Supply Chain Management Basics introduces learners to the essential concepts and practices that drive effective supply chain operations in today’s complex, global business environment. This self‑paced course explores supplier evaluation, logistics, inventory management, procurement, and risk mitigation, while explaining how organizations coordinate relationships across the supply chain to ensure reliable product and service delivery. Delivered through an easy‑to‑understand format, the course combines instructional content, interactive exercises, and real‑world case studies to strengthen comprehension and practical application.
Module 1: Introduction to Supply Chain Management
Definition and scope of supply chain management
Strategic role of supply chains in organizations
Module 2: Supply Chain Strategy and Goals
Objectives of effective supply chain management
Alignment with organizational strategy
Module 3: Supplier Management and Procurement
Supplier selection and evaluation
Procurement processes and supplier relationships
Module 4: Logistics and Inventory Management
Logistics fundamentals and distribution concepts
Inventory planning and control
Module 5: Communication and Collaboration
Information flow in the supply chain
Managing partnerships and coordination
Module 6: Risk Management and Disruption
Supply chain risks and vulnerabilities
Mitigation strategies and disruption planning
Module 7: Trends and Issues in Supply Chain Management
Globalization and supply chain complexity
Emerging technologies and current challenges
After completing this program, the learner will be able to:
Define supply chain management and explain its strategic role in organizations
Explain the goals of effective supply chain management and procurement
Analyze how organizations communicate and manage relationships within a supply chain
Explain the supplier appraisal process and its importance in supply chain performance
Formulate strategies to mitigate supply chain risk and identify potential sources of disruption
Assess current trends and issues shaping modern supply chain management
Certificate of completion
This class is an independent-study course. Students will have all the resources needed to successfully complete the course within the online material. A student helpdesk is available for technical support during the course enrollment.