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363-0453-00L 3 Credits BSC , MSC , NDS D-HEST , D-MTEC
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Strategic Supply Chain Management

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Stephan Wagner
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:31:16

Abstract

The course offers an introduction to the theory and practice of supply chain management. Students will learn how to develop supply chain strategies and supply chain networks based on firms competitive strategies and marketing priorities.

Objective

After completing this course: 1. Students can explain the importance of supply chain management for a firm’s strategy and success 2. Students are able to apply the tools and methods used to optimize a supply chain structure 3. Students can differentiate supply chain network designs and their applicability in specific company and sector settings 4. Students can describe and evaluate fundamental logistics and supply chain concepts 5. Students are able to explain elements of a supply chain structure and their importance for supply chain strategy 6. Students are familiar with current developments and trends in supply chain practices

Content

Modern supply chains are not only essential to ensure functioning logistics but also help firms develop and maintain competitive advantage in globalized (supply) markets with numerous partners and competitors. While taking into account future opportunities and risks, effective supply chains ought to be aligned with and support the achievement of the firm's corporate, business and product strategies. This course will familiarize students with modern supply chain management theory and practice to develop and manage supply chains. Starting with the corporate strategy, firms align their supply chain strategy. They have to manage trade-offs, such as efficiency and responsiveness. Understanding a supply chain’s role within a firm and the implications of supply chain strategies for firm performance are the foundations of the course. Building on the foundations, students get familiarized with the development of a supportive supply chain structure. This structure is in its core made up by logistical elements, such as facilities, inventory management and transportation. At the same time, supply chain management is inevitably cross-functional. As such, information and information infrastructure, sourcing decisions and pricing are further drivers to define a supply chain structure. Students will learn important elements in supply chain structure, including for example forecasting methods and network design modeling and optimization. Case study assignments and practical exercises within lectures allow students to gain hands-on experience and enhance their knowledge. The wide range of topics involved in supply chain management makes the field very open to innovation and further development. In the course of the lecture, students have the chance to learn and discuss both overall trends and practical insights on development. The course furthermore encourages student involvement within lectures, in exchange with peers and with guest speakers. Case study assignments and tools for self-assessment help students to learn actively and continuously throughout the course.

Resources

Lecture Notes

The course material will be made available for download on Moodle:https://moodle-app2.let.ethz.ch/course/view.php?id=23650All organizational matters will be handled by the teaching assistant Yan Zou ([email protected]). Please use the SSCM Class Forum on Moodle as a first point of contact.

Literature

The following textbook is recommended: Chopra, Sunil (2019): Supply chain management: Strategy, planning, and operation, 7th ed., New York: Pearson. The following textbook is supplementary: Hopp, Wallace J. (2008): Supply chain science, New York: McGraw-Hill/Irwin

General Information

Language
English
Levels
BSC , MSC , NDS
Frequency
Yearly recurring

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
written 60 minutes
Aids
None
The final course grade will be a weighted average of the following:1. Exam (end-of-semester examination) 70%, written exam (closed-book).2. Two (2) case studies 30% (compulsory continuous performance).• The case studies (compulsory continuous performance assessment tasks) need not be passed on their own.• Case studies are spread throughout the semester. Further details on due dates, submission and grading are provided within the course.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Strategic Supply Chain Management
  • Wed 08:15-10:00 (HG E 1.1)
2 h weekly

Offered In