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Bowon Kim

As a human being, we all consume products and/or services all the time. This morning you got up and ate your breakfast, e.g., eggs, milk, bread, fresh fruits, and the like. After the breakfast, you drove your car to work or school. At your office, you used your computer, perhaps equipped with 27” LCD monitor. During your break, you drank a cup of coffee and played with your iPhone. So on and so forth. You probably take it for granted that you can enjoy all of these products. But if you take a closer look at how each of these products can be made and eventually delivered to you, you will realize that each one of these is no short of miracle. For example, which fruit do you like? Consider fresh strawberries. In order for the strawberries to be on your breakfast table, there must be numerous functions, activities, transactions, and people involved in planting, cultivating, delivering, and consuming strawberries. Moreover, all of these functions, activities, transactions, and people are connected as an integral chain, through which physical products like strawberries themselves and virtual elements such as information and communication flow back and forth constantly. By grouping related functions or activities, we have a supply chain, comprised of four primary functions such as supplier, manufacturer, distributor, and finally consumer. A supply chain is essentially a value chain.

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As a human being, we all consume products and/or services all the time. This morning you got up and ate your breakfast, e.g., eggs, milk, bread, fresh fruits, and the like. After the breakfast, you drove your car to work or school. At your office, you used your computer, perhaps equipped with 27” LCD monitor. During your break, you drank a cup of coffee and played with your iPhone. So on and so forth. You probably take it for granted that you can enjoy all of these products. But if you take a closer look at how each of these products can be made and eventually delivered to you, you will realize that each one of these is no short of miracle. For example, which fruit do you like? Consider fresh strawberries. In order for the strawberries to be on your breakfast table, there must be numerous functions, activities, transactions, and people involved in planting, cultivating, delivering, and consuming strawberries. Moreover, all of these functions, activities, transactions, and people are connected as an integral chain, through which physical products like strawberries themselves and virtual elements such as information and communication flow back and forth constantly. By grouping related functions or activities, we have a supply chain, comprised of four primary functions such as supplier, manufacturer, distributor, and finally consumer. A supply chain is essentially a value chain.

For the society or economy as a whole, the goal is to maximize value, i.e., to create satisfactory value without spending too much. In order to create the maximum value for the strawberry supply chain, every participant in the chain must carry out its function efficiently. In addition, all of the members must coordinate with each other effectively in order to ensure value maximization. We have to face the same issues for almost all the products and services we take for granted in our everyday life, e.g., cars, hamburgers, haircuts, surgeries, movies, banks, restaurants, and you name it!

In this course, we want to understand fundamental principles of value creation for the consumers or the market. We try to answer questions like how the product or service is made, how the value-creating activities or functions are coordinated, who should play what leadership roles in realizing all these, and so on. As our course title hints, we approach all of these issues from a learning perspective, which is dynamic in nature and emphasizes long-term capability building rather than short-term symptomatic problem solving.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Re-opening Introduction
In this chapter, Professor Bowon Kim briefly introduces students to this course. It is about philosophical and moral foundation of a supply chain management.
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Introduction to Value, Value Creation, and Supply Chain Management
In this chapter, we will learn what a supply chain is, what supply chain management is all about, and why it is important to grasp the fundamentals of supply chain management in creating real value for the customers.
Management Capability
Effective SCM requires the firm to have strong operations capabilities. One can group various operations capabilities into three representative capabilities: Controllability, flexibility, and integrating capability. In order to be competitive in the market, the firm must retain high levels of these capabilities. In this chapter, we will discuss what the management capabilities are and the relationship among these capabilities.
Learning Perspective
Learning is an essential part of any creative activity. In this chapter, we will learn what the learning capability is and its dynamics in supply chain management. We will also look into the learning propensity model and how the learning processes influence the performance of a supply chain system.
Quality Management
Quality is one of the most important factors that determine the utility. That is, the higher the quality, the larger the utility experienced by the customer. But, quality is not a one-dimensional concept. In fact, it is a highly complex, multi-layered one. In this chapter, we will explore this complex concept, 'Quality'. We will learn dimensions of quality, total quality management (TQM), quality dynamics and statistical process control (SPC) in detail.
New Product Innovation
New product innovation is the key to firm's success. In order to sustain successful business, the firm must design and manage its new product process effectively and efficiently. In this chapter, we will learn new product innovation and new product development process. Especially, we will look into and compare two approaches, traditional approach and cross-functional approach.
Supply Chain Strategy I: Structural and Infrastructural Dimensions
In order to optimize the supply chain performance, the firm must design its supply chain effectively. In this chapter, we will talk about how to design the effective supply chain and look into the designing factors of supply chain management in detail.
Supply Chain Strategy II: Coordination for Value Creation
Coordination is the key dimension of infrastructure in supply chain management. In this chapter, we will talk about what supply chain coordination is and why it is important. And we will learn vendor-managed inventory (VMI) and postponement in detail.
Supply Chain Globalization and Sustainability
Why is the effective SCM important for the firm to gain competitive advantage in the global market? In this chapter, we will consider crucial issues related to the question and deal with global supply chain management and value chain sustainability.
Final Exam
The final exam is based on the concepts and theories we have learned in this course. It includes 30 multiple choice questions.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Explores the philosophical and moral foundation of supply chain management, which is standard in industry
Emphasizes the importance of value creation and supply chain management for businesses
Provides insights into the management capabilities required for effective supply chain management
Examines the dynamics of learning in supply chain management and how it influences performance
Covers quality management, quality dynamics, and statistical process control in detail
Incorporates discussions on supply chain globalization and sustainability, which are highly relevant to industry

