As of the fall 2007 semester, active learning components have been implemented in this core course for all Business majors and prerequisite to all upper-level Supply Chain Management (MSC) courses. The goal is to have each student attend two (2) distinct “modules” in the IBM On-Demand Supply Chain Laboratory. Each module is worth 5 points (based on attendance only) and usually lasts between 90-100 minutes.
The overall goal for both modules is to provide each student the chance to participate as a decision maker within a business process or supply chain model. At a more fundamental level, students are being asked to perform basic time management techniques within the constraints of their everyday schedules. These modular exercises force students to focus their attention to their own daily commitments and illustrates the importance of maintaining communication with the laboratory instructor.
Process Flow Model Module
The focus of Module 1 is to provide student’s a basic experience in developing a process flow model which allows a simulation of the business process to take place over a period of time. By the end of the session, students will have recognized multiple ways to develop Key Process Indicators (KPI’s) regarding process management. Further details regarding Arena software can be found at http://www.arenasimulation.com/.
Beer Game Distribution Module
Module 2 utilizes a program located at http://chalamy.brinkster.net/beergame/index.htm. This website provides an online version of The Distribution Game; a classic method of illustrating the “bullwhip” phenomenon used in both corporate and academic circles.
Each student is assigned a function within a hypothetical supply chain; retailer, wholesaler, distributor or manufacturer. Their goal is to maintain inventory levels that will sufficiently meet customer demand while attempting to maintain a relatively low total inventory cost. The cumulative costs across the supply chain are then compared to other supply chains participating in the session. Each round the supply chain with the lowest total cost will be declared the “winner”. Thus, each laboratory is somewhat unique in that students are creating the results to be discussed during the laboratory session
M. Bixby Cooper, Associate Professor, Supply Chain Management
Justin L. Jagger, Staff/Consultant
