MITx: Supply Chain Fundamentals course Syllabus

Overview: This course offers a rigorous and practical introduction to supply chain strategy and operations from MIT, designed for learners seeking a structured, analytical understanding of global supply chains. The curriculum covers core concepts in supply chain design, forecasting, inventory, and network optimization using real-world case studies. With a total time commitment of approximately 12–20 weeks at 6–8 hours per week, this course is ideal for engineers, business professionals, and aspiring operations managers aiming to build foundational expertise in supply chain management.

Module 1: Introduction to Supply Chain Systems

Estimated time: 24 hours

• Structure and components of supply chains
• Roles of suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and customers
• Flows of materials, information, and finances
• Key supply chain performance metrics

Module 2: Demand Forecasting and Planning

Estimated time: 32 hours

• Quantitative forecasting techniques
• Understanding demand uncertainty and variability
• Impact of forecasting accuracy on inventory levels
• Service level implications of forecast errors

Module 3: Inventory Management and Optimization

Estimated time: 32 hours

• Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) models
• Safety stock calculations
• Risk pooling strategies
• Trade-offs between holding costs and stockouts

Module 4: Network Design and Transportation

Estimated time: 24 hours

• Strategic facility location decisions
• Impact of network design on cost and service
• Transportation modes and cost structures
• Optimization techniques for global supply chains

Module 5: Managing Supply Chain Disruptions and Global Challenges

Estimated time: 16 hours

• Case studies on supply chain disruptions
• Operational trade-offs in global supply chains
• Strategic responses to globalization challenges

Module 6: Final Project

Estimated time: 16 hours

• Design a supply chain network for a real-world scenario
• Apply forecasting and inventory optimization techniques
• Present strategic recommendations based on analytical models

Prerequisites

• Basic understanding of business operations
• Comfort with quantitative analysis and algebra
• Familiarity with spreadsheet software (e.g., Excel)

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Analyze and design efficient supply chain networks
• Apply forecasting methods to improve demand planning
• Optimize inventory levels using analytical models
• Evaluate trade-offs between cost, service, and risk
• Develop strategic responses to global supply chain challenges