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Reviews summary

Scm supply chain learning perspective

learners say this Supply Chain Management (SCM) course, taught by Professor Bowon Kim, is largely positive and provides a comprehensive, philosophical, and practical overview of the field. According to students, the course begins with foundational concepts and progresses to advanced topics, such as inventory management, logistics, procurement, and sustainability. Key features of the course include engaging content in the form of lectures, case studies, interactive simulations, and real-world examples, as well as a focus on experiential learning through projects, group assignments, and simulations. Students also appreciate the course's emphasis on global supply chain management and the inclusion of guest lectures from industry professionals. Overall, learners highly recommend this course for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of SCM.
Industry professionals share their insights during guest lectures.
"Additionally, guest lectures from industry professionals offer valuable insights into current trends, challenges, and best practices in the field."
Professor Kim is praised for his clear and engaging teaching style.
"Taught by industry experts and academic professionals, this course offers valuable insights into the complexities of managing supply chains in today's globalized world."
"I was expecting something that would take a lot of time but to my surprise the learning prospect to the difficulty is just apt."
The course gives a multifaceted understanding of global supply chain management.
"Furthermore, the course provides a global perspective on supply chain management, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities associated with managing supply chains across different industries and regions."
"Topics such as global sourcing, trade regulations, and cultural considerations are explored, allowing students to develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities of operating in a global supply chain environment."
The course has a well-structured curriculum and starts with an overview of SCM basics.
"One of the course's key strengths is its structured approach to teaching supply chain management."
"Beginning with an overview of supply chain fundamentals, including the flow of goods, information, and finances, the course progressively delves into more advanced topics such as inventory management, logistics, procurement, and sustainability. By building upon foundational concepts, students develop a holistic understanding of the supply chain process and its strategic implications for businesses and organizations."
Projects and group assignments encourage students to solve real-world problems.
"One of the course's standout features is its emphasis on experiential learning."
"Through hands-on projects, group assignments, and simulations, students have the opportunity to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while tackling real-world supply chain challenges."
"By working collaboratively with peers and applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations, students gain valuable insights into the complexities of supply chain management and develop the skills needed to excel in the field."
The course includes case studies, interactive simulations, and real-world examples to explain complex concepts.
"The course content is delivered through a variety of engaging methods, including lectures, case studies, interactive simulations, and real-world examples."
"This diverse range of learning materials allows students to explore different facets of supply chain management and apply theoretical concepts to practical scenarios."
The course does not provide a certificate for completion.
"I completed Supply Chain MANAGEMENT: A Learning Perspective. I need certificate. Can i achieve it free."
Some students reported issues with audio quality during lectures.
"Sometimes, I needed some time to understand some words said by Professor Kim."
A few students found the professor's accent difficult to understand at times.
"But, the instructor's pronunciation was too much annoying."
Some students felt the course was too short.
"Overall it was a good learning. Helps in long term learning."
The course is heavily focused on quizzes.
"One suggestion: The content of the presentation shall be more attractive, with graphical and pictorial representations."
The course is recommended for beginners.
"Being Marketing Team lead in an Apparel Manufacturing company, this course was much helpful to understand different aspects of business and how to think beyond"

