Operations Management

1. Supply Chain Management
   1. Components and Structure
      1. Suppliers and Procurement
         1. Supplier selection process
         2. Supplier relationship management
         3. Negotiation and contracting
         4. Sourcing strategies: single vs. multiple sourcing
         5. Ethical sourcing and sustainability
      2. Logistics and Distribution
         1. Transportation modes: air, sea, rail, road
         2. Warehousing and storage strategies
         3. Last-mile delivery challenges and solutions
         4. National and international logistics considerations
         5. Role of third-party logistics (3PL) providers
      3. Retailers and Wholesalers
         1. Role in the supply chain dynamics
         2. Distribution channel design
         3. Inventory management strategies at retail level
         4. Omni-channel retailing
         5. Direct-to-consumer sales models
   2. Supply Chain Design and Strategy
      1. Aligning supply chain strategy with business goals
      2. Lean vs. agile supply chains
      3. Mass customization and its impact on supply chain design
      4. Network design and optimization
      5. Facility location planning
   3. Supply Chain Integration and Coordination
      1. Vertical and horizontal integration
      2. Cross-functional collaboration
      3. Use of IT systems for supply chain integration
      4. Collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment (CPFR)
      5. Vendor-managed inventory (VMI) and collaborative logistics
   4. Risk Management in Supply Chains
      1. Identifying supply chain risks
      2. Risk assessment and prioritization
      3. Risk mitigation strategies
      4. Contingency planning and business continuity
      5. Impact of geopolitical and environmental risks
   5. Performance Measurement and Improvement
      1. Key performance indicators (KPIs) for supply chains
      2. Supply chain metrics and analytics
      3. Benchmarking against industry standards
      4. Continuous improvement methodologies like Six Sigma and Lean
      5. Role of supply chain innovation in performance improvement
   6. Technology and Supply Chains
      1. Role of digital technology in supply chain transformation
      2. Internet of Things (IoT) and smart supply chains
      3. Blockchain for supply chain transparency and security
      4. Cloud computing and supply chain data management
      5. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in logistics
   7. Global Considerations in Supply Chain Management
      1. Managing global supply networks
      2. Cross-border supply chain challenges
      3. Import/export regulations and compliance
      4. Cultural considerations in global supply chains
      5. Managing currency and trade fluctuation risks
   8. Green and Sustainable Supply Chain Management
      1. Role of sustainability in supply chain operations
      2. Green procurement and eco-friendly logistics
      3. Carbon footprint reduction initiatives
      4. Circular economy and closed-loop supply chains
      5. Sustainability reporting and compliance standards