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Engineering Online

ISE 553 Modeling and Analysis of Supply Chains

3 Credit Hours

To expose students to the basic issues that need to be considered in operating supply chains using the tools of inventory analysis. Topics include inventory optimization, bullwhip effects, push/pull systems, inventory sharing and demand forecasting, with extensive exercises using Microsoft Excel.

Prerequisite

Knowledge of calculus-based probability and statistics at the level of introductory courses in probability and statistics, and distribution theory (ST371/372). Ability to use software to solve engineering problems, such as Microsoft Excel.

Course Objectives

The objective of the course is to expose students to the basic issues that need to be considered in operating supply chains, and a variety of modeling tools available for their analysis. Emphasis is on using engineering models to develop insights into the behavior of these systems.

Course Requirements

  • The course will involve two mini-projects in which students will work in groups of three to develop a solution to an open-ended problem in the area of supply chain management. Off-campus students can work with other off-campus students or with on-campus students in their project groups. A formal technical report will be required for each project. (30% of course grade)
  • Periodic homework assignments (10% of course grade). There will be approximately 6-8 assignments over the course of the semester that will involve significant computer usage.
  • Two midterm exams (15% of course grade each) and a comprehensive final exam (30% of course grade).

Textbook

Text: Snyder, L., Shen, Z. J. M., Fundamentals of Supply Chain Theory, 2d Ed., John Wiley, 2019

Students will also be required to purchase a course package containing the case studies used in the mini-projects. A number of articles will also be used; students can obtain these electronically from the NCSU Libraries.

Updated 11/11/2020