Lean Supply Chain

Course Objective

This course is designed to empower operations specialization students with strategic and analytical capabilities to design, implement, and optimize lean supply chains. It integrates principles of lean thinking, digital supply chain tools, and agile decision-making to enhance responsiveness, efficiency, and sustainability. Through case studies, simulations, and hands-on analytics, students will develop leadership skills to transform supply chain functions across industries.

Learning Outcomes

  • Apply lean principles to eliminate waste and improve supply chain performance.
  • Analyze value streams and map process flows using digital tools.
  • Design supply chain networks that are resilient, adaptive, and sustainable.
  • Leverage real-time data for forecasting, inventory control, and logistics decisions.
  • Communicate and lead continuous improvement initiatives in global supply environments.

Lean Supply Chain Syllabus T30

Session No. Topics Tool/Reading/Activity Skill Focus
1 Introduction to Lean Supply Chain Strategy Lean Thinking Ch.1, pp. 1–23 Strategic Thinking
2 Principles of Lean Thinking Lean Thinking Ch.2, pp. 25–53 Process Optimization
3 Value Stream Mapping and Flow Lean Thinking Ch.3, pp. 55–80 Analytical Reasoning
4 Identifying and Eliminating Waste Lean Thinking Ch.4, pp. 81–108 Efficiency Analysis
5 Pull Systems and Just-in-Time Lean Thinking Ch.5, pp. 109–133 Agile Systems
6 Lean Metrics and Performance Measurement Supplementary: Simchi-Levi Ch.2, pp. 35–59 Data-Driven Decision Making
7 Inventory Management in Lean Supply Chains Simchi-Levi Ch.4, pp. 85–110 Inventory Analytics
8 Forecasting and Demand Management Simchi-Levi Ch.6, pp. 135–159 Quantitative Analysis
9 Lean Warehousing and Logistics Simchi-Levi Ch.8, pp. 189–210 Operational Design
10 Supplier Integration and Development Lean Thinking Ch.6, pp. 135–160 Collaboration Strategy
11 Lean Procurement and Sourcing Simchi-Levi Ch.9, pp. 213–235 Supply Partnership
12 Digital Tools in Supply Chain Visibility Industry Reports Digital Fluency
13 Agile and Resilient Supply Chains Simchi-Levi Ch.10, pp. 237–258 Adaptability
14 Sustainable and Green Supply Chains Lean Thinking Ch.7, pp. 161–185 Sustainability Strategy
15 Global Lean Supply Networks Simchi-Levi Ch.11, pp. 261–284 Global Strategy
16 Lean in Service and Healthcare Supply Chains Case Studies Service Operations
17 Lean Six Sigma Integration Supplementary Notes Continuous Improvement
18 Barriers to Lean Implementation Lean Thinking Ch.8, pp. 187–210 Change Management
19 Case Study Analysis & Digital Simulations Student Work Leadership Communication
20 Final Project Presentations and Wrap-up Student Research Strategic Synthesis

Textbook & Resources

Primary Textbook:
  • Lean Thinking by James P. Womack and Daniel T. Jones
Supplementary:
  • Designing and Managing the Supply Chain by David Simchi-Levi