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 Management: A Learning Perspective with these activities:
Review what you already know about supply chains
Start by activating prior knowledge you already possess about supply chains and value chains.
Browse courses on Supply Chain Management
Show steps
  • Make a list of what you think supply chain management entails
  • Make a list of the steps involved in supply chain management
  • Make a list of the different types of supply chains
  • Define value chain management
Identify Common Processes in Supply Chain
Review basic supply chain activities to prepare for more complex course topics
Browse courses on Supplier Relationships
Show steps
  • Recall the four primary functions of a supply chain
  • Identify the roles of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers
  • Describe the flow of products and information through a supply chain
Join a study group
Collaborate with other students to discuss course material, exchange insights, and facilitate comprehension of key concepts.
Browse courses on Supply Chains
Show steps
  • Find other students who are taking (or have taken) the same course
  • Schedule regular meetings with your group to discuss course material
  • Take turns leading discussions on different topics
  • Share resources with your group members
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Calculate Supply Chain Metrics
Practice calculating common supply chain metrics to improve understanding of supply chain performance
Browse courses on Performance Evaluation
Show steps
  • Define key supply chain metrics such as inventory turnover, delivery time, and customer satisfaction
  • Calculate supply chain metrics using provided data
  • Analyze the results of the calculations to identify areas for improvement
Collaborate on a Supply Chain Case Study
Work with peers to analyze a real-world supply chain case study to apply course concepts
Browse courses on Case Analysis
Show steps
  • Form a study group with 2-3 classmates
  • Select a supply chain case study to analyze
  • Collaborate to analyze the case study, identify key issues, and develop recommendations
Develop a hypothetical supply chain model
Apply your understanding of supply chains by designing and implementing a hypothetical model that demonstrates your knowledge.
Browse courses on Value Creation
Show steps
  • Choose a product or service that you are familiar with
  • Map out the steps involved in producing and delivering the product or service
  • Identify the key stakeholders involved in the supply chain
  • Analyze the potential risks and challenges in the supply chain
  • Propose solutions to mitigate the risks and challenges
Develop a Supply Chain Improvement Plan
Apply course concepts to create a plan that addresses real-world supply chain challenges
Browse courses on Supply Chain Optimization
Show steps
  • Identify a specific supply chain challenge or opportunity in an industry of interest
  • Develop a plan to address the challenge or opportunity
  • Present the plan to classmates or industry professionals for feedback

