Global Supply Chain Management

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2025-2026/E_IBA1_GSCM

Course Objective

ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH SKILLS – STUDENTS CAN CONDUCT A BASIC INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH PROJECT FROM START TO FINISH After successfully completing this course, the student cananalyze and demonstrate an understanding of basic inventory
- and global supply chain-related problems (Analysis).put forward well-founded, substantiated points of view related to global supply chain processes and their contemporary challenges, both in spoken and written format (Argumentation).BRIDGING THEORY AND PRACTICE KNOWLEDGE: Demonstrates theoretical and empirical knowledge concerning the relevant areas in international business administration After successfully completing this course, the student can:explain the basic theories, models, and concepts of Global Supply Chain Management, and specifically supplier relationships, operations improvement, procurement strategies, inventory control, logistics operations, transportation networks, as well as contemporary issues affecting these areas.make connections between these theories, models, and concepts.APPLICATION: Can propose a solution to an international real-life business problem by applying relevant theories and methodologies. After successfully completing this course, the student can:provide practical solutions to a global supply chain-related case by identifying and applying the relevant tools and techniques.select the correct method and / or technique for quantifying, analyzing and solving a specific problem related to global supply chain operations.SOCIAL SKILLS – STUDENTS ARE ABLE TO EFFECTIVELY MANAGE DIFFERENT PROFESSIONAL ROLES IN A CROSS-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT After successfully completing this course, the student can:present (both orally and in writing) basic global supply chain theories, models, and concepts.work well in a team and reflect on his/her own role in the team.

Course Content

Global Supply Chain Management (GSCM) is an exciting and focused course for preparing students in implementing, coordinating and managing Supply Chains in global contexts. It will be valuable for students who would like to pursue a career in consulting or take a position in GSCM. Its setup comprises issues relating to the development of supplier relationships, operations improvement, procurement strategies, inventory control, logistics operations, transportation networks as well as contemporary issues affecting these areas. Specifically, the course will:Explain and critically apply theories on logistics and supply chain management with a focus on global scales;Integrate theories and appraise strategies on managing supply chain operations within the context of global business management;Understand the inter-relationship between supply chain management and global contemporary issues (e.g., global sourcing);Identify frameworks to manage risks and opportunities for competitive and economically sustainable supply chain management in a global setup.The course will be both qualitative and quantitative. From a qualitative point of view, cases will be analyzed to derive best strategies and identify optimal policy. Qualitative sessions will inspire students’ interactions, discussions and debates. The course of GSCM also consists of applications of quantitative devices. Decisions undertaken and discussed in the qualitative sessions need robust and objective supports through quantitative methods and models. These objectives are carried out at a course level by a solid review of the theory and the methodological base associated with supply chain management, along with a discussion of advanced topics, trends and directions. At a class level course topics are reviewed through a combination of lecture, discussion, and student project work.

Teaching Methods

Lectures Tutorials

Method of Assessment

Written exam
- Individual assessment Practical assignment(s)
- Group assessment Participation assignments
- Individual assessment

Literature

Required materials will be announced via Canvas.

Recommended background knowledge

1.2 Business Mathematics