course outline
possible that pedagogical elements be added/dropped.
NOTE: The nature and scope of the course is expected to evolve over the duration of the course. It is course objective
To enable students understand the complex decision making that goes into supply chain management at a global level.
course pedagogy
The key pedagogical tools used during the course would include in-class discussions, case analysis, term paper presentations and business simulation exercises.
evaluation scheme
Mid Term – 20 %
End Term – 30 %
Class exercises – 30 %
Group term paper and presentations – 20 %
End Term – 30 %
Class exercises – 30 %
Group term paper and presentations – 20 %
Course content
Module 1: Sessions 1-8: Global procurement: Why and how?
Supply Chain Management – Recap
Motivations for global sourcing
The road to global sourcing
Global sourcing excellence
Logistics network design for global procurement: HP case
Cost modelling for global procurement: Whirlpool Corporation Case
Buyer supplier relationships
Module 2: Sessions 9-11: Challenges and complexities of global procurement
Supply Chain disruptions
Ethical issues in global procurement: Levi Strauss Case
Currency Risk
Legal issues
Module 3: Sessions 12-15
Contract Negotiation and Management
Module 4: Sessions 16-20
Global supply chain management simulation - subject to approval
Term paper presentations
Course Wrap up
Supply Chain Management – Recap
Motivations for global sourcing
The road to global sourcing
Global sourcing excellence
Logistics network design for global procurement: HP case
Cost modelling for global procurement: Whirlpool Corporation Case
Buyer supplier relationships
Module 2: Sessions 9-11: Challenges and complexities of global procurement
Supply Chain disruptions
Ethical issues in global procurement: Levi Strauss Case
Currency Risk
Legal issues
Module 3: Sessions 12-15
Contract Negotiation and Management
Module 4: Sessions 16-20
Global supply chain management simulation - subject to approval
Term paper presentations
Course Wrap up
group term paper
- Students should form 3 groups of 5 and 3 groups of 4. Groups have to be finalized and made available to the instructor by October 1st
- Following are the proposed topics for term
- The emergence of Re-shoring and Near-shoring
- Importing to India: Procedural, legal and policy level issues
- Exporting from India: Procedural, legal and policy level issues
- China: the factory of the world: The rise of the manufacturing superpower.
- Political and Economic alliances and their impact of supply chain practices
- The road to global procurement: company-specific or industry-specific case study
- If a group wants to choose a topic that is not in the list of topics provided by the instructor, they can do so in consultation with the instructor
- Submission would include a presentation to be made in presence of the class and a report to be submitted to the instructor.
- The class presentation would be held during the last two sessions of the course to be held on 26th and 28th November 2014. Each group would have 20 minutes to present their term paper followed by upto 10 minutes for Q&A.
- Based on feedback during the presentation, a final term paper report is to be submitted no later than December 20th 2014.
Instructor's diary
26th September 2014
After intros, we proceeded to discuss the expectations from the course. It was decided that the students would write to me about any specific issues that they want to be covered as a part of the course.
Further, we started with a discussion on how products have become increasingly globalized. Then we moved on to the basic definitions of supply chains and discussed the role of supply chain management in a firm. We ended with a definition of global supply chain management.
Sources used
After intros, we proceeded to discuss the expectations from the course. It was decided that the students would write to me about any specific issues that they want to be covered as a part of the course.
Further, we started with a discussion on how products have become increasingly globalized. Then we moved on to the basic definitions of supply chains and discussed the role of supply chain management in a firm. We ended with a definition of global supply chain management.
Sources used
- Drake, Matt. "Chapter 1: What is Supply Chain Management?." Global Supply Chain Management. New York, NY: Business Expert Press, 2012. - Included in course pack
- Roos, Dave. Does hybrid car production waste offset hybrid benefits?" 06 December 2010. HowStuffWorks.com. URL link
Session 1.pdf |
29th September 2014
In today's session, we began with an in-class exercise on the three aspects of going global: Global sourcing, global production and global distribution. This was followed by the global sourcing process and characteristics of a world class global sourcing practice.
Further, it was also discussed that the deadline for group formation and term paper topics floating would be advanced to 1st of October instead of 11th October.
The class was also briefed about the course website.
Sources used:
In today's session, we began with an in-class exercise on the three aspects of going global: Global sourcing, global production and global distribution. This was followed by the global sourcing process and characteristics of a world class global sourcing practice.
Further, it was also discussed that the deadline for group formation and term paper topics floating would be advanced to 1st of October instead of 11th October.
The class was also briefed about the course website.
Sources used:
- Prater, Edmund, and Kim Whitehead. "Chapter 2: The Global Stage." An Introduction to Supply Chain Management: A Global Supply Chain Support Perspective. New York, NY: Business Expert Press, 2013. - included in course pack
- Trent, R. J., & Monczka, R. M. (2002). Pursuing competitive advantage through integrated global sourcing. The Academy of Management Executive, 16(2), 66-80.
