Overview of chapter 1
Supply chain management (SCM) is a dynamic new discipline dealing in business processes. As a subject it is often linked with logistics management. In this chapter we will look at the rationale of this link and will try to arrive at an acceptable definition of supply chain management for the purpose of this course.
We will see that the philosophy of SCM views businesses as systems of interlinked activities rather then isolated processes. The ultimate goal is the achievement of competitive edge through the provision of superior value to the customers.
Hopefully by the time you finish this chapter you will have developed a solid understanding of the subject and will have learned to appreciate what it offers and why it is regarded as one of the most exciting disciplines in contemporary business studies.
Learning outcomes
At the completion of this chapter, you should be able to:
- define and explain the concept of supply chain management
- demonstrate how supply chain management differs from logistics management
- outline the drivers of supply chain management
- discuss the complexities involved with supply chain management
- discuss the key issues in supply chain management
Topics
- 1.1 What is supply chain management?
1.1.1 Supply chain management: The concept
1.1.2 Supply chain management: Evolution
1.1.3 Supply chain management: The search for a definition
1.1.4 Supply chain management: The drivers:
- 1.2 Technology and supply chain management
- 1.3 Supply chain management: New business models and challenges
1.3.1 New supply chain business models
1.3.2 Challenges
- 1.4 Key issues in supply chain management