Supply Chain Management

SCM 4351

Strategic Source and Spend Analysis

Advanced Sourcing Management

Course Overview

SCM 4351 is an advanced course focused on the strategic, analytical, and technological dimensions of sourcing and procurement. Building on foundational sourcing principles, this course equips students with the tools and frameworks to lead enterprise-level sourcing initiatives, optimize supplier portfolios, and drive cost and value improvements across global supply chains. Students will learn to apply spend analysis, supplier rationalization, and contract strategy to solve complex sourcing challenges in both direct and indirect procurement environments.

Course Purpose

As organizations seek to build more resilient, cost-effective, and sustainable supply chains, strategic sourcing has become a critical capability. This course prepares students to lead sourcing transformation initiatives by leveraging data analytics, supplier performance metrics, and sourcing dashboards to inform decision-making. Students will explore how to align sourcing strategies with broader business goals, manage supplier diversity and risk, and create value through collaborative supplier relationships.

SCM 4351 emphasizes advanced analytical modeling, strategic decision-making, and real-world application through competitive case-based learning. It is ideal for students pursuing careers in sourcing, procurement analytics, supply chain consulting, or supplier relationship management.

Learning Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Conduct comprehensive spend analysis and identify cost-saving opportunities
• Evaluate sourcing strategies using total cost of ownership and risk-based frameworks
• Apply supplier rationalization and enrichment techniques to optimize supplier portfolios
• Design and manage sourcing dashboards to monitor performance and compliance
• Develop and negotiate sourcing contracts aligned with business objectives
• Analyze sourcing complexity across global and regional markets
• Lead cross-functional sourcing initiatives and stakeholder engagement
• Integrate supplier diversity and sustainability into sourcing strategies
• Use data analytics tools to support sourcing decisions and performance tracking
• Present sourcing recommendations to executive stakeholders using data-driven insights

Topics Covered

• Strategic Sourcing Frameworks and Lifecycle
• Spend Analysis and Total Cost Modeling
• Supplier Segmentation and Rationalization
• Direct vs. Indirect Sourcing Strategies
• Global Sourcing and Geopolitical Risk
• Contract Development and Negotiation
• Sourcing Dashboards and Performance Metrics
• Supplier Diversity and ESG Considerations
• Optimization Models for Sourcing Decisions
• Collaborative Supplier Relationship Management

Experiential Learning & Course Pedagogy

A signature feature of SCM 4351 is the Strategic Sourcing Case Competition, held each semester in partnership with Bauer’s corporate sponsors. Students work in teams to solve real-world sourcing challenges using actual corporate data and systems. Top-performing teams present their recommendations to executives at company headquarters — often leading to internship, co-op, and full-time job opportunities.

Additional experiential components include:

• Hands-on use of sourcing analytics tools and dashboards
• Executive guest lectures from sourcing and procurement leaders
• Peer and faculty feedback on sourcing strategy presentations
• Case studies and simulations reflecting current industry challenges

Course Format & Assessment

Students are provided with course notes, case materials, and access to sourcing analytics tools. Grades are typically based on:

• Performance in the Strategic Sourcing Case Competition
• Two exams assessing strategic and analytical sourcing knowledge
• Participation in applied sourcing exercises and team collaboration