Supply Chain Management for Engineers

The book focuses on helping students develop strong analytical skills and the ability to solve real-world problems through analysis and synthesis. It also stresses the importance of integrating engineering optimization techniques with business strategic thinking. It starts with the description of different types of supply chains and the strategy for designing an appropriate supply chain based on product life cycle analysis. It then focuses on quantitative analysis techniques including demand forecasting, aggregate planning, inventory management, and distribution network design. It also covers supplier selection. The book is comprehensive yet concise, and includes many practical examples that are designed to help students acquire deep subject matter knowledge.

Originally taught mainly in business schools, supply chain management has become a common elective and graduate course in engineering colleges. The increasing demand for engineers with supply chain knowledge has fed this shift. However, supply chain management textbooks that have a reasonable coverage of quantitative analysis techniques are few and far between. Concise, straightforward, and easy-to-read, Supply Chain Management for Engineers uses practical problems to introduce key concepts and cultivate students’ problem-solving skills.

Helping students hone their analytical skills and develop the ability to solve real-world problems, the book:

• Includes a simulation game for practicing supply chain management skills
• Covers the use of practical software tools including Gurobi Optimizer and Microsoft EXCEL
• Facilitates the use of problem-based learning (PBL) pedagogy
• Provides a theoretical framework for supply chain design and supplier selection

Focusing on quantitative aspects, this book uses example problems to introduce key concepts and case studies to strengthen students’ analysis and synthesis skills. In addition to exercises, this book also provides several problems that are relatively complicated and can be used as mini projects that link theoretical concepts to practical problem solving. It also presents a simulation game where students can play the roles of suppliers, OEMs, and retailers within a supply chain environment to practice the skills they acquire. It also stresses the importance of integrating engineering optimization techniques with business strategic thinking. These features and more give students the supply chain knowledge and problem-solving skills increasingly required for engineers entering the work force.