Course Description

This comprehensive course, "Supply Chain Design for Micro and Small Companies," is an essential resource for entrepreneurs and business professionals looking to optimize their operations and boost profitability. In today's competitive market, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Latin America face increasing pressure to enhance efficiency and maximize profits. This course provides you with the knowledge and tools necessary to design and implement an effective supply chain strategy tailored to the unique needs of smaller businesses.

What Students Will Learn

• Fundamental concepts of logistics and supply chain management
• How to formalize and strategically plan for a micro or small company
• The importance of various actors in the value network
• Techniques for articulating logistical processes within a company
• Current trends in logistics and market practices
• Demand management and forecasting
• Sales and operations planning (S&OP)
• Logistics strategy development and implementation

Prerequisites

This is an introductory-level course, and there are no specific prerequisites. However, a basic understanding of business concepts and an interest in improving operational efficiency would be beneficial.

Course Coverage

• Introduction to supply chain design and its importance for SMEs
• Key components and flows within a supply chain
• Evolution from supply chain to value network
• Demand management and forecasting techniques
• Offer development and balancing demand with supply
• Sales and operations planning (S&OP) structure and implementation
• Logistics strategy development, including decision-making and goal-setting
• Performance indicators for measuring logistics effectiveness

Who This Course Is For

• Owners and managers of micro and small businesses
• Entrepreneurs looking to start a new venture
• Business professionals seeking to enhance their logistics knowledge
• Students pursuing careers in business administration or supply chain management
• Anyone interested in improving operational efficiency in small-scale operations

Real-World Applications

The skills acquired in this course have immediate practical applications in the real world. Learners will be able to:

• Streamline their company's operations to reduce costs and increase profitability
• Develop more accurate demand forecasts to optimize inventory management
• Implement effective sales and operations planning processes
• Create a logistics strategy aligned with their business goals
• Improve customer satisfaction through enhanced service strategies
• Make informed decisions about supply chain design and management
• Adapt to market trends and implement best practices in their businesses

Syllabus

By enrolling in this course, you'll gain the knowledge and skills necessary to transform your small business's supply chain, leading to improved efficiency, competitiveness, and profitability in today's fast-paced market.