This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

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    LEC # Topics KEY DATES
    1 Introduction and Course Overview

    Prepare Case: Meditech (pp. 14-21 in SKS)

    Case illustrates supply chain challenges for new product introduction.
    2

    Inventory Models

    This class will review basic inventory theory: periodic review order-up-to policy; continuous review reorder point policy

    		 Inventory problem set assigned
    3 Inventory Systems

    Prepare Case: Steel Works

    Case permits an application of inventory models and principles.
    4

    Supply Chain Tactical Planning

    Guest Speaker: Mike Watson, Logic Tools

    		  
    5

    Supply Contracts I

    These classes will introduce various types of supply chain contracts and examine how these mechanisms work, and in particular, how they help to accomplish supply chain coordination.

    		  
    6 Supply Contracts II Inventory problem set due
    7

    Inventory Systems (cont.)

    Guest Speaker: Dan Wheeler, LFM 2000

    Prepare case: Instron

    Case requires application of inventory, capacity and queuing tools to perform supply chain analysis.

    Preparation questions are in the assignments section.
    8

    Multi-echelon Inventory Systems

    Introduction to challenges, issues and relevant models (e.g., Eppen Schrage) for multi-echelon inventory systems

    		  
    9 Supply Chain and Postponement

    Prepare Case: Reebok

    This is a new case for which we wish to work out the bugs in an optional session.
    10 Supply Chain and Product Design

    Prepare Case: HP Network Printer Design for Universality (pp. 230-235 in SKS)

    Case illustrates challenges in global supply chain and product design. 
    11 Supply Chain Integration - Controlling the Bullwhip

    This class will discuss the bullwhip phenomenon, sources for it, ways of characterizing it, and then some remedies.    		  
    12

    Supply Chain and Safety Stock Placement

    Guest Speaker - Barrett Crane, HP, LFM '96.
    Barrett will speak about application of supply chain models to improve and optimize HP supply chains. In preparation you will have a computer exercise that utilizes a student-version of a tool used at HP; the purpose of the exercise will be to develop intuition for optimal placement of inventories in a supply chain.

    		 SIP Model assignment due
    13 Supply Chain and Safety Stock Placement

    Prepare Case: H.C. Starck, Inc.

    Case permits application of inventory principles to metal rolling process.

    Preparation questions are in the assignments section.
    14 Strategic Alliances and Outsourcing Prepare Case: Barilla
    15

    Supply Chain Integration - Application of RFID

    Wrap Up, Course Summary and Feedback for Continuous Improvement

    Prepare Case: Raytheon

    Case examines the business case for using RFID technology for Raytheon.