- Trent, R. J., & Monczka, R. M. (2005). Achieving excellence in global sourcing. MIT Sloan Management Review, 47(1), 24.
Session 2.pdf |
1st October 2014
In class today, we began with the discussion on the Hewlett-packard deskjet printer supply chain which motivated the discussion for postponement. We also discussed inbound Modularization and outbound Postponement as supply chain structures and their implications on supply chain performance.
The class ended with discussion on the term paper topics. The term paper groups have been formed and the group topic allocation is set to be done by this weekend.
There is some discussion on facility network design that could not be covered in this class and would be covered in the next class.
Sources used
In class today, we began with the discussion on the Hewlett-packard deskjet printer supply chain which motivated the discussion for postponement. We also discussed inbound Modularization and outbound Postponement as supply chain structures and their implications on supply chain performance.
The class ended with discussion on the term paper topics. The term paper groups have been formed and the group topic allocation is set to be done by this weekend.
There is some discussion on facility network design that could not be covered in this class and would be covered in the next class.
Sources used
- Kopczak, Laura Rock and Hau Lee. (2001), Hewlett-Packard Company DeskJet Supply Chain (A), Stanford Case Study - included in course pack
- Ernst, Ricardo, and Bardia Kamrad. "Evaluation of supply chain structures through modularization and postponement." European journal of operational research 124.3 (2000): 495-510.
Session 3.pdf |
8th October 2014
In class today, we took off from where we left last session. We discussed more about modularization and postponement strategies in the context of global logistics. After discussing the various configurations of facility network designs, we began discussion on the whirlpool case. We made use of cost modelling to analyze the compressor data of the whirlpool case.
Analysis of injection molding data of the whirlpool case is pending for next session.
Apart from the aforementioned, I solicited contacts for guest speakers from your side. The class was also briefed about the feedback page.
Sources Used
In class today, we took off from where we left last session. We discussed more about modularization and postponement strategies in the context of global logistics. After discussing the various configurations of facility network designs, we began discussion on the whirlpool case. We made use of cost modelling to analyze the compressor data of the whirlpool case.
Analysis of injection molding data of the whirlpool case is pending for next session.
Apart from the aforementioned, I solicited contacts for guest speakers from your side. The class was also briefed about the feedback page.
Sources Used
- Laseter, Timothy (2003), Whirlpool Corporation Global Procurement, Darden School of Business Case Study - included in course pack
Session 4.pdf |
10th October 2014
Today's class started by analyzing the plastic injection molding data provided as a part of the whirlpool case solution. Further, we discussed the key principles of the cost modelling approach with a special focus on Total Cost of Ownership.
Sources used
Today's class started by analyzing the plastic injection molding data provided as a part of the whirlpool case solution. Further, we discussed the key principles of the cost modelling approach with a special focus on Total Cost of Ownership.
Sources used
- Laseter, Timothy (2003), Whirlpool Corporation Global Procurement, Darden School of Business Case Study - included in course pack
- Brut, David, Donald Dobler, Stephan Starling (2003), "Chapter 8: Total Cost of Ownership", World Class Supply Chain Management, McGraw-Hill. Available here.
- Ask, Julie and Timothy Lasester, (1998), "Cost Modelling - A foundation purchasing skill", Strategy + Business link
Session 5.pdf |
11th October 2014
Today we had two back to back sessions.
In the first session, the class participated in an in-class business simulation exercise dealing with the evolution of buyer supplier relationships and risk/value sharing in supply chains. The de-brief session for this exercise would be held on 15th October 2014.
In the second session, we discussed the characteristics of buyer supplier relationships followed by the antecedents and process to an effective buyer supplier relationship. The class further went on to discuss how Japanese firms have been able to maintain productive relationships with their suppliers through strategic supplier segmentation.
Also, it was discussed that December 20th would be the last data for submission of the term paper report. More instructions on term paper presentation and report have been updated in the term paper section.
Sources used
Today we had two back to back sessions.
In the first session, the class participated in an in-class business simulation exercise dealing with the evolution of buyer supplier relationships and risk/value sharing in supply chains. The de-brief session for this exercise would be held on 15th October 2014.
In the second session, we discussed the characteristics of buyer supplier relationships followed by the antecedents and process to an effective buyer supplier relationship. The class further went on to discuss how Japanese firms have been able to maintain productive relationships with their suppliers through strategic supplier segmentation.
Also, it was discussed that December 20th would be the last data for submission of the term paper report. More instructions on term paper presentation and report have been updated in the term paper section.
Sources used
- Brut, David, Donald Dobler, Stephan Starling (2003), "Chapter 8: Total Cost of Ownership", World Class Supply Chain Management, McGraw-Hill. Available here.
