Supply Chains for Manufacturing: Capacity Analytics from edX

As part of the Principles of Manufacturing MicroMasters program, this course focuses on decision making for system design, as it arises in manufacturing systems and supply chains.

You will learn about frameworks and models for structuring key system design issues and trade-offs that arise in today’s supply chains and manufacturing systems.

The course will also cover various models, methods and software tools for decision support for:

Logistics network design
Capacity planning and flexibility
Make-buy
Supply chain contracting
Supply chain risk mitigation

You will learn through industry applications and cases to illustrate concepts and challenges.This course should be taken in sequence following Supply Chains and Manufacturing Systems: Planning.

Develop the engineering and management skills needed for competence and competitiveness in today’s manufacturing industry with the Principles of Manufacturing MicroMasters Credential, designed and delivered by MIT’s #1-ranked Mechanical Engineering department in the world. Learners who pass the 8 courses in the program will earn the MicroMasters Credential and qualify to apply to gain credit towards MIT’s Master of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing & Design program.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Frameworks and models forsystem design
Decision supportmodels

Methods and software tools for supply chain contracting and risk mitigation

Frameworks and models forsystem design
Decision supportmodels
Methods and software tools for supply chain contracting and risk mitigation

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on decision making for system design in various domains, including manufacturing systems and supply chains

Taught by instructors Stephen Graves and Sean Willems, recognized for their work in the field of manufacturing

Part of the Principles of Manufacturing MicroMasters program designed and delivered by MIT’s Mechanical Engineering department, ranked #1 in the world

Covers frameworks and models for structuring key system design issues and trade-offs in supply chains and manufacturing systems

Provides insights and tools for supply chain contracting and risk mitigation

Utilizes industry applications and cases to illustrate concepts and challenges

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 Chains for Manufacturing: Capacity Analytics with these activities:

Review the Textbook Chapter on Supply Chain Contracting

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Helps you understand the legal and strategic aspects of supply chain contracting, which is covered in the course.

View Logistics and Supply Chain Management:... on Amazon

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Read the assigned chapter and make notes on the main concepts and examples
Summarize the key ideas and their relevance to the course material
Identify any questions or areas you need further clarification

Create a Supply Chain Management Reference Binder

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Organize and review key course materials, providing a handy reference for concepts, frameworks, and case studies.

Browse courses on Supply Chain Management

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Set up a binder with labeled sections for different topics covered in the course
Print course notes, slides, handouts, and assignments and organize them within the corresponding sections
Create summaries or mind maps for key concepts and models
Compile case studies and industry examples relevant to the topics
Review the binder regularly and add new materials as you progress through the course

Practice Supply Chain Risk Mitigation Drills

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Run simulations of supply chain risks and test your ability to respond to disruptions effectively.

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Review the course materials and common supply chain risks
Set up a mock supply chain scenario in a simulation tool
Run simulations with different types of disruptions
Develop and test mitigation strategies

Five other activities

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Show all eight activities

Design an Infographic on Supply Chain Flexibility and Capacity Planning

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Create a visual representation to demonstrate the principles of supply chain flexibility and capacity planning, and how they can be applied in practice.

Browse courses on Capacity Planning

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Research and gather relevant data and information
Develop a storyboard or outline for the infographic
Design the infographic using visuals and text to convey the key concepts
Share the infographic with classmates and instructors for feedback
Present the infographic to the class and explain its implications for supply chain management

Attend Industry Conferences and Virtual Events on Supply Chain Management

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Provides exposure to industry professionals, current trends, and best practices in supply chain management.

Browse courses on Supply Chain Management

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Identify relevant industry conferences or events focusing on supply chain topics
Register and attend the conference
Attend presentations, network with professionals, and gather insights
Follow up with new connections and explore potential opportunities

Conduct a Peer Whiteboard Challenge on Supply Chain Design

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Collaborate with peers to work through real-world supply chain design case studies and evaluate alternative solutions.

Browse courses on Supply Chain Design

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Divide into groups, select a real-world case study and research the relevant data
Have group members write down their initial ideas/designs on a whiteboard
Take turns presenting your ideas, identifying strengths and weaknesses
Discuss and agree on a collaborative design solution
Share and present your solution with the class

Become a Mentor for Junior Students in Supply Chain Programs

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Allows you to reinforce your understanding of course concepts while guiding and supporting aspiring supply chain professionals.

