Digital Supply Chains: Evolution and Transformation

SDA Bocconi School of Management

Course Description

Welcome to the cutting-edge course on "Digital Supply Chains: Evolution and Transformation" offered by SDA Bocconi School of Management. This intermediate-level course is designed to explore the dynamic world of digital supply chains and their impact on modern business operations. As we navigate through the digital transformation era, understanding how to leverage new technologies in supply chain management has become crucial for business success.

The course delves into the gradual evolution of traditional supply chains towards digital supply chains, emphasizing that this shift is more of an evolution than a revolution. You'll discover how emerging technologies enable companies to gather, analyze, combine, and evaluate information more efficiently and responsively than ever before. The primary focus is on investigating how a digital approach in operations and supply chain processes can significantly improve efficiency, quality, and service levels in an increasingly customer-oriented context.

What students will learn from the course

  • Key pillars of digital evolution in supply chains
  • Role of digital transformation in operations and supply chain management
  • Identification and addressing of traditional supply chain criticalities
  • Real-world examples of digital transformation in supply chains
  • Knowledge about smart factories and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT)
  • Impact of digital technologies on operations efficiency
  • Value creation through digital supply chain strategies

Pre-requisites or skills necessary to complete the course

This course is designed for individuals with a basic understanding of business operations and supply chain concepts. While there are no specific prerequisites, familiarity with general business terminology and processes would be beneficial. The course is suitable for both professionals looking to upgrade their skills and students seeking to enhance their knowledge in this field.

What the course will cover

  • Definition and key terms of digital supply chains
  • Overview of key technologies trends and their applications
  • Digital transformation in operations and supply chain management
  • Criticalities of traditional supply chains and how digital solutions address them
  • Smart factories and their role in modern supply chains
  • Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) and its impact on operations
  • Information gathering, analysis, and evaluation in digital supply chains
  • Customer-oriented approaches in digital supply chain management
  • Efficiency and quality improvement through digital transformation
  • Case studies and real-world examples of successful digital supply chain implementations

Who this course is for

  • Supply chain professionals seeking to update their knowledge and skills
  • Operations managers looking to implement digital strategies
  • Business leaders interested in digital transformation
  • Students pursuing careers in supply chain management or operations
  • Entrepreneurs aiming to build efficient, technology-driven supply chains
  • Anyone interested in understanding the future of supply chain management

How learners can use these skills in the real world

The skills and knowledge gained from this course have immediate real-world applications. Learners will be able to:

  • Implement digital strategies to improve their organization's supply chain efficiency
  • Leverage new technologies to create value for their company and customers
  • Address traditional supply chain challenges with innovative digital solutions
  • Design and manage smart factories and IIoT implementations
  • Enhance customer satisfaction through improved supply chain responsiveness
  • Make data-driven decisions in supply chain operations
  • Lead digital transformation initiatives in their organizations
  • Stay competitive in the rapidly evolving business landscape

By mastering the concepts of digital supply chains, participants will be well-equipped to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency, and create sustainable competitive advantages in their respective industries.