Supply Chain Management

SCM 3301

Supply Chain Management Fundamentals

Managing Value Chains

Course Overview

SCM 3301 introduces students to the strategic and operational principles that drive modern supply chains. As the foundational course in the Supply Chain Management curriculum, it is required for all Bauer students — regardless of major — because supply chain thinking is essential to every business discipline. This course equips students with the core concepts, terminology, and frameworks that underpin global supply chain operations, while also providing a gateway for those considering Supply Chain Management as a major or career path.

Course Purpose

This course explores how organizations plan, source, make, deliver, and return products and services in a global, technology-enabled, and customer-driven environment. Students will examine how supply chain functions intersect with marketing, finance, accounting, engineering, information systems, and general management to create value and competitive advantage. Emphasis is placed on the integration of business functions, the role of data and analytics, and the importance of agility, sustainability, and strategic alignment in today’s supply chains.

Topics include:

• Supply Chain Strategy and Customer Value
• Forecasting and Demand Planning
• Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
• Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management
• Process Design and Scheduling
• Project Management and Performance Metrics
• Inventory Management and Lean Principles
• Transportation, Logistics, and Global Trade
• Technology Enablement and Analytics Foundations
• Financial and Operational Trade-offs in Supply Chain Decisions

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

• Define Supply Chain Management and explain its strategic role in creating customer value and competitive advantage.
• Describe the end-to-end supply chain, including the core functions of planning, sourcing, making, delivering, and returning products and services.
• Understand the integration of supply chain functions with other business areas such as marketing, finance, accounting, engineering, and information systems.
• Explain key supply chain strategies, including customer segmentation, order qualifiers/winners, strategic alignment, and core competencies.
• Apply qualitative and quantitative forecasting techniques and assess forecast accuracy.
• Understand the role of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) in balancing supply and demand and aligning operational plans with business strategy.
• Analyze sourcing strategies, supplier selection, and supplier relationship management.
• Evaluate procurement processes, including spend analysis, contract management, and ethical sourcing.
• Describe manufacturing and production strategies, including process selection, scheduling, and capacity planning.
• Apply project management principles, including work breakdown structures, Gantt charts, and critical path analysis.
• Understand the role of process analysis and continuous improvement, including Lean, Six Sigma, and process mapping.
• Explain the functions and types of inventory, and apply models such as EOQ, safety stock, and reorder points.
• Assess the impact of inventory decisions on service levels, working capital, and supply chain performance.
• Describe logistics and distribution strategies, including transportation modes, warehousing, and last-mile delivery.
• Understand the role of global logistics, trade regulations, and international sourcing.
• Recognize the importance of sustainability and risk management in modern supply chains.
• Identify the role of technology and analytics, including ERP systems, supply chain visibility tools, and performance dashboards.
• Explore career paths in supply chain management, including roles in planning, sourcing, logistics, operations, consulting, and analytics.

Experiential Learning & Industry Engagement

SCM 3301 emphasizes applied learning and industry relevance. Students will:

• Engage with guest speakers from leading companies and UH alumni in supply chain roles.
• Participate in networking sessions and mentorship opportunities with industry professionals.
• Explore real-world case studies and simulations that reflect current supply chain challenges.
• Gain exposure to career pathways through the Supply Chain Student Organization (SPO) and Bauer’s Rockwell Career Center.

Course Format & Assessment

Students will receive a blend of lecture content, textbook resources, and extensive practice problems. Assessment is based on a series of cumulative quizzes and three progressively weighted exams designed to reinforce learning and application.