Supply Chain Planning

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

Introduction

### Course Review: Supply Chain Planning on Coursera **Course Overview** The Supply Chain Planning course on Coursera presents an engaging introduction to one of the most critical aspects of business operations: matching supply with demand through effective planning. This course is part of a larger specialization in Supply Chain Management, tailored for individuals aspiring to deepen their understanding of forecasting techniques essential for building a robust Sales and Operations Plan. If you've ever been curious about how companies manage to produce just the right amount of goods—without overproducing or falling short—this course is a gateway to grasping those concepts effectively. The curriculum is thoughtfully designed to equip you with practical skills to analyze demand data, ensuring you're well-prepared for the challenges of supply chain forecasting. **Syllabus Breakdown** 1. **Simple Forecasting Methods, Naive Forecast, and Cumulative Mean** This initial module serves as a welcoming introduction to the world of planning, featuring an insightful overview from the professor who leads the Supply Chain Management Specialization. Here, learners explore basic forecasting models, specifically the naive method and the cumulative mean. Through practical exercises using real datasets, you will create your own forecasts and engage in quizzes that solidify your understanding. 2. **Forecast Accuracy and Moving Average** Building on the foundational concepts, this module delves into more advanced forecasting techniques: moving averages and exponential smoothing. These methods enable learners to enhance their predictive accuracy and understanding of demand fluctuations over time. 3. **Exponential Smoothing and Forecast Selection** This segment introduces exponential smoothing as a forecasting method, providing learners with the knowledge needed to select the most appropriate forecasting strategy based on specific scenarios. You'll also discover the critical steps to take once a forecast is implemented, ensuring that your planning is actionable. 4. **Supply Chain Planning** The final module offers a hands-on opportunity to apply your newly acquired forecasting skills. Here, you will analyze a real-life dataset and make informed recommendations using different forecasting methods. This practical application consolidates your learning and prepares you for real-world challenges in supply chain planning. **Why You Should Take This Course** 1. **Expert Instruction:** This course is taught by seasoned professionals in the field of supply chain management, providing you with valuable insights and practical knowledge that you can immediately apply in your current or future roles. 2. **Comprehensive Learning Experience:** With a blend of theoretical concepts and hands-on activities, learners can expect a holistic education that not only informs but also engages and prepares them for real-world applications. 3. **Skill Development:** By the end of this course, you will possess a toolkit of forecasting techniques that will be invaluable whether you are working in logistics, production, or any role that requires foresight into demand patterns. 4. **Flexible Learning Environment:** Being offered through Coursera, you can learn at your own pace, fitting the studies into your busy schedule without any pressure. **Recommendation** I highly recommend the Supply Chain Planning course for anyone interested in building their expertise in supply chain management. Whether you're a beginner or a professional looking to sharpen your forecasting skills, this course presents a balanced approach to learning foundational and advanced concepts essential for effective supply chain planning. With its robust syllabus, expert instruction, and practical focus, this course not only enhances your resume but also empowers you with the confidence to make data-driven decisions that can positively impact any organization’s planning efforts.

Syllabus

Simple Forecasting Methods, Naive Forecast and Cumulative Mean

Welcome to the exciting world of planning! This module introduces you to the professor who is teaching the courses in the Supply Chain Management Specialization. You will also construct forecasting models that enable you to predict future demand. By the end of this short module, you'll know what to expect in the course and hopefully be as excited to learn about Supply Chain Planning as I will be to teach you. In this module, learners will review two simple forecasting methods, the naive method, and the cumulative mean. Finally, you will create forecasts of your own based on a data set and provide the correct answers in the quiz.

In this module, learners will cover two more sophisticated forecasting methods, the moving average and exponential smoothing.

In this module, you will master one more forecasting method - exponential smoothing. In addition, you will learn how to pick the best forecasting approach and what to do with the forecast once it is implemented.

In this module you will put your new forecasting skills to the test. You will analyze a real-life dataset and make recommendations on the different forecasting methods.