Module Overview

Increased competition, rapid changes in technology and the growth in sustainable development have sharpened the focus on the need for companies to develop and implement robust competitive strategies. Supply chain design and configuration are determinant factors in businesses’ success and sustained competitive advantage. This module looks at the “state-of-the-art” in simulation and business process modelling capabilities and how they can innovate supply chains, from marketing to sourcing.  We will look at every type of disruptive and transformational modelling techniques in an end-to-end supply chain, at operational, tactical and strategic levels. This includes workflow analysis, business process modelling, discrete event simulation and system dynamic modelling. We will evaluate what makes them work, learn to question the assumptions behind the model formulation, learn to appreciate and comprehend the data that drives them, and consider the trade-offs decision makers have to make when using them.

Companies from Walmart to Amazon have succeeded by not only using the right analytical tools - but by knowing which questions to ask with their models, and how to make the right decisions at the right time. These supply chain leaders also understand that the key to success is not just using analytics to solve individual problems, but to have a connected, business process-oriented supply chain.

We will look at how leading organizations use simulation and business process modelling to meet their strategic objectives, provide value to the business, and make decisions. The module will heavily focus on simulation study development and industry best practices. An integrative approach to technology is critical if technology is going to drive supply chains that are efficient, effective, and that provide a sustainable competitive advantage.