In this module, you will be exploring the concept of supply chain disruption. Typical structural characteristics (e.g. complexity, lack of visibility, diamond shape, etc.) that make supply chains susceptible to disruption, will be identified and discussed. Risk, risk events, and risk management will be defined, the major disruption-related risk types will be described, and the importance of supply chain resilience will be explained. The module ends with a discussion about disruption probability and impact severity. Examples from manufacturing and health supply chains are used.

In this module, we will be applying the concepts learned from Module 1 and Module 2 to an actual supply chain disruption case. Specifically, this module explores several parts of the PPE supply chain that was disrupted during COVID-19. In addition, new concepts will also be introduced. For challenges in managing PPE demand, the bullwhip effect will be applied and ideas discussed. Fisher model and Lee’s adaptation will be revisited to discuss some of the strategic PPE challenges. The module ends with a discussion on issues and potential success factors of attempts to meet surge demand with surge capacity. Examples from the upstream and downstream health supply chain are used.

In this module, we will be discussing a variety of practices that can help organizations manage supply chain disruptions. An overarching set of practices will be explained first. In addition, practices for managing the bullwhip effect disruption will be given using the downstream health supply chain as an example. You will engage in three very simple simulated disruption events that will ultimately generate more specific best practices in supply chains. The module ends with a general discussion on managing the organization and caring for people. A variety of examples are used.