SUPPLY CHAIN, NETWORK, ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT

The course "Supply-Chain, Networks, and Ecosystems" is a core component of the Master’s program in Management and Sustainability. Its main goal is to provide students with advanced knowledge of global supply chain management while emphasizing sustainability from ecological, social, and economic perspectives. The course also delves into the role of networks and ecosystems in fostering value creation and resilience.

1. Knowledge and Understanding: Gain a thorough understanding of global supply chain processes and their strategic and operational dynamics in sustainable contexts.
2. Applying Knowledge and Understanding: Apply sustainable supply chain strategies to real-world cases while critically assessing risks and opportunities.
3. Judgmental Skills: Critically analyze theoretical models and business practices related to sustainable supply chains, networks, and ecosystems.
4. Communication Skills: Develop the ability to present innovative solutions to complex challenges through group discussions and presentations.
5. Learning Skills: Integrate theoretical approaches with empirical analyses to address sustainability challenges in global supply chains.

There are no formal prerequisites. However, the content of the Strategy, Innovation, and Impact exam is assumed to be known.

1. Introduction to Supply Chain Management: Basic concepts and key functions.
2. Strategies for Sustainability in Supply Chains: Green sourcing, eco-design, supplier collaboration.
3. Business Networks and Ecosystems: Analysis of inter-firm relationships and collaborative models for sustainability.
4. Risk Management and Resilience: Approaches to mitigate risks and enhance the resilience of global chains.
5. Technological Innovation in Supply Chains: Digitalization, blockchain, and emerging technologies for sustainability.
6. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Integrating social sustainability into global business strategies.

There is no single textbook for the course. Instead, it will be based on the following list of references:

Carter, C.R., Rogers, D.S., Choi, T.Y. 2015. Toward the Theory of the Supply Chain. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 51 (2), 89–97.
Davenport, T.H., Short, J.E. 1990. The New Industrial Engineering: Information Technology and Business Process Redesign. MIT Sloan Management Review, July 15, 1990.
Fisher, M.L. 1997. What is the right supply chain for your product? Harvard Business Review, 75 (2), 105–116.
Mentzer, J.T., DeWitt, W., Keebler, J.S., Min, S., Nix, N.W., Smith, C.D., Zacharia, Z.G. 2001. Defining Supply Chain Management. Journal of Business Logistics, 22 (2), 1–25.
Montabon, F., Pagell, M., Wu, Z. 2016. Making Sustainability Sustainable. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 52, 11–27.
Norrman, A., Jansson, U. 2004. Ericsson’s Proactive Supply Chain Risk Management Approach after a Serious Sub-Supplier Accident. International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, 34 (5), 434–456.
Swaminathan, J.M., Lee, H.L. 2003. Design for Postponement. Handbooks in Operations Research and Management Science, 11 (Supply Chain Management: Design, Coordination and Operation), 199–226.
Wieland, A. 2021. Dancing the Supply Chain: Toward Transformative Supply Chain Management. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 57 (1).
Wieland, A., Handfield, R.B. 2013. The Socially Responsible Supply Chain: An Imperative for Global Corporations. Supply Chain Management Review, 17 (5), 22–29. (Available via EBSCO)

The list may be updated during the course, and students will be informed via the Moodle page.

The course will include interactive lectures using real case studies, group discussions on key topics such as risk management and sustainable innovation. Additionally, guest lectures by industry managers specializing in global and sustainable supply chains will be organized.

written

A. Scores between 18-22 will be assigned if:
- Basic knowledge and understanding of the course content are demonstrated.
- Limited ability to apply knowledge and formulate independent judgments.
- Sufficient communication skills, particularly regarding supply chain management terminology.
B. Scores between 23-26 will be assigned if:
- A good level of knowledge and understanding is demonstrated.
- A decent ability to apply knowledge and make independent judgments is shown.
- Adequate communication skills, particularly in supply chain management terminology.
C. Scores between 27-30 will be assigned if:
- A strong or excellent understanding of the course content is demonstrated.
- A strong or excellent ability to apply knowledge and formulate independent judgments.
- Fully appropriate communication skills, particularly in supply chain management terminology.
D. Honors (30L) will be awarded for exceptional knowledge, independent judgment, and communication skills.

The exam consists of a written test comprising one open-ended question and thirteen multiple-choice questions to be completed within a time limit of 25 minutes. The questions are designed to assess knowledge of the concepts and models presented during the course, the ability to apply these concepts to practical examples, and the critical understanding of these concepts. The open-ended question is worth a maximum of 4 points, each correct multiple-choice answer is worth 2 points, while 0.5 points will be deducted for each incorrect answer. Students can earn bonus points on their final grade by completing additional activities during the course.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Circular economy, innovation, work" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development