The Digital Economy: Effective Supply Chain Management from FutureLearn

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is intended for anyone who wants to learn about the effect the digital era is having on supply chains, customers and other stakeholders. No previous experience of studying supply chain management is required, but some basic knowledge of how businesses work would be beneficial. Find further information about OU registration, the assessment module and MBA in the entry requirements . If you are aiming to use your study of courses in the Digital Economy program to obtain academic credit, please be aware that the final planned presentation of the Open University Assessment Course BXM871 Managing in the Digital Economy starts July 2020. Please ensure that you allow yourself enough time to obtain all four Certificates of Achievement from courses in the program before registering for the Assessment Course. Details of runs of the relevant FutureLearn courses in 2019 and 2020 are available here .

Topics Covered

What supply chain management is and why it is important
The distinct processes that make up a digital supply chain
How risk is assessed in the digital supply chain
How organisations are using the supply chain to gain a competitive advantage
Competitive advantage in the digital supply chain
How supply chain management fits with the company’s strategy
The future of supply chain management

Reviews summary

Digital scm: foundational & relevant for professionals

According to students, this course provides a comprehensive overview of effective supply chain management within the digital economy, making it an excellent foundation for career-focused individuals. Learners frequently praise its clear structure and engaging lectures, which simplify complex concepts and offer relevant insights into current industry trends. Specific strengths include modules on risk assessment, competitive advantage, and strategic alignment. While highly recommended for beginners, a few reviewers note that the course may lack depth for experienced professionals and could be enhanced with more practical, hands-on examples, as some digital aspects feel high-level.

Offers valuable insights applicable to professional roles.

"It was a great foundation for applying these principles in my current role."

"I gained so much practical insight that I could immediately apply. The course reinforced my understanding..."

"It's truly designed for working professionals who need to grasp these concepts quickly."

"This course significantly enhanced my understanding of how digital transformation impacts supply chains. The practical insights shared were invaluable for my professional development."

A well-structured introduction to digital supply chains.

"This course provided a truly comprehensive overview of supply chain management in the digital age. The content was highly relevant..."

"A solid introduction to digital supply chains... Overall, very well structured and easy to follow."

"I found this course to be an excellent starting point for understanding digital supply chain management."

"Excellent and relevant content. The course structure is logical, guiding you through the evolution and importance of digital supply chains."

Leans theoretical, could benefit from more case studies.

"It gives a good theoretical background but I was hoping for more case studies or hands-on examples."

"The lectures were informative but sometimes a bit dry. I felt the course could benefit from more interactive elements or real-world examples..."

"While largely theoretical, it does provide a solid mental model. It's a good starting point but doesn't replace deep industry experience..."

"I think more real-world examples would make it even stronger, but it's a very good start."

May be too basic for seasoned SCM professionals.

"While the course covers a wide range of topics... might be a bit basic for experienced SCM practitioners."

"Disappointed with the depth. While it introduces topics, it rarely dives deep. As someone with some background in SCM, I found much of it to be a review..."

"The 'digital economy' aspect felt more like an add-on than integrated throughout. I would have liked more advanced concepts..."

"It's a decent primer, but if you're already in the field, you might not find much new here."

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