Course Description
What is supply chain integration? How does it involve the combining and overlapping of supply chain functions? This course by Michael D. Ford dives right into both of these topics to help you understand this important part of the supply chain process.
You will see how integration works from a basic level, before moving on to learning about different types of integration. You will see the differences between internal and external integration, and their four individual stages. Then you will see similarly with vertical and horizontal integration, before finally moving on to the advantages and limitations of integration.
Learning Objectives
- Learn the basic definition of supply chain integration
- Be able to differentiate between internal and external integration
- Know the four stages of internal and external integration: dysfunctional, semi-integrated, internally integrated, externally integrated
- Be able to differentiate between vertical and horizontal integration
- See the advantages and limitations of integration, and consider specific examples
Skills You Will Learn
- Supply Chain
- Supply Chain Collaboration
- Supply Chain Management
- Supply Chain Integration
- Supply Chain Network
- Supply Chain Synchronization
What You'll Learn
- Define supply chain integration and understand how it works at a basic level
- Differentiate between internal and external integration and their four individual stages
- Identify the four stages of integration: dysfunctional, semi-integrated, internally integrated, and externally integrated
- Differentiate between vertical and horizontal integration
- Evaluate the advantages and limitations of integration through specific examples
Key Takeaways
- Supply chain integration involves the combining and overlapping of supply chain functions.
- Internal and external integration each progress through four stages: dysfunctional, semi-integrated, internally integrated, and externally integrated.
- Vertical and horizontal integration are two distinct types of integration covered in the course.
- Integration carries both advantages and limitations, which the course illustrates with specific examples.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is this course about?
The course, taught by Michael D. Ford, explains what supply chain integration is and how it involves the combining and overlapping of supply chain functions, covering how integration works from a basic level through different types of integration.
What types of integration does the course cover?
It covers internal versus external integration and their four stages (dysfunctional, semi-integrated, internally integrated, externally integrated), as well as vertical versus horizontal integration.
Who teaches this course?
This course is taught by Michael D. Ford.
What skills will I gain from this course?
The course develops skills in Supply Chain, Supply Chain Collaboration, Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Integration, Supply Chain Network, and Supply Chain Synchronization.
How is the course structured?
It is organized into lessons covering What is Supply Chain Integration, Internal versus External Integration, Vertical vs Horizontal Integration, Advantages and Limitations, and a Test Your Knowledge section.
