MITx: Supply Chain Dynamics course Syllabus

This course explores the dynamic behavior of supply chains, focusing on system-wide forces that drive instability and inefficiency. Through a blend of theory, modeling, and real-world case studies, learners will understand how decisions, delays, and variability impact performance over time. The curriculum emphasizes feedback loops, demand amplification, inventory policies, and strategies for building resilient systems. With a total time commitment of approximately 12–20 weeks and 6–10 hours per week, this course is designed for professionals seeking analytical depth in supply chain management.

Module 1: Introduction to System Dynamics in Supply Chains

Estimated time: 30 hours

• Understanding dynamic systems and their behavior over time
• Identifying feedback loops in supply chain networks
• Recognizing the role of time delays in system performance
• Introduction to system dynamics modeling concepts

Module 2: The Bullwhip Effect and Demand Amplification

Estimated time: 40 hours

• Analyzing how small demand changes amplify upstream
• Studying forecasting errors as a driver of demand distortion
• Examining batch ordering and its impact on variability
• Strategies to reduce demand signal distortion

Module 3: Inventory Policies and Decision Behavior

Estimated time: 40 hours

• Evaluating order-up-to inventory policies
• Assessing safety stock strategies under uncertainty
• Understanding the effects of lead times and production delays
• Identifying behavioral biases in operational decisions

Module 4: Building Stable and Resilient Systems

Estimated time: 30 hours

• Designing coordination mechanisms across supply chain partners
• Implementing information sharing to reduce volatility
• Applying system dynamics models to improve stability

Module 5: Case Studies in Supply Chain Dynamics

Estimated time: 20 hours

• Reviewing real-world examples of supply chain instability
• Analyzing operational inefficiencies from coordination failures
• Diagnosing root causes of forecasting errors and delays

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 20 hours

• Construct a system dynamics model of a supply chain
• Analyze sources of instability and propose mitigation strategies
• Present findings with recommendations for improved resilience

Prerequisites

• Familiarity with basic supply chain concepts
• Comfort with analytical and conceptual modeling
• Basic understanding of business operations

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Explain how feedback loops and delays drive supply chain instability
• Identify and mitigate causes of the bullwhip effect
• Evaluate inventory and ordering policies for systemic impact
• Apply system dynamics thinking to real-world supply chains
• Design strategies for more stable and resilient supply networks