Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/supply-chain-management
Have you ever stopped to think about how that morning cup of coffee or your trusty smartphone actually makes its way to you? It’s a complex journey, and understanding it is the core of Supply Chain Management (SCM). I recently completed Coursera’s “Supply Chain Management: A Learning Perspective,” and it offered a fantastic, foundational understanding of this critical business function.
The course, taught by Professor Bowon Kim, starts by grounding you in the philosophical and moral underpinnings of SCM, which is a unique and valuable approach. It then delves into what a supply chain truly is, why managing it effectively is crucial for creating customer value, and the essential management capabilities – controllability, flexibility, and integrating capability – that firms need to thrive.
What I particularly appreciated was the focus on the ‘Learning Perspective.’ The course explores how a firm’s learning capability and propensity directly influence supply chain performance, introducing models that explain these dynamics. This emphasis on continuous improvement and adaptation is vital in today’s rapidly changing business landscape.
The syllabus covers a comprehensive range of topics, including the multifaceted concept of Quality Management (exploring dimensions, TQM, and SPC), New Product Innovation (comparing traditional and cross-functional approaches), and designing effective supply chain strategies through structural and infrastructural dimensions. The latter half of the course tackles crucial topics like Supply Chain Strategy II: Coordination for Value Creation, highlighting the importance of VMI and postponement, and Supply Chain Globalization and Sustainability, addressing competitive advantage in the global market and the importance of sustainable value chains.
While the course is introductory, it provides a robust framework for understanding the key components of SCM. The final exam, consisting of multiple-choice questions, effectively tests the concepts covered. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to gain a solid understanding of how products and services reach us, from raw materials to the end consumer. It’s an excellent starting point for students, aspiring supply chain professionals, or anyone curious about the intricate world behind everyday consumption.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/supply-chain-management