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Rudolf Leuschner, Ph.D.
Supply Chains are made up of a network of companies from the initial raw materials to the ultimate consumer of the finished product. Within this network of companies, there are three ongoing flows: products, information, and finances. To properly understand and manage the supply chain, you need to understand all the flows. If you do not consider all of the flows, you will miss opportunities or sub-optimize parts of the supply chain.
Read more
Supply Chains are made up of a network of companies from the initial raw materials to the ultimate consumer of the finished product. Within this network of companies, there are three ongoing flows: products, information, and finances. To properly understand and manage the supply chain, you need to understand all the flows. If you do not consider all of the flows, you will miss opportunities or sub-optimize parts of the supply chain.
Read more
Supply Chains are made up of a network of companies from the initial raw materials to the ultimate consumer of the finished product. Within this network of companies, there are three ongoing flows: products, information, and finances. To properly understand and manage the supply chain, you need to understand all the flows. If you do not consider all of the flows, you will miss opportunities or sub-optimize parts of the supply chain.
The second of five courses in this specialization will focus on Sourcing Excellence. You will learn how the inbound flow of products, information, and finances into the company facilitates the supply chain. It will consist of four modules, which will cover the following topics: core sourcing elements; inbound information flow; supply chain financing; and finally the capstone case study.
You will have lectures, readings, and discussions with your peers for each topic, as well as a practice quiz in each lesson. At the end of each module, you can put your knowledge to the test and take a graded quiz. The Capstone Analysis module contains a real-life case analysis, as well as a supply chain management project that will enable you to be an expert on a company of your choosing.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/shjmrk/sourcing
What's inside
Syllabus
Module 1: Core Sourcing Elements
Sourcing manages the flow of raw materials that are required for the company to build its products. The main goals are to understand the main decision points of products entering the firm, as well as procurement decisions. The module is made up of three lessons: 1. Raw Material Inventories, 2. Quality, 3. Procurement Excellence. This is the second course in the Supply Chain Excellence Specialization.
Read more
Syllabus
Module 1: Core Sourcing Elements
Sourcing manages the flow of raw materials that are required for the company to build its products. The main goals are to understand the main decision points of products entering the firm, as well as procurement decisions. The module is made up of three lessons: 1. Raw Material Inventories, 2. Quality, 3. Procurement Excellence. This is the second course in the Supply Chain Excellence Specialization.
Read more
Module 2: Sourcing Information Systems and Forecasting
This module will introduce you to procure-to-pay systems, which are one of the most popular types of systems companies are currently implementing. The other part of the module features some hands-on work. We will go over forecasting algorithms. If you had experience with forecasting or have successfully completed the Supply Chain Planning course, this will be a repetition and you can just skip to the quiz. Otherwise, it will be a nice introduction to forecasting.
Module 3: Supply Chain Financing
In this module, we will cover financial flows with suppliers. This includes how companies are trying to preserve their capital by extending payment terms, a tool called supply chain finance that can help provide liquidity in supply chains, and an overview of payment practices.
Module 4: Sourcing Excellence Capstone
Now that we have reached the end of this course, it is time to put all of your new knowledge to the test. Not only will you be able to take a second attempt at your SCM project by improving your original submission and adding a new section on information flow. Finally, you will perform a quantitative analysis of a real-life business case and suggest improvements.
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Provides a strong framework for understanding the inbound flow of products, information, and finances in supply chains
Taught by Rudolf Leuschner, Ph.D., a recognized expert in supply chain management
Focuses on practical skills and knowledge, including sourcing strategies, forecasting techniques, and supply chain financing
Suitable for individuals looking to develop or enhance their skills in supply chain management
Part of a larger specialization in Supply Chain Excellence, providing a comprehensive foundation in the field
Requires a basic understanding of supply chain management concepts to fully benefit from the course
Save this course
Save Sourcing Excellence to your list so you can find it easily later:
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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 Sourcing Excellence with these
activities:
Review Inventory Planning Principles
Show steps
Refreshes inventory planning principles to aid understanding of sourcing management concepts in the course.
