Supply Chain Management for Engineers

Originally taught mainly in business schools, supply chain management has become a common elective and graduate course in engineering colleges. The increasing demand for engineers with supply chain knowledge has fed this shift. However, supply chain management textbooks that have a reasonable coverage of quantitative analysis techniques are few and far between. Concise, straightforward, and easy-to-read, Supply Chain Management for Engineers uses practical problems to introduce key concepts and cultivate students’ problem-solving skills.

Helping students hone their analytical skills and develop the ability to solve real-world problems, the book:

• Includes a simulation game for practicing supply chain management skills
• Covers the use of practical software tools including Gurobi Optimizer and Microsoft EXCEL
• Facilitates the use of problem-based learning (PBL) pedagogy
• Provides a theoretical framework for supply chain design and supplier selection

Focusing on quantitative aspects, this book uses example problems to introduce key concepts and case studies to strengthen students’ analysis and synthesis skills. In addition to exercises, this book also provides several problems that are relatively complicated and can be used as mini projects that link theoretical concepts to practical problem solving. It also presents a simulation game where students can play the roles of suppliers, OEMs, and retailers within a supply chain environment to practice the skills they acquire. It also stresses the importance of integrating engineering optimization techniques with business strategic thinking. These features and more give students the supply chain knowledge and problem-solving skills increasingly required for engineers entering the work force.

Table of Contents

Designing and Engineering the Supply Chain for Competitive Advantage
Overview
Supply Chain Types
Supply Chain Design
Supply Chain Process Model
Supply Chain Drivers
Problem: Dr. Smart’s Supply Chain Strategy
References

Understanding Customer Demand: Forecasting
Overview
Time Series Forecasting
Error Analysis
Case Studies
Problem: Oriental Trading Company
Exercises
References

Matching Supply with Demand: Aggregate Planning
Overview
Elements of Aggregate Planning
Aggregate Planning Strategies
Linear Programming Approach to Aggregate Planning
Case Studies
Problem: Plastic Bottle Inc
Exercises
References

Satisfying Customer Demand: Inventory Management
Overview
Economic Order Quantity
Safety Inventory
Optimal Product Availability
Case Studies
Problem: Business Attire Store
Exercises
References

Moving Products across Supply Chain: Distribution Network Design and Transportation Decision Making
Overview
Frameworks for Distribution Network Design and Transportation Decision Making
Distribution Network Design Models
Transportation Decision Making
Case Studies
Problem: Dragon Furniture Enterprise
Exercises
References

Supplier Selection Methodology
Overview
Supplier Performance Measures
Supplier Selection Methods
Contracts to Increase Supply Chain Profitability
State of the Art in Supplier Selection
References

Supply Chain Simulation Game
Overview
Sales Contract and Aggregate Plan
Simulation and Profit Analysis
Notes for Using the Simulation Game
Index

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