
Supply Chain Models and Systems
Class Objectives:
Key Learnings and Applications:
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Understand the core functions and structure of global supply chains.
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Apply quantitative models to optimize inventory management, transportation, and logistics.
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Analyze supply chain networks and evaluate trade-offs between cost and service levels.
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Use forecasting and demand planning techniques to improve decision-making.
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Develop strategies to manage risk, uncertainty, and variability across supply chains.
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Promote systems thinking and cross-functional collaboration for end-to-end efficiency.
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Used Python in Google Colab to model and solve supply chain optimization problems.
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Applied tools such as Excel Solver for EOQ, transportation models, and network optimization.
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Built inventory and logistics models to improve cost-effectiveness and service levels.
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Conducted simulations and scenario analysis to evaluate supply chain risk and responsiveness.
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Strengthened systems-thinking and data-driven decision-making across supply chain functions.
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Translated analytical insights into actionable strategies for supply chain performance improvement.
Tools: Python, Google Colab
This was my first hands-on experience using Google Colab and Python to solve a supply chain problem. I implemented a simple moving average model to smooth out demand fluctuations and understand basic forecasting. This beginner-level exercise helped me get comfortable with Python syntax, logic, and the power of cloud-based data tools to lay the groundwork for more complex modeling later in the course.
Tools: Python, Google Colab, Pandas, Excel
In this project, I implemented single, double, and triple exponential smoothing techniques to forecast product demand over time. I also compared their performance against linear regression using MAD, MSE, and MAPE. This helped me understand the practical use of forecasting in supply chain planning and how to tune smoothing parameters for seasonal and trend-based data.
Tools: Python, Google Colab, Excel
I solved the Uncapacitated Facility Location Problem (UFLP) using Lagrangian Relaxation. By relaxing customer assignment constraints and incorporating dual variables, I determined which facilities to open and how to assign customer zones to minimize total cost. This project sharpened my understanding of optimization models, spatial data analysis, and facility network design.
Tools: Python, Google Colab, Matplotlib
I applied the Bass Diffusion Model to estimate weekly and cumulative adoption of a new product over time. The project involved calculating peak demand and plotting adoption curves to visualize diffusion dynamics. It introduced me to product life cycle modeling and how adoption parameters (p, q, m) influence forecasting.
Tools: Python, Google Colab, NumPy
This mini project explored the differences between Euclidean, Manhattan, and Haversine distances. I coded each metric from scratch and calculated distances between geographic coordinates. This built foundational knowledge for spatial analysis in logistics and demand mapping.
Tools: Python, Google Colab, PuLP, Excel
Using linear programming and the PuLP library, I modeled and solved a facility location problem with fixed opening costs and transportation distances. I calculated which distribution centers should be open and how to serve each demand point, ensuring every customer was served efficiently. This exercise deepened my skills in formulating and solving real-world logistics problems.
Tools: Python, Google Colab, scikit-learn
In this project, I built a multiple linear regression model to predict movie box office revenue based on production budget, genre popularity, and cast star power. I trained the model using scikit-learn and interpreted the regression coefficients to understand feature impact. This project demonstrated the power of data analytics in forecasting and strategic decision-making.
Tools: Python, Google Colab
I developed an Economic Order Quantity (EOQ) model to determine optimal order size, reorder point, and cost breakdown. I also compared EOQ performance with power-of-two policies and considered backordering strategies. This helped me explore inventory planning under uncertainty and cost trade-offs in procurement.