Browse courses on
Inventory Planning
Show steps
-
Review key inventory planning concepts such as demand forecasting, lead time, and safety stock.
-
Solve practice problems related to inventory planning.
-
Complete an online tutorial on inventory planning.
Review linear algebra
Show steps
Review basic linear algebra concepts to refresh your knowledge before starting the course.
Browse courses on
Linear Algebra
Show steps
-
Review the basics of matrix algebra, including matrix operations, determinants, and matrix inverses.
-
Practice solving systems of linear equations using Gaussian elimination.
-
Explore the concept of vector spaces and subspaces.
Supply Chain Risk Assessment Resource Collection
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive collection of resources to support understanding of supply chain risk assessment.
Browse courses on
Risk Management
Show steps
-
Identify different types of supply chain risks and their potential impact.
-
Gather resources such as articles, case studies, and industry reports related to supply chain risk assessment.
-
Organize and document the resources for future reference.
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Review high school algebra
Show steps
Increase your odds of success by refreshing your foundational algebra knowledge.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
-
Review formulas for solving linear and quadratic equations
-
Practice working with polynomial functions
-
Review techniques for graphing equations and inequalities
Read "Introduction to Supply Chain Management" by Sunil Chopra and Peter Meindl
Show steps
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of supply chain management by reading this foundational text.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read chapters 1-3 to gain an overview of the supply chain concept and its key elements.
-
Study chapters 4-6 to delve into supply chain design, planning, and operations.
-
Explore chapters 7-9 to understand supply chain performance measurement and improvement strategies.
Forecasting Techniques for Supply Chain Management
Show steps
Enhances understanding of forecasting techniques and their application in supply chain management.
Browse courses on
Forecasting
Show steps
-
Review different forecasting methods such as moving averages, exponential smoothing, and regression analysis.
-
Complete online tutorials or exercises on forecasting techniques.
-
Apply forecasting techniques to a real-world supply chain scenario.
Join a study group or online forum
Show steps
Connect with peers through study groups or online forums to exchange knowledge, clarify concepts, and reinforce your understanding.
Show steps
-
Find or create a study group with classmates or fellow professionals.
-
Regularly meet to discuss course materials, solve problems, and share insights.
-
Utilize online forums to ask questions, participate in discussions, and learn from others.
Supplier Relationship Management Discussion
Show steps
Engages in peer discussions to explore strategies for building and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Browse courses on
Supplier Relationship Management
Show steps
-
Research and identify best practices for supplier relationship management.
-
Participate in a peer discussion forum to share insights and experiences related to supplier relationships.
-
Develop a plan for improving supplier relationships within a specific organization.
Supplier Selection Simulation
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience in applying supplier selection criteria and evaluating supplier performance.
Browse courses on
Supplier Selection
Show steps
-
Identify key supplier selection criteria for a specific product category.
-
Gather information from potential suppliers and evaluate their performance based on the criteria.
-
Select the most suitable supplier and justify the decision.
Solve supply chain case studies
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by solving real-world supply chain case studies to enhance your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Supply Chain Management
Show steps
-
Identify the key issues and challenges in each case study.
-
Develop and evaluate alternative solutions.
-
Recommend a solution and justify your rationale.
Access online tutorials on supply chain software
Show steps
Expand your knowledge by exploring online tutorials on industry-standard supply chain software to gain hands-on experience.
Show steps
-
Identify reputable online platforms offering tutorials on supply chain software.
-
Choose tutorials that align with your specific interests and career goals.
-
Follow the tutorials step-by-step and practice using the software.
Procurement Plan Case Study
Show steps
Develops a comprehensive procurement plan and analyzes its impact on sourcing efficiency.
Show steps
-
Identify the procurement requirements for a given product or service.
-
Develop a sourcing strategy and evaluate potential suppliers.
