DALMINE
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
At the end of the course, the student has an extensive overview of the main topics that compose the typical knowledge of a supply chain manager: from demand planning to the configuration of the supply chain, from inventory management to the analysis of operational risks (supply chain risk management).
The course provides both theoretical notions and practical insights allowing the student to understand how real supply chains operate.
The student learns the specific language used in the supply chain field, which enables him to communicate appropriately in the workplace.
During the course, some seminars - held by managers and business representatives - are organized in order to offer students opportunities for discussion and contextualization of what learned in class. Further communication on this point will follow during the course.
The course contributes to the educational objectives of the course of study related to the technological-industrial area, in particular with reference to the design and management of production, logistics and distribution systems.
The course is taught in italian.
Course Prerequisites
Teaching Methods
The course contents are discussed in lectures, case and articles discussions, and games (48 hours), with particular attention to the interaction with the students who have the opportunity to formulate questions and propose topics for further discussion.
Lectures aim to introduce and discuss the methods and the principles of management outlined in the objectives of the course. During the course, industrial seminars are usually organized, depending upon the availability of the companies. Further communications on this point will follow during the course.
The course material consists mainly of the slides available on the course page on the University website. Such slides are complemented with further readings from the recommended books in the bibliography. The slides serve as a support to the classroom discussion: therefore, during the discussion in the classroom, further details not present on the slides may be provided. The password to access the material published on the course web page is communicated during the first lecture of the course. If unable to attend the first lesson, please contact the professor by e-mail.
Assessment Methods
Verification of learning is through a final written examination lasting about 1 hour, related to the course syllabus. Questions are of two types: closed-ended theory questions (multiple choice) oriented to test the student's learning of theoretical concepts and their basic application; open-ended questions, oriented to test the student's acquisition of critical analysis and synthesis skills. There is no oral test.
In the correction of the open-ended questions, completeness, ability to synthesize, and possible connection with real situations or cases illustrated in the course are taken into account.
In its standard formulation, the exam consists of 25 multiple-choice questions and two open-ended questions. Question scores range from 1 for multiple-choice questions to 3 for open-ended questions. To pass the exam, at least 60 percent of the available marks must be obtained by answering at least one open-ended question correctly. The number of questions in the specific exam session may deviate slightly from what is indicated depending on the degree of difficulty of the questions. Exam results are posted on the student counter.
According to possibility and availability, a pre-test is organized just before the break for the holiday season. Further communication will be provided during the course. Examination procedures are the same for both attending and non-attending students.
Contents
1. Introduction, definitions, and basic concepts
- Supply chain and supply chain management (SCM). Supply chain characteristics and configurations.
- Main processes in SCM.
- Components and roles in the supply chain (customers and suppliers), relationships, and coordination. SCM and logistics.
- Key decisions in SCM. Supply chain drivers.
2. Supply chain management strategies
- Pull and push strategies. Decoupling point in supply chain and postponement strategies.
- Supply chain strategies and strategic "fit."
3. Collaboration and coordination
- Collaboration and coordination in the supply chain. Supply chain dynamics.
- The bullwhip effect.
- Coordination mechanisms. Risk-sharing contracts (buyback contract, revenue sharing contract, real option contract).
- The vendor-managed inventory (VMI).
- The postponement.
4. Demand management
- Balancing supply and demand. The S&OP process.
- Demand management and demand intervention logic. Promotions and coordination contracts.
5. Supply chain design
- Configuration of the logistics network.
- Transportation systems.
6. Inventory management in the supply chain
- Newsvendor model.
- Multi-site management. Localization of stocks. Determination of safety stocks.
- Stock pooling in the supply chain.
7. Analysis and management of risks in the supply chain
- Definition and classification of risk.
- Identification and analysis of risks.
- Methods of management and mitigation.
8. The Digital Supply Chain
- Digital technologies and AI in managing the supply chain
Online Resources
More information
Non-attending students are however invited to contact the professor to evaluate any supplementary materials.