MGMT S-5033 Course Syllabus Supply Chain Management Online Spring 2014 Harvard University Cambridge, MA Zal Phiroz, MBA Instructor
Abstract This course introduces the concept of Supply Chain management and evaluates the core fundamentals of Logistics within commerce. From corporate giants to small businesses, product manufacturing industries operating within all verticals constantly strive to optimize logistics and operations techniques and practices. In addition to identifying supply chain trends and evolution, the relationship between domestic and foreign goods supply is explored. Supply Chain Management provides the foundation for the success of a corporation. The evolution of the role of logistics in commerce, has created dependency, sub-disciplines of study and opportunities to analyze the direct impact in various industries and sectors. Growth trends, combine the need for logistical efficiency, with environmental factors, strategic positioning, laws and policy adherence, and cost maintenance. The understanding, analysis and optimization of logistical components is fundamental to the growth and progression of corporations globally. Prerequisites Students should have completed an undergraduate level microeconomics course (i.e. E-10a: Principles of Economics), and a strategic management course (i.e. E-5000: Strategic Management). Strong English reading; writing and comprehension skills are necessary. Assignments and Case study analysis require strong writing ability, while assigned articles are often complex and difficult to grasp with just one reading. Course Objective The intention of this course is to educate students on the fundamental role supply chain management plays in the American and Global economy, while stimulating critical thinking on the topics of economic reasoning, business negotiation, and opportunities for growth. The course will generally be useful for students pursuing careers involving Operations, Business Logistics and Management. Managers who want to explore opportunities for cost reduction through Supply Chain efficiency, and students who are interested in understanding how optimization can improve revenue streams, will find this course beneficial. While the general nature of the course is not heavily analytical, basic economic and management knowledge is essential. In addition to supporting an understanding of the Supply Chain Management concept, this course will strive to evaluate current trends, growth opportunities, global patterns and niche markets, within the area of Logistics. In fulfilling these objectives, the course will use a holistic approach, and rely on seminars from expert guest lecturers, relevant case studies, journal analysis, and textbook readings.
Proposed Class Schedule, Topics, Required Readings Class Date Topic(s), Areas of Focus, Questions of Importance Readings / Assignments 1 Jan 29/14 Course information and introduction, the role of Course Outline, Instructor Supply Chain management within organizations. Bio, Course Syllabus What is a Supply Chain? What is supply and demand? 2 Feb 5/14 The nature of firms, evolution of Supply Chain management. Supply Chain drivers and metrics How has technology influenced Supply Chains? 3 Feb 12/14 The role of Supply Chain management within fortune 500 companies. Responses to growing economies. Case Discussion (XBOX) Paragraph Assignment Chapter readings (1, 3) (XBOX) Example Case Write-up Chapter reading (5) Project Document Project Discussion 4 Feb 19/14 Design and development of a Supply Chain network. What must be considered when designing a Supply Chain (domestic vs. global)? Guest profile and bio (AIC Netbooks) Chapter reading (6) 5 Feb 26/14 Measuring and analyzing the value and efficiency of a domestic and global Supply Chains network. Case Discussion (AIC Netbooks) Case Study Due (XBOX) Chapter Reading (7) Guest Speaker 6 Mar 5/14 Planning for supply and demand within a Supply Chain. Mid-Term Exam Case (Wal-Mart) 7 Mar 12/14 How is demand forecasted? Mid-Term Case Discussion (Wal-Mart) Mid-Term Exam Case Study Due (AIC Netbooks) Guest profile and bio (Crocs)
8 Mar 19/14 Economic effect of supply chains within corporate America. Case Discussion (Crocs) Chapter Reading (10) (BMW) Guest Speaker 9 Mar 26/14 Barriers of overall Supply Chains. Coordination within a Supply Chain. Chapter Reading (11) Case Discussion (BMW) Effect of forecasting, replenishment, management? 10 Apr 2/14 Pricing and revenue management in a Supply Chain. Understanding managerial levers, hidden costs, and the impact of promotions and discounts. How are pricing decisions made on all levels of the Supply Chain? 11 Apr 9/14 Major barriers faced by Supply Chain networks in North America. Ensuring Sustainability. What is required to maintain Supply Chain Sustainability? Case Study Due (Crocs) (Mattel) Chapter Reading (18) Case Study Due (BMW) Chapter Reading (9) Case Discussion (Mattel) 12 Apr 16/14 Managing variability within a Supply Chain network. Chapter Reading (17) How does a Supply Chain adjust for change? 13 Apr 23/14 Trends in the market, growth opportunities and areas which will gain focus. Case Study Due (Mattel) Information Technology in Supply Chain Management. What s next? 15 Apr 30/14 Final Exam (Individual Project) Due
Required Readings This course requires the purchase and use of the following textbook: Supply Chain Management (US Edition)- Fifth Edition Sunil Chopra Pearson Education Publishing ISBN-10: 0132743957 In addition to the required text, the majority of the course will be focused on current events evaluated through the reading of case studies, comprehensive articles and other assigned readings. The cases which will be evaluated include the following: 1. Evolution of the XBOX Supply Chain 2. AIC Netbooks : Optimizing Product Assembly 3. Unsafe for Children: Mattel s Toy Recalls and Supply Chain Management 4. BMW Of North America: Dream It. Build It. Drive It. 5. Crocs: Revolutionizing an Industry s Supply Chain Model for Competitive Advantage 6. Half a Century of Supply Chain Management at Wal-Mart Guest lecturers will be in attendance throughout the course and will be discussing various events on Supply Chain related practices in industry. Grading Breakdown Class Participation and Discussion 25% Case Study Assignments (5 * 7%) 35% Mid Term Exam 15% Final Exam Project 25% 100% Academic Honesty and Submission Policies All students, including those in study abroad programs, are responsible for knowing and adhering to Harvard Summer School policies and procedures (http://www.summer.harvard.edu/exams-grades-policies/student-responsibilities#integ and available in the 2013 Student Handbook). Plagiarism is the theft of someone else s ideas and work. It is the incorporation of facts, ideas, or specific language that are not common knowledge, are taken from another source, and are not properly cited.
Whether you copy verbatim or simply rephrase the ideas of another without properly acknowledging the source, the theft is the same. A computer program written as part of your academic work is, like a paper, expected to be your original work and subject to the same standards of representation. In the preparation of work submitted to meet course, program, or school requirements whether a draft or a final version of a paper, project, take-home exam, computer program, placement exams, application essay, oral presentation, or other work you must take great care to distinguish your own ideas and language from information derived from sources. Sources include published and unpublished primary and secondary materials, the Internet, and information and opinions of other people. You are expected to follow the standards of proper citation and to avoid plagiarism. Two sources, prepared by the Harvard College Writing Program, are available for reference: the Harvard Guide to Using Sources and Writing with Internet Sources: A Guide for Harvard Students. There also are online tutorials, tips for avoiding Plagiarism, and other helpful information in Resources to Support Academic Integrity. Please consult these resources throughout the summer to ensure you meet the appropriate standards. All assignment and exam submissions are to be turned in by 11:59PM on the due date by email (zphiroz@fas.harvard.edu). Late assignments and exam submissions will be subject to a penalty of 25% per day. Exceptions will be considered should extenuating circumstances exist.