-
Create a detailed procurement plan outlining supplier selection, contract terms, and performance metrics.
-
Analyze the impact of the procurement plan on factors such as cost, quality, and lead time.
Develop a supply chain improvement plan
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding by creating a comprehensive plan to improve the supply chain of a specific organization.
Show steps
-
Identify a company or industry facing supply chain challenges.
-
Conduct research and analyze the current supply chain.
-
Develop a detailed plan outlining strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
-
Present your plan to the class or a relevant audience.
Participate in supply chain hackathons or competitions
Show steps
Challenge yourself and showcase your skills by participating in supply chain hackathons or competitions to solve real-world problems.
Show steps
-
Identify relevant hackathons or competitions that align with your interests.
-
Form a team or work individually to develop innovative solutions.
-
Present your solution to a panel of judges or industry experts.
Volunteer as a mentor for junior students or professionals
Show steps
Solidify your knowledge and make a meaningful contribution by sharing your expertise and guidance with others in the field.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
-
Identify opportunities to mentor junior students or professionals in the supply chain field.
-
Provide guidance, support, and advice based on your knowledge and experience.
-
Foster a positive and supportive learning environment.
Review Inventory Planning Principles
Show steps
Refreshes inventory planning principles to aid understanding of sourcing management concepts in the course.
Browse courses on
Inventory Planning
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review key inventory planning concepts such as demand forecasting, lead time, and safety stock.
- Solve practice problems related to inventory planning.
- Complete an online tutorial on inventory planning.
Review linear algebra
Show steps
Review basic linear algebra concepts to refresh your knowledge before starting the course.
Browse courses on
Linear Algebra
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review the basics of matrix algebra, including matrix operations, determinants, and matrix inverses.
- Practice solving systems of linear equations using Gaussian elimination.
- Explore the concept of vector spaces and subspaces.
Supply Chain Risk Assessment Resource Collection
Show steps
Provides a comprehensive collection of resources to support understanding of supply chain risk assessment.
Browse courses on
Risk Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify different types of supply chain risks and their potential impact.
- Gather resources such as articles, case studies, and industry reports related to supply chain risk assessment.
- Organize and document the resources for future reference.
12 other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all 15 activities
Review high school algebra
Show steps
Increase your odds of success by refreshing your foundational algebra knowledge.
Browse courses on
Algebra
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review formulas for solving linear and quadratic equations
- Practice working with polynomial functions
- Review techniques for graphing equations and inequalities
Read "Introduction to Supply Chain Management" by Sunil Chopra and Peter Meindl
Show steps
Gain a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of supply chain management by reading this foundational text.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read chapters 1-3 to gain an overview of the supply chain concept and its key elements.
- Study chapters 4-6 to delve into supply chain design, planning, and operations.
- Explore chapters 7-9 to understand supply chain performance measurement and improvement strategies.
Forecasting Techniques for Supply Chain Management
Show steps
Enhances understanding of forecasting techniques and their application in supply chain management.
Browse courses on
Forecasting
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review different forecasting methods such as moving averages, exponential smoothing, and regression analysis.
- Complete online tutorials or exercises on forecasting techniques.
- Apply forecasting techniques to a real-world supply chain scenario.
Join a study group or online forum
Show steps
Connect with peers through study groups or online forums to exchange knowledge, clarify concepts, and reinforce your understanding.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group with classmates or fellow professionals.
- Regularly meet to discuss course materials, solve problems, and share insights.
- Utilize online forums to ask questions, participate in discussions, and learn from others.
Supplier Relationship Management Discussion
Show steps
Engages in peer discussions to explore strategies for building and maintaining strong supplier relationships.
Browse courses on
Supplier Relationship Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify best practices for supplier relationship management.
- Participate in a peer discussion forum to share insights and experiences related to supplier relationships.
- Develop a plan for improving supplier relationships within a specific organization.
Supplier Selection Simulation
Show steps
Provides hands-on experience in applying supplier selection criteria and evaluating supplier performance.
