Supply Chain Sourcing

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

Introduction

### Course Review: Supply Chain Sourcing on Coursera If you've ever been intrigued by the intricacies of how companies manage their vast networks of suppliers, the **Supply Chain Sourcing** course on Coursera is a gem worth exploring. A cornerstone of successful supply chain management, sourcing is both art and science, and this course offers a comprehensive introduction into this critical area. #### Overview The course is part of a broader specialization in Supply Chain Management, designed to equip you with essential tools and techniques for mastering the supplier selection process and supplier segmentation. With its engaging content and real-world applications, this course is not just informative but also practical, ensuring that you are ready to apply your newfound knowledge in real-world scenarios. ### Course Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Procurement, Purchasing, Supply Management, and Strategic Sourcing** - This module serves as the gateway into the world of sourcing, providing insights into different levels of sourcing including the relation between purchasing, procurement departments, and strategic sourcing. It's enlightening how this foundational knowledge can elevate a firm’s performance, making strategic sourcing a pivotal area for aspirants and professionals alike. 2. **Make versus Buy Decisions** - Here, you’ll dive into one of the most critical concepts in strategic sourcing. Understanding when to insource and when to outsource can significantly influence operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Through the analysis of real-world example assessments, you will comprehend the implications of these decisions on stakeholders and overall business performance. 3. **Supplier Selection** - This module focuses on supplier segmentation and the dynamics of sourcing strategies, emphasizing the benefits and drawbacks of utilizing single and multiple suppliers. It broadens your perspective on how sourcing decisions impact not just procurement, but the entire organization. 4. **Sourcing Best Practices** - The last module highlights best practices in sourcing and explores procure-to-pay systems that help in the automation of essential functions. By building a supplier evaluation system, you’ll be equipped with practical tools applicable in both personal and professional contexts. ### Pros and Cons **Pros:** - **Expert Instruction**: The course boasts knowledgeable instructors who offer valuable insights and real-world examples. - **Practical Applications**: Throughout the course, you'll engage in assessments that allow you to apply concepts practically. - **Flexible Learning**: As an online course through Coursera, you can learn at your own pace, making it accessible for professionals with busy schedules. **Cons:** - **No Hands-On Projects**: While there are assessments, some learners may prefer more interactive, hands-on projects that simulate real-world sourcing scenarios. - **Prerequisite Knowledge**: A basic understanding of supply chain concepts may enhance your experience, but the course is designed for all levels. ### Final Recommendation Overall, the **Supply Chain Sourcing** course on Coursera is a well-structured and insightful offering for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of supplier management within the context of supply chains. Whether you're a seasoned professional seeking to upskill, or a newcomer wanting to enter the field of supply chain management, this course provides essential knowledge and practical tools. In conclusion, I highly recommend this course to individuals eager to navigate the complexities of supply chain sourcing effectively. The skills you acquire will not only benefit your career but could also enhance the operational success of any organization you choose to work with.

Syllabus

Procurement, Purchasing, Supply Management, and Strategic Sourcing

Welcome to the exciting world of sourcing! This module introduces you to the professor who is teaching the courses in the Supply Chain Management Specialization. After completing this module you will be able to understand the different levels of sourcing: the act of purchasing, the work that is performed in a procurement department, how to differentiate different supplier categories with strategic sourcing, and how to elevate a firm's performance with strategic sourcing.

In this module, you will review the principles of make versus buy decisions. What are the advantages and disadvantage of insourcing and outsourcing? We will review the risks and benefits of both, which will enable you to understand what goes into these decisions and why companies make them. In he assessment, you will review an outsourcing decision that a company or organization made and understand how it affects various stakeholders.

In this module, you will see an overview supplier segmentation and what the advantages and disadvantages of single and multiple sourcing. Furthermore, you will review the implications of sourcing on the entire firm in an assessment.

In this module, we will review some best practices in sourcing and procure-to-pay systems which enable firms to automate and accelerate essential sourcing functions. In the assessment you will build a supplier evaluation system that you can use in your personal and professional lives.