Supply Chain Management

Course Description

ETI 3647 – Supply Chain Management is a 3-credit-hour upper-division course in the Engineering Technologies / Industrial Systems Technology taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). It is typically delivered within Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) programs in Technology Management, International Business, Sustainability Management, or Supply Chain Management at Florida colleges including St. Petersburg College (SPC) and the State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF).

This course presents the basic concepts, principles, and techniques of supply chain management. It incorporates inventory management, logistics management, customer demand management, supplier relationship management, and supply chain management as they relate to the core aspects of modern management practice. The course builds on foundational operations management knowledge to help students understand how to build and implement supply chain and value chain networks. Emphasis is placed on developing an enterprise-wide and systems view to manage the flow of information, physical distribution, and revenue required to deliver products and services from raw materials through end-consumer use, including reverse logistics.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the fundamental concepts, principles, and strategies of supply chain management (SCM) and describe current trends in the field.
• Analyze supply chain network design, including facility location decisions and the trade-offs between service and product supply chains.
• Apply inventory management techniques, including demand forecasting, safety stock, reorder points, and economic order quantities.
• Describe and evaluate logistics and transportation management strategies, including cost analysis and carrier selection.
• Identify and apply supplier relationship management practices, including sourcing, procurement processes, and supplier performance metrics.
• Explain the role of customer demand management and customer-centric approaches in SCM planning.
• Use performance measures and analytical techniques to evaluate supply chain efficiency and effectiveness.
• Identify key regulatory, compliance, and process considerations in supply chain operations.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on instructor emphasis and institutional offering, students may also achieve the following outcomes:

• Apply data mining, sensitivity analysis, and prescriptive analytics techniques to supply chain decision-making.
• Analyze global trade risks and develop risk mitigation strategies for international supply chains.
• Use simulation tools and models to evaluate supply chain scenarios and optimize outcomes.
• Demonstrate proficiency with information systems and technologies used in warehouse, distribution center, and logistics environments.
• Participate in a capstone simulation co-managing an international business supply chain.
• Apply sustainability principles to supply chain design and management practices.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are commonly covered across all identified Florida college offerings of ETI 3647:

• SCM Basics, Strategies, and Trends – Overview of supply chain management concepts, historical development, and current industry trends; performance measurement frameworks.
• Supply Chain Network Design – Facility location analysis, network configuration, services vs. products supply chains, and key strategic decisions.
• Supply Management and Procurement – Sourcing strategies, supplier selection and evaluation, purchasing processes, and regulatory compliance.
• Customer Demand Management – Customer-centric supply chain design, demand planning, and forecasting methods (quantitative and qualitative).
• Inventory Management – Inventory models, safety stock, reorder points, economic order quantity (EOQ), capacity planning, and warehousing.
• Logistics and Transportation Management – Transportation modes, carrier selection, cost analysis, scheduling, and distribution strategies.
• Information Systems and Technologies in SCM – Enterprise resource planning (ERP), warehouse management systems (WMS), and emerging technologies in supply chain.
• Supply Chain Performance Measurement – Key performance indicators (KPIs), descriptive analytics, and benchmarking techniques.

Optional Topics

The following topics may be covered depending on instructor and institutional emphasis:

• Global Trade and Risk Management – International trade regulations, trade compliance, geopolitical risk, and supply chain disruption strategies.
• Data Analytics and Prescriptive Techniques – Data mining, sensitivity analysis, optimization models, and prescriptive analytics applications in SCM.
• Supply Chain Simulations and Modeling – Simulation tools (e.g., beer game, SAP or similar ERP simulations) for SCM scenario analysis.
• Pricing and Revenue Management – Pricing strategies, promotional planning, and their effects on supply chain demand.
• Reverse Logistics – Returns management, product lifecycle considerations, and circular supply chain design.
• Sustainability in Supply Chain – Green logistics, carbon footprint reduction, and ESG considerations in SCM.
• Capstone / International Business Simulation – Integrated project or simulation in which students co-manage a global supply chain, applying course concepts holistically.

Resources & Tools

• Learning Management System (LMS): MyCourses (Canvas or equivalent) – used for assignments, deadlines, and course communications.
• Textbook: A standard SCM text such as Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation (Chopra & Meindl) or equivalent adopted by the institution.
• Technology Access: Students must have regular access to a computer with a stable internet connection for online assignments, video content, and simulations.
• Analytics Tools: Spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets) for planning analytics, sensitivity analysis, and scheduling models.
• Simulation Software: Supply chain simulation platforms (e.g., SAP ERP educational modules, MIT Beer Game, or institutional simulation tools).
• Professional Resources: APICS/ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management) body of knowledge, CSCMP (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals) publications.

Career Pathways

Graduates who complete ETI 3647 as part of a B.A.S. program in Technology Management, International Business, Sustainability Management, or Supply Chain Management are prepared for roles such as:

• Supply Chain Manager / Analyst
• Logistics Coordinator / Manager
• Procurement Specialist / Purchasing Manager
• Inventory Control Manager
• Operations Manager
• Distribution Center Manager
• Warehouse Operations Supervisor
• Global Trade Compliance Specialist

Florida's proximity to major international shipping ports, pharmaceutical distribution networks, and manufacturing hubs makes supply chain professionals highly sought after in industries including healthcare, retail, aerospace, and international trade.

Special Information

Certification Preparation: The content of ETI 3647 aligns with several industry-recognized professional certifications that students may pursue to enhance their credentials:

• APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) – Aligns with course modules on logistics, transportation, and global trade.
• APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) – Aligns with end-to-end SCM concepts, global supply chain strategy, and technology topics.
• APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) – Aligns with inventory management, demand management, and supply planning content.
• ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) – Aligns with sourcing, supplier relationship management, and procurement topics.

Program Context: At St. Petersburg College, ETI 3647 requires admission to an approved B.A.S. program (Technology Management, International Business, Sustainability Management, or Supply Chain Management ATC). The course is designed as an upper-division capstone-adjacent course; students are encouraged to continue into simulation-based or international business management courses following completion.