This four-module course delivers a rigorous, end-to-end mastery of modern supply chains—from foundational architecture to performance governance, network design, and coordination at scale. Beginning with first principles (value creation, surplus maximization, decision horizons, cycle and push–pull views), the course builds analytical fluency with the Supply–Demand Uncertainty Framework and strategic fit. Learners then elevate from theory to instrumentation: translating competitive priorities and order-winner/qualifier logic into channel-spanning KPIs using SCOR and the Balanced Scorecard. The journey advances to network design across manufacturing and services, quantifying cost–service trade-offs, inventory positioning, site selection, and optimization models (transportation, facility location, network flow, transshipment) with practical Solver implementations. Finally, the course treats coordination as a design problem of incentives, information, and governance—diagnosing bullwhip, deploying CPFR/VMI, and operationalizing visibility via control towers, RFID/IoT, and blockchain—under the realities of global heterogeneity and sustainability imperatives. The result is an executive-caliber capability to architect resilient, data-driven supply chains that align strategy with measurable performance and deliver superior customer promise at optimal total cost.

Foundation of Global Supply Chains

Foundation of Global Supply Chains



Instructors: Prof. Sajeev George
Access provided by Lok Jagruti University
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Beginner level
Recommended experience
2 weeks to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
What you'll learn
A system-level perspective of supply chains as strategic infrastructures, not just operational pipelines.
Tools to measure what matters: linking competitive advantage to quantifiable supply chain performance.
Frameworks and models to design resilient and cost-effective networks across manufacturing and services.
Approaches to coordinate and align global, fragmented supply chains, reducing distortion and inefficiency.
Skills you'll gain
Tools you'll learn
Details to know

Shareable certificate
Add to your LinkedIn profile
Assessments
20 assignments
Taught in English
Recently updated!
October 2025
See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

There are 5 modules in this course
Instructors


Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.
Learner since 2018
"To be able to take courses at my own pace and rhythm has been an amazing experience. I can learn whenever it fits my schedule and mood."

Jennifer J.
Learner since 2020
"I directly applied the concepts and skills I learned from my courses to an exciting new project at work."

Larry W.
Learner since 2021
"When I need courses on topics that my university doesn't offer, Coursera is one of the best places to go."

Chaitanya A.
"Learning isn't just about being better at your job: it's so much more than that. Coursera allows me to learn without limits."

