This course contains the use of artificial intelligence.

Supply chain management sits at the center of how modern businesses function, shaping everything from how raw materials are sourced to how finished products reach customers. At its core, supply chain management (SCM) is the discipline that links sourcing, procurement, production, and logistics into a single, coordinated system. When executed well, it allows organizations to operate efficiently, respond to market shifts, and compete on both cost and reliability. When executed poorly, it can expose firms to disruption, excess inventory, and reputational risk.

This course offers a structured and practical introduction to the full architecture of the supply chain. It begins by mapping the fundamental components that connect suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and end customers. Learners gain clarity on how purchasing decisions are made, how supplier relationships are established and maintained, and why these relationships often determine the resilience of an organization. Attention is given to inventory—not simply as stock on hand, but as a strategic lever that balances customer service, cash flow, and risk.

The course then turns to production and design decisions, exploring how choices about where and how to manufacture influence cost, quality, speed, and flexibility. Participants examine the trade-offs involved in outsourcing versus in-house production, as well as the operational considerations that shape product design in a global marketplace. These decisions are framed not as isolated operational choices, but as interconnected moves within a broader supply chain strategy.

Logistics and distribution form the final operational pillar of the course. Learners study how products are transported, stored, and delivered, and how distribution networks are designed to meet customer expectations while controlling costs. From selecting transportation modes to coordinating distribution partners, the course highlights the practical challenges that define day-to-day supply chain operations.

Beyond mechanics, the course addresses the strategic and ethical dimensions of supply chain management. It examines what it takes to operate on a global scale, including managing complexity across borders, cultures, and regulatory environments. It also confronts some of the most pressing issues facing supply chain leaders today: sustainability, ethical sourcing, and the responsibility of firms to build transparent and resilient systems. The role of supply chains in crisis response and disaster relief is discussed as a real-world application of coordination under pressure.

By the end of the course, learners will be able to identify the key parts of a supply chain, explain how inventory functions within it, and evaluate suppliers effectively. They will understand how to integrate and coordinate activities across industries, design transportation and distribution strategies, and contribute to ethical and sustainable supply chains. The course is designed for professionals seeking a clear, grounded understanding of how supply chains work—and why they matter more than ever in today’s economy.