Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, supply chain leaders must make strategic decisions that drive efficiency, resilience, and competitive advantage. This course is designed to equip professionals with the analytical tools, frameworks, and decision-making models required to optimize supply chain operations. Participants will learn to leverage data analytics, risk management, and technology-driven insights to make informed and future-ready strategic decisions.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Apply strategic decision-making models to complex supply chain challenges.
• Utilize data-driven insights and analytics for smarter decision-making.
• Develop resilient and agile supply chain strategies to handle disruptions.
• Optimize costs, efficiency, and sustainability through strategic choices.
• Balance short-term operational goals with long-term strategic objectives.
• Understand the role of AI, blockchain, and digital transformation in strategic supply chain decisions.
• Enhance risk management and crisis response capabilities.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for:

• Supply Chain Managers & Directors making high-level strategic decisions.
• Operations & Logistics Executives optimizing supply chain performance.
• Procurement & Sourcing Professionals responsible for strategic vendor decisions.
• Business & Strategy Consultants advising on supply chain improvements.
• Finance & Risk Management Leaders overseeing supply chain investments.
• Technology & Innovation Officers integrating digital tools into supply chain strategies.

Course Outline

Day 1: Foundations of Strategic Decision-Making in SCM

Morning Session: Principles of Strategic Thinking in Supply Chains

• Defining strategic vs. operational decision-making in SCM.
• Key supply chain performance metrics and KPIs for strategic planning.
• Case studies: Successful supply chain strategies from leading organizations.

Afternoon Session: Decision-Making Frameworks for Supply Chains

• Decision trees, cost-benefit analysis, and scenario planning.
• The role of systems thinking in SCM strategy.
• Workshop: Applying decision frameworks to real-world supply chain challenges.

Day 2: Data-Driven Decision-Making in SCM

Morning Session: Leveraging Analytics for Strategic SCM Decisions

• Introduction to big data, predictive analytics, and AI in SCM.
• Demand forecasting and inventory optimization through data analytics.
• Case study: How Amazon and Walmart use analytics in supply chain decisions.

Afternoon Session: Supply Chain Simulation & Optimization Models

• Simulation techniques for scenario analysis and risk assessment.
• Using digital twins and AI-driven simulations for strategic decisions.
• Hands-on exercise: Running a supply chain simulation model.

Day 3: Risk Management & Crisis Decision-Making

Morning Session: Identifying & Managing Supply Chain Risks

• Strategic risk assessment: Financial, operational, and geopolitical risks.
• The impact of disruptions (COVID-19, trade wars, natural disasters, cyber threats).
• Workshop: Mapping risks and mitigation strategies for global supply chains.

Afternoon Session: Crisis Management & Resilient Decision-Making

• Best practices for real-time decision-making in crises.
• Business continuity planning and supply chain resilience frameworks.
• Case study: Lessons from past global supply chain disruptions.

Day 4: Strategic Sourcing, Sustainability & Cost Optimization

Morning Session: Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Decision-Making

• Choosing the right global vs. local suppliers.
• Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and supplier relationship management.
• Case study: How Apple and Tesla make strategic sourcing decisions.

Afternoon Session: Sustainability & Ethical Decision-Making in SCM

• The role of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) in strategic SCM.
• Circular supply chains and ethical sourcing strategies.
• Workshop: Designing a sustainable supply chain strategy.

Day 5: Future Trends & Digital Transformation in Strategic SCM

Morning Session: Emerging Technologies & the Future of SCM Strategy

• AI, blockchain, IoT, and automation in supply chain decision-making.
• The impact of autonomous logistics and robotics.
• Case study: How AI-driven decision-making is reshaping SCM.

Afternoon Session: Capstone Project & Action Planning

• Developing an SCM strategic decision plan for participants’ organizations.
• Presenting key insights and action steps.
• Final discussions and certification ceremony.

Training Methodology

This course follows an interactive and experiential learning approach, ensuring a mix of theory and hands-on application. The methodology includes:

• Expert-led lectures with insights from top SCM professionals.
• Case studies from companies like Amazon, Tesla, and DHL.
• Workshops and group activities to apply decision-making models.
• Data analytics simulations for strategic planning.
• Scenario-based exercises to test crisis management skills.
• Capstone project to develop a customized strategic decision framework.

Certification

Upon successful completion, participants will receive:

• A Certificate of Completion in Strategic Decision-Making in Supply Chain Management from Learnify® Training.
• A Digital Badge for LinkedIn and professional networks.