Browse courses on
Supplier Selection
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify key supplier selection criteria for a specific product category.
- Gather information from potential suppliers and evaluate their performance based on the criteria.
- Select the most suitable supplier and justify the decision.
Solve supply chain case studies
Show steps
Apply your knowledge by solving real-world supply chain case studies to enhance your problem-solving skills.
Browse courses on
Supply Chain Management
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the key issues and challenges in each case study.
- Develop and evaluate alternative solutions.
- Recommend a solution and justify your rationale.
Access online tutorials on supply chain software
Show steps
Expand your knowledge by exploring online tutorials on industry-standard supply chain software to gain hands-on experience.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify reputable online platforms offering tutorials on supply chain software.
- Choose tutorials that align with your specific interests and career goals.
- Follow the tutorials step-by-step and practice using the software.
Procurement Plan Case Study
Show steps
Develops a comprehensive procurement plan and analyzes its impact on sourcing efficiency.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the procurement requirements for a given product or service.
- Develop a sourcing strategy and evaluate potential suppliers.
- Create a detailed procurement plan outlining supplier selection, contract terms, and performance metrics.
- Analyze the impact of the procurement plan on factors such as cost, quality, and lead time.
Develop a supply chain improvement plan
Show steps
Demonstrate your understanding by creating a comprehensive plan to improve the supply chain of a specific organization.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a company or industry facing supply chain challenges.
- Conduct research and analyze the current supply chain.
- Develop a detailed plan outlining strategies to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance customer satisfaction.
- Present your plan to the class or a relevant audience.
Participate in supply chain hackathons or competitions
Show steps
Challenge yourself and showcase your skills by participating in supply chain hackathons or competitions to solve real-world problems.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify relevant hackathons or competitions that align with your interests.
- Form a team or work individually to develop innovative solutions.
- Present your solution to a panel of judges or industry experts.
Volunteer as a mentor for junior students or professionals
Show steps
Solidify your knowledge and make a meaningful contribution by sharing your expertise and guidance with others in the field.
Browse courses on
Mentoring
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify opportunities to mentor junior students or professionals in the supply chain field.
- Provide guidance, support, and advice based on your knowledge and experience.
- Foster a positive and supportive learning environment.
Career center
Learners who complete Sourcing Excellence will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Purchasing Manager
Purchasing Manager
Purchasing Managers are responsible for the procurement of goods and services for their organizations. They work closely with suppliers to ensure that the organization gets the best possible price and quality for the goods and services it needs. This course can help individuals in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
Procurement Manager
Procurement Manager
Procurement Managers oversee the process of acquiring goods and services for their organizations. They negotiate contracts with suppliers, manage relationships with vendors, and ensure that the organization gets the best possible value for its money. This course can help individuals in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
Sourcing Specialist
Sourcing Specialist
Sourcing Specialists are responsible for identifying and qualifying suppliers for their organizations. They work with suppliers to negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships. This course can help individuals in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
Supplier Quality Engineer
Supplier Quality Engineer
Supplier Quality Engineers are responsible for ensuring that the quality of goods and services procured by their organizations meets the organization's standards. They work with suppliers to identify and resolve quality issues. This course can help individuals in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
Supply Chain Analyst
Supply Chain Analyst
Supply Chain Analysts analyze and improve the efficiency of supply chains. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to identify and resolve bottlenecks and inefficiencies. This course can help individuals in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships. Additionally, the course will provide them with an understanding of supply chain financing, which can be used to improve the efficiency of the supply chain.
Materials Manager
Materials Manager
Materials Managers are responsible for the planning and execution of the procurement of materials for their organizations. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure that the organization gets the best possible price and quality for the materials it needs. This course can help individuals in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
Supply Chain Consultant
Supply Chain Consultant
Supply Chain Consultants help organizations improve the efficiency of their supply chains. They work with organizations to identify and resolve bottlenecks and inefficiencies. This course can help individuals in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships. Additionally, the course will provide them with an understanding of supply chain financing, which can be used to improve the efficiency of the supply chain.
