Foundations of Global Supply Chain Management

Ever wonder how products travel across the globe to reach your doorstep? Understanding the complex network of global supply chains is more critical than ever for business success and career growth. This course provides a comprehensive, text-based introduction to the principles of modern supply chain management. You will move from foundational concepts to practical applications, learning how to analyze and improve the flow of goods, services, and information. By the end, you'll have the vocabulary and mental models to think strategically about procurement, logistics, and operations on a global scale. What you'll learn: - Understand the core components of a supply chain, from sourcing raw materials to final delivery. - Learn key principles of logistics, including transportation, warehousing, and inventory management. - Explore the challenges and strategies specific to managing international trade and global sourcing. - Apply concepts of lean management to improve efficiency and reduce operational waste. - Grasp the fundamentals of supply chain risk management and building resilient operations. - Recognize the growing importance of sustainability and ethical practices in procurement. The course begins with essential terminology and the basic functions of a supply chain, then progressively builds on these concepts with strategic frameworks and written exercises. This course is designed for absolute beginners. No prior experience in logistics, business, or supply chain management is required to get started. Begin reading today to understand the backbone of global commerce.