In simple terms a supply chain is a network of organisations that collectively create and deliver a product or service that is valued by an end consumer.

It is now recognised that competition is no longer between individual organisations but the supply chains they are part of. Therefore organisations need to work together to ensure competitiveness for all within the supply chain. Supply chain management can be defined as the management of relationships with all stakeholders, to deliver superior customer value at less cost to the supply chain as a whole.  In order to do this effective logistics is required i.e. the detailed coordination of complex operations involving people, facilities and supplies.

This course is a collection of enhanced podcasts and videos which provide an introduction to the principles and concepts of logistics and supply chain management.  By utilising the material all users will be provided with a foundation of terminology and concepts enabling them to move forward and investigate the topics in more depth.   It can be utilised in a number of ways by business professionals, educators and students.

1. A business professional, from any function, can use the course as a means for reflection, identifying how the collaborative principles required within the supply chain can gain competitive advantage by increasing value and reducing costs
2. Educators can use the course in a number of ways: a) as an introduction to more advance programmes b) Utilised within a course to provoke discussion. For example, a podcast or video can be viewed and group discussion or syndicate work questions set. E.g. Video XYZ discusses ABC, what are the strengths and weakness of this argument?
3. Students of any discipline can use the course as an introduction to the topic providing them additional views, ideas and concepts that can be utilised and explored in more depth for assignments. Those considering specialising in the subject area of Logistics and Supply Chain management may also wish to take the course as a short pilot and introduction to see whether they really want to pursue the topic in depth.