Planning, Supplier Management, and Network Design

This course is part of Amazon Supply Chain Specialist Professional Certificate

Instructor: Amazon

Access provided by University of North Texas

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

3 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Beginner level

Recommended experience

4 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Explain how planning processes align supply chain operations
Apply supplier evaluation methods to assess performance and risk
Analyze network design decisions using cost, service, and sustainability factors
Interpret strategic considerations in supply chain planning and sourcing

Details to know

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Assessments

9 assignments¹

AI Graded see disclaimer

Taught in English

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Build your Support and Operations expertise

This course is part of the Amazon Supply Chain Specialist Professional Certificate

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Professional Certificate.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate from Amazon Web Services

There are 3 modules in this course

Designed for aspiring operations and supply chain professionals, this course builds practical skills in supply chain planning, supplier management, and network design. You will explore how organizations coordinate resources, evaluate suppliers, and structure supply chain networks.

No prior AWS experience is required. Familiarity with business operations, logistics, analytics, or supply chain concepts may be helpful, but is not essential. Learners examine planning processes such as Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) and explore how demand, supply, and inventory decisions are aligned across operational environments. Through realistic scenarios, learners evaluate supplier performance using scorecards, performance metrics, and operational risk indicators. The course also introduces network design concepts, including facility positioning, transportation flows, sourcing strategies, and distribution decisions that impact cost, service levels, resilience, and sustainability across supply chain operations. Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on planning coordination, supplier evaluation, operational trade-offs, and operational decision-making within modern supply chain environments. By the end of the course, learners will be able to interpret planning processes, evaluate supplier performance, and analyze sourcing and network decisions using structured operational approaches.

This module introduces Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) as a core process for aligning demand, supply, and inventory decisions. Learners examine how S&OP integrates forecasting, capacity planning, and inventory management to support business objectives. The module focuses on how different functions collaborate to balance supply and demand, resolve constraints, and maintain service levels. Learners also explore how demand inputs, operational constraints, and planning assumptions are combined to produce coordinated plans. The module emphasizes how S&OP enables coordinated decision-making across supply chain and operational planning activities. By the end of the module, learners will be able to interpret the S&OP process, contribute to planning activities, and understand how cross-functional coordination supports supply chain performance.

What's included

1 reading3 assignments

This module develops the capability to evaluate supplier performance using structured metrics and scorecards. Learners examine how supplier performance is measured across key dimensions, including delivery reliability, product quality, and sustainability. The module introduces supplier scorecards as a standardized tool for tracking performance and supporting supplier management decisions. The module focuses on how performance data is collected, interpreted, and used to identify issues and prioritize corrective actions. Learners also examine how supplier performance impacts overall supply chain reliability and service levels. By the end of the module, learners will be able to interpret supplier performance data, apply scorecard methods, and identify areas for supplier improvement.

What's included

2 readings3 assignments1 discussion prompt

2 readingsTotal 15 minutes

Supplier scorecards and performance evaluation10 minutes
Exemplar: Evaluate supplier performance using a scorecard5 minutes

3 assignmentsTotal 75 minutes

Knowledge check: Supplier performance and scorecards15 minutes
Evaluate supplier performance using a scorecard30 minutes
Graded assessment: Supplier performance and scorecards30 minutes

1 discussion promptTotal 5 minutes

What should you investigate?5 minutes

This module develops the capability to evaluate supplier strategy, capacity, and sustainability considerations within supply chain operations. Learners examine how supplier capacity, cost structures, and operational feasibility influence sourcing decisions. The module also introduces environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, including how sustainability metrics are evaluated and integrated into supplier selection and performance management. The module emphasizes how organizations balance cost, service, and sustainability when working with suppliers. Learners also explore collaborative improvement approaches, including joint initiatives to reduce waste and improve efficiency. By the end of the module, learners will be able to evaluate supplier capabilities, interpret sustainability data, and support supplier strategy decisions.