- Dyer, Jeffery, & Wijan Chu. (2003) The role of trustworthiness in reducing transaction costs and improving performance: Empirical evidence from the United States, Japan and Korea. Organization Science, 14(1): 57–68.
- Dyer, Jeffrey, Dong Sung Cho, and Wujin Chu. (1998) "Strategic supplier segmentation: The next" best practice" in supply chain management." California Management Review 40(2): 57-77
Session 7.pdf |
15th October 2014
In today's class, we had the debrief session on simulation exercise conducted on 11th October. We briefly discussed the idea of supply chain contracts and how inventory decisions should be made under uncertain demand.
Further, we had a mid term wrap up with a quick revision of everything we have covered so far. We ended with a quick keep-stop-start-rate feedback.
The class was also advised on the format of the Mid term exam.
In today's class, we had the debrief session on simulation exercise conducted on 11th October. We briefly discussed the idea of supply chain contracts and how inventory decisions should be made under uncertain demand.
Further, we had a mid term wrap up with a quick revision of everything we have covered so far. We ended with a quick keep-stop-start-rate feedback.
The class was also advised on the format of the Mid term exam.
16th October 2014
Today, we had the first written evaluation component of the course. Evaluated answer-scripts would be handed back by the end of this month.
Here's wishing everybody all the best for the rest of the exams and a Happy Diwali.
Today, we had the first written evaluation component of the course. Evaluated answer-scripts would be handed back by the end of this month.
Here's wishing everybody all the best for the rest of the exams and a Happy Diwali.
20th October 2014
Today, we met first time after the mid term exam. Following are the updates:
It was decided after an in-class poll that the evaluation scheme of the in-class exercise conducted on 11th of October would be changed due to reasons mentioned in class. The evaluation scheme would be as follows: Scoring based on average distance from optimal ordering quantity from 16th period onward.
Evaluated Mid Term answer scripts along with the evaluation scheme would be made available to the students today or tomorrow. Revaluation requests if any need to be submitted in written and not in person.
After the aforementioned discussion, the class participated in an in-class supply chain negotiation exercise.
Today, we met first time after the mid term exam. Following are the updates:
It was decided after an in-class poll that the evaluation scheme of the in-class exercise conducted on 11th of October would be changed due to reasons mentioned in class. The evaluation scheme would be as follows: Scoring based on average distance from optimal ordering quantity from 16th period onward.
Evaluated Mid Term answer scripts along with the evaluation scheme would be made available to the students today or tomorrow. Revaluation requests if any need to be submitted in written and not in person.
After the aforementioned discussion, the class participated in an in-class supply chain negotiation exercise.
November 5th 2014
In today's class, we began with a discussion on fabric supply chains and how they work. The discussion was led by the Abhijeet Kumar. Further, Gandhi Amitkumar Prakash helped us understand the processes involved of international purchasing. The initiative and effort of the students in highly appreciated.
Further, we began our discussion of cost of understocking and overstocking that would lead to the discussion of the newsvendor model and further to coordinating contracts that would be covered in the next session.
Note: Slides will be uploaded after the next session.
In today's class, we began with a discussion on fabric supply chains and how they work. The discussion was led by the Abhijeet Kumar. Further, Gandhi Amitkumar Prakash helped us understand the processes involved of international purchasing. The initiative and effort of the students in highly appreciated.
Further, we began our discussion of cost of understocking and overstocking that would lead to the discussion of the newsvendor model and further to coordinating contracts that would be covered in the next session.
Note: Slides will be uploaded after the next session.
November 7th 2014
In today's class, we began from where we left during the last session. We started our discussion with cost of over/under-stocking. We then looked at how usage of simple wholesale price contract results in a sub-optimal supply chain performance due to Double Marginalization. We also looked at possible ways to re-align incentives to mitigate this problem. We covered buyback, revenue sharing, franchise, quantity discount and options contracts as a part of the discussion. We also saw the equivalence between buyback and revenue sharing contracts.
In today's class, we began from where we left during the last session. We started our discussion with cost of over/under-stocking. We then looked at how usage of simple wholesale price contract results in a sub-optimal supply chain performance due to Double Marginalization. We also looked at possible ways to re-align incentives to mitigate this problem. We covered buyback, revenue sharing, franchise, quantity discount and options contracts as a part of the discussion. We also saw the equivalence between buyback and revenue sharing contracts.
Session 10-11.pdf |
Session 11 excelsheet.xls |
November 20th 2014
Today's session begun with a brief talk on contract negotiations by Akshay Sharma. Kudos to him for the effort. Akshay's slides are attached here.
The class then started the global supply chain management simulation. The de-brief session for the same would be held next Tuesday.
Over the weekend, we will have guest lectures by Mr. Kamal Karnatak. His profile can be found here.
