Supply Chain Operations

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/operations

Introduction

### Course Review and Recommendation: Supply Chain Operations on Coursera In today’s global marketplace, understanding the subtleties of supply chain and operations management is more critical than ever. If you’ve ever found yourself pondering how companies manage to produce countless identical products with pinpoint accuracy and efficiency, the **Supply Chain Operations** course on Coursera is your gateway to discovering the intricate processes behind these operations. #### Course Overview This course elegantly blends theory with practical application, enabling learners to explore the essential tools for process improvement with a strong focus on two significant methodologies: **Lean Operations** and **Six Sigma**. Designed for both beginners and those with some knowledge of supply chain management, the course sets the stage for a comprehensive understanding of how to optimize operations across various industries. From the foundational principles of **Lean Thinking** and the **Theory of Constraints** to advanced concepts like **Lean Inventory**, this course prepares you to tackle real-world supply chain challenges head-on. #### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Lean Operations and Theory of Constraints**: This introductory module welcomes you into the world of operations, setting the stage for what lies ahead. You’ll gain insight into key objectives such as eliminating waste and enhancing efficiency while also meeting the fundamental goals of operational optimization. The module emphasizes the significance of Lean Thinking and introduces you to the Theory of Constraints, enriching your foundational knowledge. 2. **Lean Inventory**: Focusing specifically on inventory management, this section teaches you how to calculate the **Economic Order Quantity** (EOQ) and manage your inventory effectively. Learning about demand uncertainty and safety stock levels equips you with tools to make informed decisions regarding inventory control, which ultimately affects the profitability and efficiency of any supply chain. 3. **Six Sigma**: This module elaborates on the **Six Sigma Quality System**, a critical framework for sustaining quality and performance in business operations. You will explore the **DMAIC** methodology—Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, Control—central to Six Sigma projects, enabling you to methodically approach process improvement. 4. **Lean Six Sigma**: In this practical module, you have the opportunity to implement the tools and methodologies you’ve learned by applying them to a project of your choice. This hands-on experience solidifies your understanding and showcases your capability to enhance processes systematically, making you more attractive to potential employers or within your current organization. #### Conclusion and Recommendation Completing the **Supply Chain Operations** course on Coursera will empower you with a robust skill set rooted in Lean and Six Sigma principles, equipping you to improve processes not only in a theoretical sense but also through actionable project work. The course is well-structured, easy to follow, and provides a rich blend of instructional materials, including videos, readings, and assessments that reinforce your learning. Whether you're a student aiming to enter the field of supply chain management, a professional seeking to enhance your skills, or even a business owner looking to streamline your operations, this course is highly recommended. By combining foundational knowledge with practical applications, you will emerge more knowledgeable and equipped to effect positive change in any operational environment. Engage with this course today on [Coursera](https://www.coursera.org) and take your first step towards mastering Supply Chain Operations!

Syllabus

Lean Operations and Theory of Constraints

Welcome to the exciting world of operations! This module introduces you to the professor who is teaching the courses in the Supply Chain Management Specialization. You will also discover the essential tools that help make operations better. By the end of this module, you'll know what to expect in the course and hopefully be as excited to learn about Supply Chain Operations as I will be to teach you. In addition, you will understand the major goals of optimizing Operations. You will also be able to recall the major foundations of Lean Thinking and the Theory of Constraints.

In Lean Inventory, we will focus on the application of lean principles to a core concern of Supply Chain Management - Inventory. By the end of this module, you'll know how to calculate the Economic Order Quantity, which is an popular method of managing inventory. In addition, you will be able to quantify the uncertainty of demand and logistical execution to select the right level of safety stock. Finally, you will be able to determine the size of a Kanban bin by calculating lead-time-demand.

Six Sigma is an overview of the Six Sigma Quality System. We start by reviewing the different quality systems that were popular in the past. The main takeaway is an understanding of the DMAIC methodology. By the end of this module, you will be able to apply the DMAIC methodology to improve a process.

In Lean Six Sigma, you will apply all the tools you learned in this course to a project of your choosing. You will be able to show that you not only mastered the lean tools, but also the six sigma methodology to improve processes. After completing this module, you will not only have a better process, but also the ability to improve any process in a systematic manner.