Browse courses on Supply Chain Management

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Sign up as a mentor through university or external programs
Connect with your mentee and establish regular communication
Share your knowledge and experience in supply chain management
Provide guidance on course materials, career paths, and professional development
Encourage and support your mentee's growth and aspirations

Solve Logistics Network Design Problems Using Simulation

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Develop skills in using simulation software to optimize logistics network design and evaluate different transportation strategies.

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Familiarize yourself with the simulation software and its capabilities
Build a simulation model based on a specific logistics scenario
Run simulations to evaluate the performance of different design options
Analyze the results and identify areas for improvement
Present your findings and explain the rationale behind your recommendations

Career center

Learners who complete Supply Chains for Manufacturing: Capacity Analytics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Manufacturing Manager

A Manufacturing Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the production of goods. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. It covers topics such as system design, decision support models, and supply chain contracting, all of which are essential for managing a successful manufacturing operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Manufacturing Manager

Logistics Manager

A Logistics Manager is responsible for planning and managing the movement of goods and services. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. It covers topics such as logistics network design, capacity planning, and supply chain risk mitigation, all of which are essential for managing a successful logistics operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Logistics Manager

Transportation Manager

A Transportation Manager is responsible for planning and managing the movement of goods and people. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. It covers topics such as logistics network design, capacity planning, and supply chain risk mitigation, all of which are essential for managing a successful transportation operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Manager

Procurement Manager

A Procurement Manager is responsible for sourcing and purchasing goods and services for an organization. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. It covers topics such as make-buy decisions, supply chain contracting, and supply chain risk mitigation, all of which are essential for managing a successful procurement operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Procurement Manager

Industrial Engineer

An Industrial Engineer is responsible for designing and improving industrial processes. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. It covers topics such as system design, decision support models, and supply chain contracting, all of which are essential for managing a successful industrial engineering operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Industrial Engineer

Business Analyst

A Business Analyst is responsible for analyzing and improving business processes. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. It covers topics such as system design, decision support models, and supply chain contracting, all of which are essential for managing a successful business analysis operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Management Consultant

A Management Consultant is responsible for providing advice to organizations on how to improve their operations. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. It covers topics such as system design, decision support models, and supply chain contracting, all of which are essential for managing a successful management consulting practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Management Consultant

Supply Chain Manager

A Supply Chain Manager is responsible for overseeing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. It covers topics such as logistics network design, capacity planning and flexibility, and supply chain risk mitigation, all of which are essential for managing a successful supply chain.

See salaries and explore the career path for Supply Chain Manager

Quality Manager

A Quality Manager is responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. It covers topics such as system design, decision support models, and supply chain contracting, all of which are essential for managing a successful quality operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Manager

Inventory Manager

An Inventory Manager is responsible for planning and managing the levels of inventory in a warehouse or distribution center. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. It covers topics such as capacity planning and flexibility, make-buy decisions, and supply chain contracting, all of which are essential for managing a successful inventory operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Inventory Manager

Operations Manager

An Operations Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing the operations of an organization. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. It covers topics such as system design, decision support models, and supply chain contracting, all of which are essential for managing a successful operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operations Manager

Project Manager

A Project Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, and directing projects. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role, particularly if you are interested in managing projects in the manufacturing industry. It covers topics such as system design, decision support models, and supply chain contracting, all of which are essential for managing a successful project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager

Data Analyst

A Data Analyst is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. It covers topics such as decision support models and supply chain risk mitigation, both of which are essential for managing a successful data analysis operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Software Engineer

A Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role, particularly if you are interested in developing software for the manufacturing industry. It covers topics such as system design and decision support models, both of which are essential for managing a successful software engineering project.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Engineer

Financial Analyst

A Financial Analyst is responsible for analyzing and interpreting financial data. This course may be useful in providing you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role, particularly if you are interested in analyzing financial data for manufacturing companies. It covers topics such as decision support models and supply chain risk mitigation, both of which are essential for managing a successful financial analysis operation.

See salaries and explore the career path for Financial Analyst