Procurement Analyst
Procurement Analyst
Procurement Analysts are responsible for analyzing and improving the efficiency of the procurement process. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to identify and resolve bottlenecks and inefficiencies. This course can help individuals in this role by providing them with a deep understanding of the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships. Additionally, the course will provide them with an understanding of supply chain financing, which can be used to improve the efficiency of the procurement process.
Inventory Manager
Inventory Manager
Inventory Managers are responsible for the planning and execution of the storage and distribution of goods. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure that goods are stored and distributed efficiently and cost-effectively. This course can help individuals in this role understand the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
Logistics Manager
Logistics Manager
Logistics Managers are responsible for the planning and execution of the movement of goods and services. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure that goods are delivered to the right place, at the right time, and at the right cost. This course can help individuals in this role understand the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
Transportation Manager
Transportation Manager
Transportation Managers are responsible for the planning and execution of the movement of goods and services. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure that goods are delivered to the right place, at the right time, and at the right cost. This course can help individuals in this role understand the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
Warehouse Manager
Warehouse Manager
Warehouse Managers are responsible for the planning and execution of the storage and distribution of goods. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure that goods are stored and distributed efficiently and cost-effectively. This course can help individuals in this role understand the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
Operations Managers are responsible for the planning and execution of the day-to-day operations of an organization. They work with suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors to ensure that goods and services are produced and delivered to customers efficiently and cost-effectively. This course can help individuals in this role understand the sourcing process, including how to identify and qualify suppliers, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze the business operations of an organization and make recommendations on how to improve efficiency and profitability. This course may be useful for individuals in this role by providing them with an understanding of the sourcing process, which is a critical part of any business operation.
Financial Analyst
Financial Analyst
Financial Analysts analyze the financial performance of companies and make recommendations on investment decisions. This course may be useful for individuals in this role by providing them with an understanding of supply chain financing, which is a specialized area of finance that deals with the financial flows between companies in a supply chain.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/shjmrk/sourcing
Reading list
We've selected eight 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
Sourcing Excellence.
A comprehensive handbook that covers all aspects of supply chain management. is written by experts in the field and provides a thorough grounding in the subject matter. The book is well-written and easy to follow.
A practical guide to procurement and supply chain management. is full of useful tips and advice. It great resource for professionals in the field.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of logistics and supply chain management. It covers topics such as transportation, warehousing, inventory management, and customer service. The book is well-written and easy to follow.
A peer-reviewed journal that publishes research on all aspects of procurement and supply chain management. The journal valuable resource for staying up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the field.
A textbook that focuses on the strategic aspects of supply chain management. provides a good overview of the field and is written in a clear and concise style.
Offers a wide view of procurement and supply chain management, using several case studies and examples.
Presents a thorough examination of supply chain logistics management, including sections on inbound and outbound logistics.
Save
Offers a comprehensive overview of RFID technology and its applications, including in supply chain management.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/shjmrk/sourcing
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 4-6 hours per week
Level
Advanced
Via
Coursera
Institution
Rutgers the State University of New Jersey
Instructor
Rudolf Leuschner, Ph.D.
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Supply Chain Excellence. It's comprised of five courses:
- Sourcing Excellence (viewing)
- Supply Chain Excellence Capstone
- Logistics Excellence
- Supply Chain Excellence
- Operations Excellence
Good to know
Provides a strong framework for understanding the inbound flow of products, information, and finances in supply chains
Taught by Rudolf Leuschner, Ph.D., a recognized expert in supply chain management
Focuses on practical skills and knowledge, including sourcing strategies, forecasting techniques, and supply chain financing
Suitable for individuals looking to develop or enhance their skills in supply chain management
Part of a larger specialization in Supply Chain Excellence, providing a comprehensive foundation in the field
Requires a basic understanding of supply chain management concepts to fully benefit from the course
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