Planning, Supplier Management, and Network Design

Amazon Web Services via Coursera

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

6 weeks, 2 hours a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Beginner
Subtitles

English

Found in

Part of

Amazon Supply Chain Specialist

Overview

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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.

Syllabus

Sales and operations planning (S&OP)
- 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.
Supplier performance and scorecards
- 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.
Supplier strategy, capacity, and sustainability
- 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.
Network design and distribution strategy
- This module develops capability in understanding and evaluating supply chain network design and distribution strategies. Learners examine how supply chain networks are structured, including how facilities, transportation lanes, and material flows connect suppliers to customers. The module introduces key concepts such as nodes, flows, and decoupling points, and how different facility types (e.g., fulfillment centers, cross-docks, sortation centers) support distribution operations. The module emphasizes how network design decisions involve trade-offs between cost, service speed, resilience, and sustainability. Learners also explore how changes to network structure impact operational performance. By the end of the module, learners will be able to interpret network structures, analyze distribution strategies, and evaluate trade-offs in network design decisions.
Strategic planning and supply chain decision frameworks
- This module develops capability in strategic planning and decision-making within supply chain operations. Learners examine how supply chain decisions are guided by strategic frameworks that align operational activities with broader business objectives. The module introduces key concepts including the 4 Is framework (Impacting, Improving, Innovating, Integrating), competitive strategies (cost leadership, differentiation, focus), and planning hierarchies. The module also introduces structured approaches to managing supply chain initiatives, including Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and critical path analysis. In addition, learners explore how emerging technologies and industry practices influence supply chain strategy and innovation. By the end of the module, learners will be able to interpret strategic frameworks, evaluate supply chain initiatives, and apply structured planning approaches to support decision-making.
Course project: Evaluate and design a supply chain strategy
- Learners complete an integrated supply chain strategy project that combines planning, supplier evaluation, sustainability, network design, and strategic decision-making. Using a realistic business scenario and supporting operational data, learners analyze demand and supply conditions, compare supplier performance and sourcing trade-offs, evaluate network alternatives across cost, service, and resilience, and apply strategic frameworks to competing priorities. They then develop a structured supply chain strategy with measurable success indicators and prioritized actions that align operational decisions with broader business objectives.