Smarter Supply Chains 5 credits

Technological advancements—from automation to artificial intelligence—create both opportunities and challenges for supply chain managers. When leveraged effectively, technology can optimise existing processes, enhance decision-making, and open entirely new market segments. Yet implementing new technology is rarely straightforward and demands understanding of its ethical implications, limitations, and potential risks. This course teaches you to model and visualise organisational processes, identify data requirements, and implement them in enterprise systems. You will learn to spot technological trends and evaluate their potential for supply chain management through examples spanning automation, artificial intelligence, and electrification of transportation. The course builds on Supply Chain 5.0 principles, emphasising human-machine collaboration, sustainability, and resilience. This framework ensures technological advancements empower human workers, prioritise environmental and social considerations, and strengthen supply chains against disruptions. Upon completion, you will be equipped to design and leverage smarter supply chains that balance technological capability with human-centered and sustainable practices. You will critically evaluate new technologies, assess their strategic fit, and contribute to implementation efforts that deliver value while managing risks. Organisations will benefit from your ability to identify emerging trends, evaluate their maturity, and prepare for strategic adoption. Whether optimising current operations or exploring transformative technologies that reshape business models, you will have the analytical tools and strategic mindset to drive meaningful change in supply chain management.