Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the strategic oversight of the end-to-end flow of goods, information, and finances required to move a product or service from its origin to the final customer. It encompasses the integrated planning and execution of processes including sourcing, procurement, manufacturing, logistics, and inventory management across a network of suppliers, producers, and distributors. The primary goal of SCM is to create a highly efficient and responsive network that synchronizes supply with demand, thereby minimizing costs, maximizing customer value, and securing a sustainable competitive advantage in the marketplace.

1. Introduction to Supply Chain Management
   1. Defining Supply Chain Management
      1. Definition and Scope
      2. Key Terminology
      3. Importance in Modern Business
      4. Economic Impact
   2. Core Components of a Supply Chain
      1. Suppliers
         1. Types of Suppliers
            1. Raw Material Suppliers
            2. Component Suppliers
            3. Service Providers
         2. Supplier Roles and Responsibilities
         3. Supplier Tiers
      2. Manufacturers
         1. Manufacturing Processes
         2. Role in Value Creation
         3. Production Strategies
      3. Distributors
         1. Distribution Channels
         2. Functions of Distributors
         3. Wholesale Operations
      4. Retailers
         1. Retail Formats
         2. Retailer Functions
         3. E-commerce Platforms
      5. Customers
         1. Types of Customers
            1. End Consumers
            2. Business Customers
            3. Government Entities
         2. Customer Expectations
         3. Customer Segmentation
   3. Supply Chain Flows
      1. Physical Flow of Goods
         1. Material Movement
         2. Handling and Storage
      2. Information Flow
         1. Data Types
         2. Communication Systems
         3. Real-Time Information
      3. Financial Flow
         1. Payment Systems
         2. Credit Terms
         3. Financial Risk
      4. Integration of Flows
   4. Evolution of Supply Chain Management
      1. Early Logistics and Distribution
      2. From Logistics to Integrated SCM
      3. Technological Advancements in SCM
      4. Globalization and SCM
      5. Digital Era Developments
   5. Goals and Objectives of SCM
      1. Cost Minimization
         1. Reducing Operational Costs
         2. Streamlining Processes
         3. Economies of Scale
      2. Customer Value Maximization
         1. Enhancing Service Levels
         2. Customization and Responsiveness
         3. Quality Improvement
      3. Achieving Competitive Advantage
         1. Differentiation through SCM
         2. Speed and Flexibility
         3. Innovation Capabilities
   6. Key Concepts and Terminology
      1. Value Chain
         1. Primary Activities
         2. Support Activities
         3. Value Creation Process
      2. Supply Chain vs Logistics
         1. Definitions and Differences
         2. Overlapping Functions
         3. Scope Comparison
      3. Upstream vs Downstream
         1. Upstream Activities
         2. Downstream Activities
         3. Flow Direction