Supply Chain Management

1. Inventory Management
   1. Inventory Types and Classification
      1. Raw materials
         1. Definition and importance
         2. Sourcing strategies
      2. Work-in-progress (WIP)
         1. Balancing efficiency and flow
         2. Tracking and management techniques
      3. Finished goods
         1. Storage strategies
         2. Market demand alignment
      4. Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO)
         1. Criticality and availability
         2. Cost control measures
      5. Consignment inventory
         1. Vendor-managed inventory systems
         2. Financial implications
      6. Cycle inventory
         1. Replenishment techniques
         2. Lead time considerations
   2. Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)
      1. EOQ formula and assumptions
         1. Variables involved
         2. Cost trade-offs
      2. Benefits and limitations
         1. Cost minimization
         2. Assumption constraints
      3. Real-world application examples
         1. Industry-specific scenarios
   3. Just-In-Time (JIT) Inventory
      1. Core principles of JIT
         1. Reducing waste
         2. Improving efficiency
      2. Implementation challenges
         1. Supplier reliability
         2. Lead time management
      3. Benefits of JIT
         1. Reduced holding costs
         2. Enhanced flexibility to demand changes
   4. ABC Analysis
      1. Purpose and methodology
         1. Categorization criteria
         2. Inventory significance assessment
      2. Implementation steps
         1. Data collection and analysis
         2. Policy development for each category
      3. Benefits of ABC analysis
         1. Focused inventory control
         2. Resource optimization
   5. Safety Stock Management
      1. Purpose and importance
         1. Demand variability
         2. Buffer against uncertainties
      2. Calculation techniques
         1. Statistical methods
         2. Service level and demand factors
      3. Strategies for optimization
         1. Demand forecasting improvements
         2. Risk assessment and mitigation
   6. Inventory Control Systems
      1. Perpetual systems
         1. Technology integration
         2. Real-time tracking
      2. Periodic systems
         1. Counting frequency
         2. Manual vs. automated methods
      3. Inventory audits
         1. Accuracy checks
         2. Reconciliation processes
   7. Inventory Turnover Ratios
      1. Calculation and significance
         1. Ratio interpretation
         2. Industry benchmarks
      2. Improving inventory turnover
         1. Reducing excess inventory
         2. Streamlining supply chain processes
   8. Demand Forecasting
      1. Methods of forecasting
         1. Qualitative techniques
         2. Quantitative models
      2. Challenges in forecasting
         1. Seasonal variations
         2. Erratic demand patterns
      3. Technology in forecasting
         1. AI and machine learning applications
         2. Integration with other systems
   9. Inventory Costing Methods
      1. First In First Out (FIFO)
         1. When to apply
         2. Financial impact
      2. Last In First Out (LIFO)
         1. Tax implications
         2. Industry usage
      3. Weighted average cost
         1. Advantages and limitations
         2. Applicability across industries
   10. Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI)
       1. Definition and benefits
          1. Reduced administrative overhead
          2. Enhanced collaboration
       2. Implementation strategies
          1. Setting clear guidelines
          2. Data sharing protocols
   11. Inventory Optimization Tools
       1. Software solutions
          1. Features to consider
          2. Integration capabilities
       2. Analytical models
          1. Linear programming
          2. Simulation modeling
   12. Role of Inventory in Overall Supply Chain
       1. Inventory positioning strategies
          1. Centralized vs. decentralized
          2. Regional considerations
       2. Aligning inventory with business goals
          1. Cost-effectiveness
          2. Customer satisfaction