would provide a Management Consultant with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help a Management Consultant to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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Statistician

A Statistician uses data to solve problems. They work on a variety of tasks, such as data analysis, statistical modeling, and forecasting. This course would provide a Statistician with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help a Statistician to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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Data Analyst

A Data Analyst uses data to solve problems and make better decisions. They work on a variety of tasks, such as data cleaning, data analysis, and data visualization. This course would provide a Data Analyst with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help a Data Analyst to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst uses data to analyze financial statements and make investment recommendations. They work on a variety of tasks, such as financial modeling, valuation, and risk assessment. This course would provide a Financial Analyst with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help a Financial Analyst to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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Data Scientist

A Data Scientist uses data to solve business problems. They work on a variety of tasks, such as data mining, machine learning, and statistical modeling. This course would provide a Data Scientist with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help a Data Scientist to develop the skills needed to collect and clean data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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Procurement Manager

A Procurement Manager is responsible for acquiring goods and services for a business. They work on a variety of tasks, such as vendor selection, contract negotiation, and supplier management. This course would provide a Procurement Manager with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help a Procurement Manager to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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Operations Manager

An Operations Manager plans and coordinates the activities of a business. They work on a variety of tasks, such as production planning, inventory management, and quality control. This course would provide an Operations Manager with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help an Operations Manager to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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Actuary

An Actuary uses data to assess risk and uncertainty. They work on a variety of tasks, such as insurance pricing, risk management, and financial planning. This course would provide an Actuary with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help an Actuary to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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Risk Manager

A Risk Manager identifies and assesses risks to a business. They work on a variety of tasks, such as risk identification, risk assessment, and risk mitigation. This course would provide a Risk Manager with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help a Risk Manager to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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Auditor

An Auditor examines financial records to ensure that they are accurate and compliant with regulations. They work on a variety of tasks, such as financial statement analysis, risk assessment, and internal controls testing. This course would provide an Auditor with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help an Auditor to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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Market Researcher

A Market Researcher uses data to understand consumer behavior. They work on a variety of tasks, such as market analysis, survey design, and data analysis. This course would provide a Market Researcher with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help a Market Researcher to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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Business Analyst

A Business Analyst uses data to analyze business processes and identify opportunities for improvement. They work on a variety of projects, such as process mapping, data analysis, and financial modeling. This course would provide a Business Analyst with the analytical skills needed to succeed in this role. The course would also help a Business Analyst to develop the skills needed to collect and analyze data, and to build and interpret statistical models.

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