Introductory ideas on Supply Chain Management

The following is a list of items for introductory discussion on Supply Chain Management (SCM):

1. What is Supply Chain Management (SCM) and why SCM?
• "A set of approaches utilized to efficiently integrate suppliers, manufacturers, warehouses, and stores, so that merchandise is produced and distributed at the right quantities, to the right locations, and at the right time, in order to minimize systemwide costs while satisfying service level requirements."
• Main concerns: (i) consider every facility, (ii) to be efficient  and cost-effective across the entire system, and (iii) encompasses the firm's activities at many levels.
2. On the notion of Global Optimization
• The supply chain (SC) is a complex and dynamic network
• Different SC facilities have different objectives
3. The concern of uncertainty management
• Key considerations: match supply and demand; limitations of forecasting; multiple sources of uncertainty
4. Key issues in SCM
• Distribution network configuration
• Inventory control
• Supply contracts
• Distribution strategies
• Supply chain integration and strategic partnering
• Outsourcing and procurement strategies
• Product Design
• SCM information systems
• Customer value focus

References

1. Semchi-Levi, D., Kaminsky, P. and Simchi-Levi, E. (2003) Designing & Managing the Supply Chain, McGraw-Hill [Chapter 1: Introduction to Supply Chain Management]
2. What is supply chain management (video): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi1QBxVjZAw&feature=relmfu