Today's session begun with a brief talk on contract negotiations by Akshay Sharma. Kudos to him for the effort. Akshay's slides are attached here.
The class then started the global supply chain management simulation. The de-brief session for the same would be held next Tuesday.
Over the weekend, we will have guest lectures by Mr. Kamal Karnatak. His profile can be found here.
Session 13_Negotiation_Akshay.pptx |
Following two diary entries have been made by the guest faculty, Mr. Kamal Karnatak.
22nd November 2014
We have started the class with understanding of Global Procurement in the globalized economy. We discussed the concept of flexible sourcing and the importance of the same in today's world. We discussed four major trends based on McKinsey report and further elaborated on Global Grid with the real life examples and statistics from Social Media. We have discussed the role of government in new economy. We have discussed on changing demographics in Asian countries specially India and various opportunities it present. We have also discussed other Global Trends with respect to PWC's latest report.
Then we moved to Global Sourcing part and we understood the complete procurement process for local procurement and changes required in Global procurement. We discussed the case of Apple iPhone and emphasized that only cost many not be single criteria for Global procurement.
23rd November 2014
We understood various Sourcing Tasks in International Business Activities. Then we moved on to Selection of sourcing countries and understood the concept with different frameworks. We discussed the case of Domino's pizza and understood various problems faced by them and their solutions. While discussing the case we also understood the Indian scenerio with the examples from Pizza Hut. We discussed on Global Supply Chain Vulnerability, various threats and mitigation plans. In a real life example we discussed the case of Thailand Floods.
Then based on the students demand we discussed the reverse logistic process with the examples of Pepsi. We finished the class with the emphasis on Flexible sourcing and how to build Flexible supply chains
22nd November 2014
We have started the class with understanding of Global Procurement in the globalized economy. We discussed the concept of flexible sourcing and the importance of the same in today's world. We discussed four major trends based on McKinsey report and further elaborated on Global Grid with the real life examples and statistics from Social Media. We have discussed the role of government in new economy. We have discussed on changing demographics in Asian countries specially India and various opportunities it present. We have also discussed other Global Trends with respect to PWC's latest report.
Then we moved to Global Sourcing part and we understood the complete procurement process for local procurement and changes required in Global procurement. We discussed the case of Apple iPhone and emphasized that only cost many not be single criteria for Global procurement.
23rd November 2014
We understood various Sourcing Tasks in International Business Activities. Then we moved on to Selection of sourcing countries and understood the concept with different frameworks. We discussed the case of Domino's pizza and understood various problems faced by them and their solutions. While discussing the case we also understood the Indian scenerio with the examples from Pizza Hut. We discussed on Global Supply Chain Vulnerability, various threats and mitigation plans. In a real life example we discussed the case of Thailand Floods.
Then based on the students demand we discussed the reverse logistic process with the examples of Pepsi. We finished the class with the emphasis on Flexible sourcing and how to build Flexible supply chains
November 25th 2014
Welcome back after the guest lectures. The class has informed me that the guest lectures went on very well with the faculty bringing to fore a lot of practical perspectives from the industry. In today's session, we finished the de-brief of the global supply chain simulation exercise that was conducted last week. In next two sessions, we would have term paper presentations.
Welcome back after the guest lectures. The class has informed me that the guest lectures went on very well with the faculty bringing to fore a lot of practical perspectives from the industry. In today's session, we finished the de-brief of the global supply chain simulation exercise that was conducted last week. In next two sessions, we would have term paper presentations.
November 27th & 28th 2014
Yesterday and today, we had the two final sessions of the Global Procurement and Contract Negotiations course. The term paper presentations were very impressive given the limited time the students seem to have spent in turning them around.
The sheer enthusiasm and the zeal to learn that the students displayed during the course was phenomenal and something that I had not expected when I began the course. While I might not have really met their full expectations, I hope that the course acted as a reinforcement of certain key insights necessary for practicing supply chain managers.
Two more components remain in the course, First, the end term exam, it will primarily be case based and would be based predominantly on our post-midterm discussions. Secondly, the term paper reports need to be submitted by December 20th. No revision of the last date would be made what so ever.
To conclude, I wish my first bunch of students all the very best for all your future endeavors.
Yesterday and today, we had the two final sessions of the Global Procurement and Contract Negotiations course. The term paper presentations were very impressive given the limited time the students seem to have spent in turning them around.
The sheer enthusiasm and the zeal to learn that the students displayed during the course was phenomenal and something that I had not expected when I began the course. While I might not have really met their full expectations, I hope that the course acted as a reinforcement of certain key insights necessary for practicing supply chain managers.
Two more components remain in the course, First, the end term exam, it will primarily be case based and would be based predominantly on our post-midterm discussions. Secondly, the term paper reports need to be submitted by December 20th. No revision of the last date would be made what so ever.
To conclude, I wish my first bunch of students all the very best for all your future endeavors.