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Module SCM102: Supply Chain Strategies I: Aligning Strategies; Efficiency and Cost Savings
Companies today are often presented with a myriad of supply chain strategies. How can you learn more about these strategies and decide which ones will help you the most? Are you operating the most appropriate type of supply chain? Are you spending time and money on strategies that aren't providing the maximum benefit? This is the first of two modules on Supply Chain Strategies designed to help you answer these questions. You will begin by looking at product and supply chain characteristics and learning a framework for aligning the right strategies for your needs; you'll then learn strategies to improve efficiency and reduce costs. You will play a version of the classic "Beer Game" simulation used by business schools and executive training programs. Through the simulation you will see firsthand the causes of the Bullwhip Effect, which leads to major supply chain inefficiencies, including unpredictable lead times, stockouts, mistrust between supply chain partners, and higher manufacturing and transportation costs. Once you have covered the causes of these problems, you will learn the best strategies to mitigate or remove them. This module will help you understand what type of supply chain you should be targeting, a critical first step in any supply chain initiative because putting teams to work on the wrong initiatives can cost you valuable time and money. Moreover, even within your company, several different types of supply chains may be called for; having a complete understanding of a wide range of strategies is just as important. Whether you run your supply chain initiatives in-house or hire outside professionals, you will find yourself better able to understand the appropriate steps to be taken. In some cases responsiveness is more important than efficiency. Part II of this series, "SCM103: Supply Chain Strategies II: Responsiveness & Advanced Topics (preview)," covers ways to improve supply chain responsiveness, along with several advanced/emerging topics that apply to a wide range of scenarios. 
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