Logistics modeling and strategy, design of distribution channels, logistics technology, global logistics issues, integrated supply-chain management and inventory management.

Overview of the modules of demand management systems: Demand forecasting system, customer order entry systems, order confirmation systems, shipment systems, and production planning systems. Pyramid forecasting in the supply chain. Overview of quantitative, subjective and hybrid demand forecasting methods. Cost of demand forecast error measures in merchandising and procurement.

Differences between forecasts, causal explanations, targets and plans. Forecasting in production, finance, accounting and marketing. New product demand forecasting. Low-volume demand forecasting. Time-series forecasting for high-volume products. Demand forecasting for discontinued products. Overview of forecasting software. Experimental design for forecasting method selection. Combinations of forecasts.

Hierarchical production planning in service and manufacturing sectors. Aggregation methods,aggregate production and capacity planning. Sales and operations planning (SOP). Disaggregation. Master production scheduling. Rough-cut capacity planning. Final production/assembly schedules. Material requirements planning and capacity requirements planning.

Concepts and solutions that support the planning, scheduling, controlling, resource allocation, and performance measurement activities required for successful completion of a project under uncertainty.

Reasons of demand and supply uncertainties and fluctuations in supply chains. Supply chain strategies to cope with uncertainties. The bullwhip effect and methods for coping with the bullwhip. Demand aggregation across locations and risk pooling. Value of information across the supply chain. Centralized vs. decentralized supply chain management.

Structures for directing and controlling organizations. Rules and procedures for decision-making. Distribution of rights and responsibilities among stakeholders, including the board, managers, shareholders. Maximization of the long-term financial value of a corporation. Fair and rational management of stakeholder interests. Legal, moral and ethical issues in organizations.

Use of accounting information to guide operational and strategic decisions. Evaluation of the organization’s value-adding activities. Direct continuous and discontinuous operational improvement efforts. Guidance for and evaluation of employees. Modern concepts of cost management and control. Strategic cost analysis. Design of management control systems. Traditional-standard cost systems for linking resource expenses to cost centers and objects. Activity-based costing for strategic decision-making. Measurement and management of performance. Decentralization and control of large organizations .

Cross-functional process of developing new products (services). The key points of contact with marketing, perations, finance, organizational policy, and strategic planning. Different stages of product development, from idea generation to market testing. Idea selection and the process of making them a reality. Best-practice strategies, frameworks, conceptual tools, and types of marketing research. Application of ideas and methods in the evaluation of a specific product concept.

Disciplined and structured approach to innovation. Various innovation methods, types, requirements and barriers. Introduction to Design Thinking. Identification of needs, observation, problem definition, ideation, prototyping and testing.