Supply Chain Management

This comprehensive textbook discusses the strategic, tactical, and operational facets of supply chain management. It emphasises how organisations can gain a competitive edge by effectively designing, planning, and operating their supply chains. Drawing upon theoretical constructs and practical industry examples (predominantly from India and other Asian and developed economies), the book offers clear explanations, illustrations, and case studies that reflect contemporary business challenges.

This book is intended for the following audience:

• Students and Academics – Particularly those pursuing MBA or specialised postgraduate/undergraduate courses in supply chain, operations management, or logistics
• Practitioners and Working Professionals – Managers, consultants, and decision-makers seeking to bolster their knowledge of supply chain applications, best practices, and emerging trends (e.g., digitalisation, analytics, sustainability)
• Researchers and Enthusiasts – Individuals interested in understanding the evolution of supply chain frameworks and exploring new business models driven by technology and globalisation

The Present Publication is the Latest Edition, authored by N. Chandrasekaran, with the following noteworthy features:

• [Comprehensive Coverage] Spans strategy, policy, systems, and operational practices, providing a 360-degree perspective of modern supply chain management
• [Blend of Theory and Practice] Each chapter begins with learning objectives and interlaces conceptual frameworks with practical examples, case discussions, and illustrations
• [Pedagogically Rich] Includes discussion questions, critical thinking questions, and project assignments in every chapter, making it classroom-friendly and ideal for self-study
• [Case Studies and Examples] Presents diverse case studies (Indian and global) highlighting specific supply chain challenges such as transportation scheduling, international coordination, inventory management, sustainability, and digital transformations
• [Focus on Emerging Trends] Integrates themes like digitalisation, AI/analytics, Industry 4.0, sustainability, global logistics challenges, and novel business models, showcasing the evolving nature of supply chain networks
• [Author's Background] Prof. N. Chandrasekaran is a seasoned professional and academic with extensive corporate experience and a deep involvement in teaching, consulting, and research. His insights and industry connections enrich the practicality of the content.

The coverage of the book is as follows:

• Foundational Concepts
• Early chapters introduce supply chain perspectives, structure (efficient vs. responsive), and major drivers (facilities, inventory, transportation, sourcing, pricing, and information)
• Strategic and Tactical Decisions
• In-depth treatment of strategic decision-making in SCM, including network design, transportation choices, and sourcing strategies. Detailed discussions on global supply chain configurations, risk management, and responsiveness
• Operational Practices
• Explores daily execution strategies such as Just-in-Time (JIT), Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI), quality management, and coordination to mitigate the bullwhip effect
• Advanced Topics
• Digitalisation and Analytics – Examines the impact of modern technologies, the adoption of analytics software, and the role of digital twins in reimagining supply chain processes and business models
• Sustainability & CSR – Focuses on green supply chains, ethical sourcing, ESG reporting, circular economies, and how organisations can implement environmentally and socially responsible practices
• Supply Chain Finance – Highlights the importance of synchronising financial flows, covering mechanisms like factoring, reverse factoring, and other forms of trade financing that support supply chain operations
• Excellence and Performance Measurement
• Explains frameworks like balanced scorecards, process-driven metrics, and best practices for continuous improvement, auditing, and benchmarking
• Cases Studies
• The final chapter consolidates case studies illustrating diverse scenarios (e.g., pandemic disruptions, strategic sourcing dilemmas, global logistics hubs, new technologies) to reinforce theory with applied contexts

The structure of the book is as follows:

• Introductory Chapters (1–3) – Lays the groundwork, covering supply chain perspectives, structures (push vs. pull, agile, etc.), and major drivers (facilities, inventory, transportation, sourcing, pricing, information)
• Decision Environment & Strategy (4–7) – Explores external and internal factors shaping supply chain decisions, corporate alignment, third-party logistics, and network configuration models
• Sourcing, Planning & Inventory (8–10) – Discusses procurement processes, tactical planning (demand forecasting, CPFR), sales and operations planning, and inventory management models
• Operational & Coordination Topics (11–13) – Discusses JIT, VMI, supply chain security, obstacles like the bullwhip effect, global supply chain perspectives, and risk management
• Future-ready Supply Chains (14–16) – Addresses digitalisation, big data analytics, new tech-driven business models, sustainability, and supply chain finance solutions
• Performance, Excellence & Organisational Aspects (17–19) – Focuses on assessment frameworks, performance measurement methods (traditional to advanced), and how organisations structure teams and responsibilities
• Case Studies (Chapter 20) – A curated set of cases spanning industries and geographies, offering pragmatic insights into transportation scheduling, sourcing, performance metrics, and risk management