Advanced Supply Chain Systems Planning and Network Design, SCM275x, Introduction Webinar

Introduction

Hello everyone and welcome to our first live event introducing the newest addition to our MOOC offering at MIT CTL: Advanced Supply Chain Systems Planning and Network Design. I am Dr. Eva Pon, the director of online education at the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics, and today we will provide an overview of this new massive open online course.

We will introduce the main instructor for this course, share context on the course content, and provide details about how you can earn a certificate. We will also include time for your questions throughout the webinar using the Q&A feature.

To start, we want to understand your experience with CTL online education. This may be your first time engaging with our offerings, which we are thrilled about, so please participate in our first poll.

Poll Results

About 60% of you indicate that you've already taken MicroMasters in Supply Chain Management courses, while 30% are interacting with our MIT online educational offerings for the first time. For those with prior courses, this new MOOC provides valuable next steps, diving deeper into advanced topics like network design. For newcomers, the course is designed as a standalone offering, ensuring a rewarding experience regardless of prior knowledge.

Course Introduction

We are excited to introduce the expert behind this course—Dr. Melena Janik. She is a scientist at the MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics and leads the MIT Supply Chain Design Lab. Along with Dr. Matias Winkenbach, they created this course for our residential MIT students and have now transitioned it into an online format.

Their course provides equivalent MIT graduate-level content, crucial for both supply chain practitioners and students pursuing careers in this field.

Course Motivation and Expectations

We are interested in your motivations for taking the course—be it enhancing your career or promoting learning. Many expressed a passion for continuous learning and personal growth. Our course aims to equip you with analytical tools to address complex supply chain problems and improve job prospects.

Course Overview

The course targets a wide audience of supply chain practitioners, business management professionals, and students interested in supply chain careers.

Key Course Content:

The course features five modules:

Module 1: Introduction and Python basics for those new to programming.
Module 2: Foundational models in supply chain design with an emphasis on implementing them in Python.
Module 3: Advanced network structures and revenue considerations.
Module 4: Inventory impacts on supply chain design.
Module 5: Incorporating multiple objectives, including sustainability, into design decisions.

The learning experience will include lectures, hands-on assignments, and interactive applications for practice with real-world problems that enhance understanding.

Course Format

This is an instructor-led course where content is released weekly, giving learners two weeks to complete each module and submit graded assignments for a certificate. The first week of content was released last Wednesday, focusing on course introduction and Python basics.

Engagement and Support

To succeed in this MOOC, we recommend developing a regular study schedule and engaging with our supportive community. Instructors and TAs are available to help you whenever needed, and the course forum is a great resource for collaboration and inquiries.

Q&A Session

During the Q&A, we addressed various concerns, including the level of Python programming required, the course’s relationship with the SCM residential program, and the potential for scholarships. There is no direct credit toward the on-campus SCM program from this MOOC, and it is designed to enhance the learning for incoming Blended students.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining us today. We hope you will enroll in the course to deepen your knowledge and engage with exciting, real-world supply chain challenges. The course offers a fantastic opportunity to enhance your skills and connect with a community of learners.

Introduction

Advanced Supply Chain, Network Design, Python Programming, MIT, MOOC, Course Overview, Supply Chain Management, Certificate, Community Engagement, Learning Experience.

Introduction

What is the focus of the Advanced Supply Chain Systems Planning and Network Design course?

This course focuses on advanced topics in supply chain network design and planning, utilizing analytical tools and real-world applications to solve complex problems.

Do I need prior experience with Python to enroll?

No, while some knowledge of Python is beneficial, the course includes a crash course on Python for beginners, easing the learning curve.

Can I earn credits toward the SCM residential program by taking this MOOC?

No, the MSM-275x course does not count as credit toward the SCM residential program; it is intended as a standalone learning experience.

What is the course format?

The course is instructor-led with weekly content releases and assignments due every two weeks. It is fully online.

How can I engage with instructors and other learners?

The course features a discussion forum where you can ask questions, interact with peers, and receive guidance from instructors and TAs.

Will there be future offerings of this online course?

There are plans to offer this course on a yearly basis, but details will be provided after the current run concludes.