Career center

Learners who complete Supply Chain Management: A Learning Perspective will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Supply Chain Consultant
A Supply Chain Consultant helps businesses to improve their supply chains. They analyze supply chain processes, identify inefficiencies, and develop strategies for improvement. This course provides Supply Chain Consultants with a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management, including value creation, coordination, and globalization. It helps them develop the skills needed to diagnose supply chain problems and develop effective solutions.
Supply Chain Analyst
A Supply Chain Analyst designs, implements, and manages supply chains for businesses. They analyze data to identify inefficiencies and develop strategies for improvement. This course provides Supply Chain Analysts with a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management, including value creation, coordination, and globalization. It helps them develop the skills needed to optimize supply chains and create competitive advantage for their organizations.
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager supervises, plans, and directs the production, quality control, and operational aspects of a manufacturing or service organization. This course helps Operations Managers build a foundation in supply chain management, which is essential for optimizing production and delivery processes. It provides insights into managing operations capabilities, quality control, and new product development, all of which are crucial for maximizing efficiency and customer satisfaction in operations management.
Logistics Manager
A Logistics Manager plans, implements, and manages the movement of goods and services from suppliers to customers. They ensure that products are delivered on time, in good condition, and at the right cost. This course provides Logistics Managers with a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management, including transportation, warehousing, and distribution. It helps them develop the skills needed to optimize logistics operations and create competitive advantage for their organizations.
Quality Control Manager
A Quality Control Manager is responsible for developing and implementing quality control systems for products and services. They ensure that products meet customer specifications and regulatory requirements. This course provides Quality Control Managers with a comprehensive understanding of quality management, including quality standards, statistical process control, and continuous improvement. It helps them develop the skills needed to manage quality control processes and ensure that products meet the highest standards.
Procurement Manager
A Procurement Manager is responsible for sourcing and acquiring goods and services for an organization. They negotiate with suppliers, manage contracts, and ensure that the organization gets the best possible value for its money. This course provides Procurement Managers with a strong foundation in supply chain management, including supplier management, quality control, and cost optimization. It helps them develop the skills needed to build relationships with suppliers, manage risk, and drive value for their organizations.
Inventory Control Analyst
An Inventory Control Analyst is responsible for managing the inventory of a company. They track inventory levels, forecast demand, and develop strategies to optimize inventory levels. This course provides Inventory Control Analysts with a foundation in supply chain management, including inventory management, quality control, and supply chain coordination. It helps them develop the skills needed to manage inventory effectively and efficiently.
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for the development, launch, and marketing of new products. They work with engineers, designers, and marketing teams to bring products to market that meet customer needs. This course provides Product Managers with a foundation in supply chain management, including new product development, quality control, and supply chain coordination. It helps them develop the skills needed to manage product development processes and create successful products.
Transportation Manager
A Transportation Manager is responsible for planning, implementing, and managing the transportation of goods and services. They work with carriers, shippers, and customers to ensure that products are transported safely and efficiently. This course provides Transportation Managers with a foundation in supply chain management, including transportation management, quality control, and supply chain coordination. It helps them develop the skills needed to manage transportation operations and create competitive advantage for their organizations.
Warehouse Manager
A Warehouse Manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of a warehouse, including receiving, storing, and shipping goods. They ensure that the warehouse is efficient and organized, and that goods are handled properly. This course provides Warehouse Managers with a foundation in supply chain management, including inventory management, quality control, and warehouse operations. It helps them develop the skills needed to manage a warehouse effectively and efficiently.
Industrial Engineer
An Industrial Engineer designs, improves, and installs integrated systems for managing industrial production and operations. They work with businesses to improve efficiency, quality, and productivity. This course provides Industrial Engineers with a foundation in supply chain management, including value creation, coordination, and globalization. It helps them develop the skills needed to design and implement supply chain systems that meet the needs of businesses.
Demand Planner
A Demand Planner is responsible for forecasting demand for products and services. They use data analysis to identify trends and develop forecasts that help businesses plan for the future. This course provides Demand Planners with a foundation in supply chain management, including demand forecasting, quality control, and supply chain coordination. It helps them develop the skills needed to forecast demand accurately and make informed decisions.
Operations Research Analyst
An Operations Research Analyst uses mathematical and analytical techniques to solve business problems. They develop models to optimize processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. This course provides Operations Research Analysts with a foundation in supply chain management, including value creation, coordination, and globalization. It helps them develop the skills needed to apply analytical techniques to supply chain problems and develop effective solutions.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst analyzes business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. They work with stakeholders to gather requirements, develop solutions, and implement changes. This course provides Business Analysts with a foundation in supply chain management, including value creation, coordination, and globalization. It helps them develop the skills needed to analyze business processes and make recommendations for improvement.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant helps businesses to improve their performance. They work with clients to identify problems, develop solutions, and implement changes. This course provides Management Consultants with a foundation in supply chain management, including value creation, coordination, and globalization. It helps them develop the skills needed to diagnose business problems and develop effective solutions.

Reading list

We've selected 13 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 Management: A Learning Perspective .
Provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain management, covering topics such as strategy, planning, and operations. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the field.
Provides a detailed overview of the logistics and supply chain management field. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the supply chain management field. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the field.
Provides a practical guide to building successful startups using lean principles. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about entrepreneurship and innovation.
Provides a groundbreaking look at the power of mindset. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the importance of mindset and how to develop a growth mindset.
Provides a framework for understanding why large companies often fail to innovate. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about innovation and disruption.
Provides a compelling look at the power of introverts. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about the importance of introversion and how to harness its power.
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Provides a fascinating look at the power of grit. It valuable resource for students and professionals who want to learn more about how to develop grit and achieve their goals.

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