Supply Chain and Operations Management (MSB255)

Content

The course focuses on key topics in Supply Chain and Operations Management, with a particular emphasis on the benefits that can be gained through the use of business analytics and digitization techniques. Real-world supply chain and operations management scenarios will be analyzed through case studies to understand the critical events and their causes, predict future outcomes, and make informed decisions based on data-driven insights. The main areas of focus include:

• Supply and value chain analysis
• Sustainable and circular product and service systems
• Process design, analysis, and optimization methodologies
• Capacity management and theory of constraints
• Quality and Lean management
• Sustainable resource and inventory management
• Smart production and service concepts and their integration within the supply chain

A variety of business analytics and decision-making techniques, including forecasting methods, decision trees, linear optimization, network analyses, scheduling and transportation models, waiting line models, and simulation, will be used on the cases and data drawn from various production and service industries.

Learning outcome

Knowledge

Upon completion of the course, students will:

• Understand the concepts and principles of supply chain and operations management.
• Understand the complexity and relationships required in developing and operating supply chain processes.
• Have knowledge of how to develop and run a sustainable company that delivers products and services with limitations on schedule, quality, and price.
• Have knowledge of various business analytics and decision-making methods that can be utilized in optimizing supply chains and operations.

Skill

Upon completion of the course, students will:

• Be able to explain core topics and develop an advanced understanding of core models, methods, and theories that Supply Chain and Operation Management build upon.
• Be able to use different theories and models to analyze various situations in an organization and design their own analysis to recommend required actions.
• Be able to use theoretical models and concepts to make informed decisions based on data-driven insights.

Required prerequisite knowledge

Exam

Coursework requirements

Course teacher(s)

Course teacher:

Course coordinator:

Casual teacher:

Study Program Director:

Method of work

The course will utilize problem-based learning, incorporating project groups. The lecture topics will be covered through a collaborative effort with student groups, who will present their assignment essays. This means the students will work in groups of 3-5 throughout the semester.

The course is divided into parts that partially overlap.

• Part 1 comprises lectures that provide an overview.
• Part 2 involves group work to prepare, document, and present essays on specific topics provided by the lecturer. The tutor will provide additional lectures to assist the groups with their topics if necessary. The essays must be presented and submitted according to the given schedule. Any updates and improvements on the essays can be made before the final deadline.
• Part 3 comprises preparing for and conducting the individual final exam.

A semester plan will be provided at the beginning of the semester. Minor modifications will be made to the plan. All deliveries are via the online system Canvas. The final essay delivery will be at Inspera.

Estimated workload

- Participation in lectures: 50 hours (3-4 hours per week)

- Reading and group presentations: 90 hours

- Group essay writing: 75 hours

- Exam preparation: 55 hours

TOTAL: 270 hours

The course will have one three-hour lecture weekly. Two hours will also be available for guidance weekly. However, changes may occur.

Open for

Course assessment

Literature