Program design and contents
Supply Chain Management
From integrated supply chain planning to better coordination and collaboration in your supply chain in 6 weeks.
In this module, you will delve into analyzing and aligning supply chains, from tactical decision-making in S&OP to operational choices in forecasting, inventory, and allocation. You will explore how demand, supply, capacity, and service interact, and the role of process design, data, and behavior in supply chain performance.
The learning journey begins with an in-depth introduction to Sales & Operations Planning as a coordination mechanism between functions and supply chain partners. You'll then delve into forecasting and supply planning: how do you make better predictions and translate them into realistic plans? Finally, you will delve into inventory strategies, allocation decisions, and collaboration within the supply chain, using simulations and practical case studies, among other things.
Over six weeks, you will complete an online kickoff, three intensive on-campus days, and a deepening phase. You will conclude with a graded assignment based on your practical experience. By combining theory with simulations, practical case studies, and reflection on decision-making, you will develop the insight and skills to structurally improve supply chain performance.
Online kick-off
During the online kickoff, you will meet your instructors and fellow participants and learn about the program's structure and the final assignment. You will explore your learning goals, case study, and expectations, so you can focus on your on-campus work.
Day 1 – Sales & Operations Planning as a coordination mechanism
The first day focuses on S&OP as a tactical process for aligning supply and demand. You will explore how S&OP helps align commercial plans, production, purchasing, logistics, and finance, and how this contributes to better decisions, transparency, and profitability.
Day 2 – Forecasting and Supply Planning
On day 2, you will delve into forecasting and supply planning. You will discuss various forecasting methods (quantitative and qualitative, including modern data/ML approaches) and learn to measure forecast quality using relevant KPIs such as MAPE, bias, and forecast value add.
Day 3 – Inventory, allocation and collaboration in the chain
On the third day, the focus shifts to buffer management, inventory strategies, and allocation decisions. You will explore how to segment products and customer demands, which inventory belongs where in the supply chain (central/decentralized, multi-tier), and how to make decisions in times of scarcity.
Deepening after the lecture days
Between and after the lectures, you will continue working independently with readings, assignments, and your own case study. You will apply insights from the lectures to your supply chain, further develop scenarios and supply chain options, and prepare for the final assignment.
Assessment of your own practice
You will complete the master module with a graded assignment that directly aligns with your work environment and learning objectives. In this assignment, you will demonstrate your ability to analyze supply chain issues, justify planning and collaboration choices, and formulate improvement options for service, costs, and working capital.
