Master of Science [M.Sc] (Supply Chain Management)

at National University of Singapore

A good supply chain involves an integrated end-to-end management of material flows from sources of supply through plants to customers, as well as an efficient information system of monitoring the flows and improving operational efficiency. Given the global context in which supply chains are to be managed, there is also a need to appreciate the financial management and operations. The objective of the module is to lead students into developing correct perspectives and thinking skills needed to manage a supply chain. The topics to be covered include evolution of supply chain thinking, components of a supply chain, principles and value of good SCM, SCM operation and coordination, different practices of SCM, technology in SCM.

This module is an advanced level course on operations and supply chain management. We will focus on three of the important topics in operations and supply chain management: coordination, flexibility, and production. Our objective is to provide our students further understanding on these three selected topics by discussing a variety of related issues and modeling/analysis tools. Students have to undertake a mini project or write a term paper on a specific topic approved by the instructor.

This module introduces the fundamentals of Supply Chain Systems. It covers topics related to the Modelling of Supply Chain Systems so as to provide the best flow of products through the Supply Chain Systems.

The student will undertake a 24-week research project to work on a research topic on logistics and supply chain management under TLI –Asia Pacific. Topics undertaken may be related to technology development, such as use of RFID or software development, such as optimisation algorithm or any new areas in supply chain management. The research project aims to train the student in innovative problem-solving using the tools and skills acquired in the coursework. Supervisors may come from various departments in NUS and industry

Title & Brief Description

MTM5005 Intermodal Freight Transport and Logistics NEW
(Only applicable to students admitted in AY2021/2022)

 This module aims to develop in students a solid competency in intermodal freight transport and logistics. Students learn to identify roles of various transport modes together with their importance in logistics. Topics covered include practical aspects (sea transport, road, rail, inland waterways etc.), geography of intermodal transport, policy and planning, and challenges. Frameworks and tools imparted in the course allow The course syllabus will also emphasize on how the system works, to provide students with a number of for analysis of main problems.

Operations Planning and Control I

Operations research and its applications, mainly in the area of production planning and control: linear programming, network analysis, project planning and scheduling, dynamic programming, inventory control models, queueing theory, replacement theory and maintenance models.

Preclusion: BDC5101/DBA5103

Engineering Probability and Simulation

This module aims to provide engineers with a practical treatment of probability. Apart from the fundamental framework, examples showing how various concepts and techniques can be adapted to solve practical problems will be discussed. An introduction to simulation techniques such as the Monte Carlo method together with stochastic modeling are also included.

IE5005 Data Analytics for Industrial Engineers NEW

(Only applicable to students admitted in Semester 1 AY2021/2022)

This module introduces basic concepts in descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics with a focus on applications that industrial engineers commonly deal with (e.g., inventory control, replacement and maintenance, process improvement, project management and resource scheduling etc.). Topics include descriptive modelling, predictive modelling, error quantification, model training, model selection and data-based decision making.

Material Flow Systems

This module covers the activities required to manage materials flow from supplier through manufacturing activities to the final use of the materials or delivery to customer. Emphasis is given on the movement of materials within the manufacturing processes and storage systems. Methodologies useful to the analysis of material flow systems, in both the manufacturing and warehousing systems, are introduced.

Facility Layout and Location

This module provides an analytical treatment of the subject of facility layout and location. The layout design process consists of problem formulation, analysis of the problem, search for layout designs, selection of the preferred design, and specification of the layout design to be installed. This module also considers the problem of locating one or several new facilities with respect to existing facilities. The objective considered is the minimization of a cost function of travel distances. Problem with rectilinear and Euclidean distances are considered. Students will be assigned a computer project and a case study.

Pre-requisite: IE5001

Healthcare System and Analytics

This module gives an overview of healthcare systems and how healthcare delivery is achieved, including an understanding of the roles of analysts in healthcare, healthcare data concepts and management. Data modelling and the use of statistics and operations research methods to support operations management, planning and decision making in healthcare are also introduced.

Systems Modelling and Advanced Simulation

Systems modelling and simulation are important tools in operations research. This subject covers the major aspects of modelling and techniques of computer simulation, model definition, construction of digital simulation models, design of simulation experiments, statistical verification of input data and results, simulation languages and advanced simulation concepts.

Analytical tools for Consulting

The objective of this course is to prepare participants for the work environment and the diverse challenges faced by business analysts and consultants. Through the pedagogical medium of cases, students will polish their skills in analytics and the written and oral communications of their results to a Management audience. The course will cover topics such as Decision & Risk Analysis, Optimization, Simulation, Data Mining and Forecasting.

Global Supply Chain Management NEW

(Only applicable to students admitted in Semester 1 AY2021/2022)

This course explores the emerging dynamics that drive optimization and risk management in today’s increasingly complex global supply chains. The impact of disruptive technologies such as the industrial Internet of things (IIOT), the Cloud and real-time data analytics will be factored into ongoing discussions and case studies. Students will learn about other influential factors impacting cross-border supply chains, including global trade management, tax regimes, export controls and transactions, environmentally “green” standards, and ethical/anti-corruption regulations.

