Supply chain digitalization (MASTER)

The course aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the importance of supply chain digitalization and the crucial role that digital technologies play within modern supply chains. Students will explore how digital technology is managed and adopted in supply chain contexts, gaining insights into the strategic use of digital tools to enhance efficiency and responsiveness. Furthermore, students will gain understanding on how business models and business processes in supply chains are shaped by the integration of technology and information solutions.

The students will gain understanding of the role of information systems that support day-to-day operations and ensure data integrity across the supply chain. Information systems serve as the digital backbone of modern supply chains, capturing and coordinating information related to inventory, orders, shipments, and financial transactions. Students will learn how these systems function individually and as an integrated whole, enabling end-to-end visibility, operational efficiency, contribute to real-time synchronization between supply and demand, automate routine tasks, and enhance collaboration across departments and external partners. Emphasis is placed on understanding the capabilities, and strategic benefits of such systems, as well as the organizational changes required to implement them effectively.

Finally, the students will learn about performance measurement in supply chains, along with the associated challenges of designing and implementing such systems in dynamic supply chain environments. They will gain insight into the role of business analytics, exploring how analytics can drive decision-making and improve supply chain outcomes, while also considering the barriers firms may face during implementation.

In terms of practical competences, the course equips students with the ability to initiate and manage supply chain digitization processes, including the integration of new technologies. The students will acquire the skills needed to implement business process management and apply suitable reference models in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, students will develop the capability to use management information systems and contemporary IT solutions to effectively manage supply chains.

1. Digital transformation of supply chains.
2. The role of technology in supply chains.
3. Reference models in supply chains
4. Information systems in supply chains.
5. Supply chain visibility
6. Business performance measurement in supply chains.
7. Business analytics in supply chains.

The theoretical lectures are extended with practical case study examples, guests from practice, and the use of information solutions such as SAP ERP, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Power BI.