Preclusion: LI5203

Sustainable Supply Chains

This module uses case studies to demonstrate that focus on reducing environmental impact not only allowed companies to comply with increased regulations to reduce footprints but also to reduce their costs, to improve the quality of their products/services and to enhance the reputation of their brands. Many multinational companies have started to reap the benefits from investing in clean technology and building sustainability into their supply chain operations. The objective of this course is to study how a company can reshape its supply chain and operations to improve environmental performance and contribute to business success at the same time.

Logistics Operations Planning and Procurement NEW

(Only applicable to students admitted in Semester 1 AY2021/2022)

The increasing prevalence of e-commerce for B2C sales, especially post-Covid-19 pandemic, is leading to requirements for careful planning of logistics operations, including warehouse design, global freight transportation, network planning, and last-mile delivery. At the same time, companies need to look at how they can streamline procurement processes and improve sourcing for logistics reliability and supply chain resilience. This course looks at these issues related to procurement and logistics operations and planning to derive competitive advantage by reducing total logistics costs and improving supply chain resilience. Cases to illustrate the concepts and management tools will be discussed.

Supply Chain Models and Management Strategies NEW

(Only applicable to students admitted in Semester 1 AY2021/2022)

Interest in supply chain management, both in industry and in academia, has grown rapidly over the past three decades, and continues to grow. While many companies recognize the importance of analysing their supply chains, most of them perform the analysis using experience and intuition with very few analytical models. In contrast, the academic community has developed various models and tools for supply chain management. This course intends to fill this gap by discussing state-of-the-art models, strategies, and solution methods that are important for supply chain management. Impact from recent political tension and concerns arising from COVID-19 will be discussed too.

International Trade and Supply Chain Finance NEW

(Only applicable to students admitted in Semester 1 AY2021/2022)

Trade and global supply chains are interlinked in many ways, in areas such as sourcing, freight, customs duties, and financing. In recent years, trade issues have come to the fore, with potential to affect global supply chain structures. This course will cover considerations for international trade such as comparative advantage, new market entry, use of incoterms, and trade documentation. It will also look at how supply chain finance can be used as tools to improve cash flow, and different types of financing mechanisms.

Data Visualization

Successful supply chain analytics projects require: A business problem, validated data, visualization for initial insights and statistical analysis for predictive insights. Students will glean insights from real world data, answer strategic business questions, create an Information Strategy for Supply Chain, visualize and monetize Big Data. Real data sets from supply chain, retail and social media will be placed in cloud technology like Google or Amazon.

Special Topics in Logistics

There are many emerging areas in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. The practice of logistics is still evolving to include new technologies and applications, as well as improved methods of solution and algorithms of seeking out solutions. Some areas of immediate interest include: humanitarian logistics, logistics security and hospitality logistics. This module enables students to keep abreast with the latest developments in some specific area in logistics and to learn a special area or application of logistics by visiting faculties or qualified senior practitioners to TLI – Asia Pacific.

Supply Chain Management Strategies and Case Studies

There are many emerging areas in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. The practice in Supply Chain Management is still evolving to include new technologies and applications, as well as improved methods of solution and algorithms of seeking out solutions. Some areas of immediate interest include: Cold Chains, Retail Chains and RFID application in supply chain management. This module enables students to be kept abreast with latest developments in some specific area in supply chain management and to learn a special area or application of supply chain management by qualified senior practitioners to TLI – Asia Pacific in a seminar series format.

Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management

This course aims to provide a unique enriching experiential learning opportunity to gain a broader understanding and insight into global logistics and supply chains. It will be delivered via an intensive two-week summer school programme at an international partner university. Adopting a case-based learning approach, students will experience challenging real business cases and workshops designed to combine sophisticated theory with hands-on practical experience in industry. Students will be exposed to educational content with high practical industrial relevance and innovative solutions for companies with state-of-the-art expertise. The cases will follow the logic and lines of a global supply chain: starting with supplier evaluation, to usage of multimodal transport, cold chain logistics, set-up of SCM function in a company from scratch down to customer delivery, customer segmentation, and ending with the challenges of e-commerce and last-mile delivery.

(*Only offered in Special Term)

Supply Chain Simulation and Optimization

This course aims to provide a hands-on learning opportunity through the use of an easy-to-understand tool, such as AnyLogistix, for students to address a wide range of supply chain management (SCM) problems. It allows students to focus on management decision analysis and use KPIs for operational, customer and financial performance measurement and decision-making. The course covers supply chain simulation and optimization examples via developing and building models and evaluating KPIs, and discusses how to use these models and their simulation and optimization results to improve management decision-making.

Module Title

Supply Chain Management Thinking and Practice

Supply Chain Coordination and Risk Management

Modelling for Supply Chain Systems

Research Project

Module Title

Operations Planning and Control I

Engineering Probability and Simulation

Material Flow Systems

Facility Layout and Location

Healthcare System and Analytics

Systems Modelling and Advanced Simulation

Analytical tools for Consulting

Sustainable Supply Chains

Data Visualization

Special Topics in Logistics

Supply Chain Management Strategies and Case Studies

Global Logistics & Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Simulation and Optimization