Course Syllabus
Contact Information
Bio
As the Director of the Master of Science in Supply Chain Management and as an instructor in the Marketing and Supply Chain Management division for the University of Oklahoma in the Michael F. Price College of Business, I run the master’s program and generate materials for and teach upper-level business courses. I also serve as a corporate board member for MidFirst Bank. In addition, I serve as a faculty advisor for the university’s Association for Operations Management (APICS) and the Women Impacting Supply Chain Excellence (WISE) student clubs. Concurrently, as a Ph.D. in Business candidate at Oklahoma State University, I challenge myself to learn and grow in the same manner she encourages her students.
Previously, I analyzed model performance on voluntary and involuntary prepayment vectors for mortgage-backed securities as a Senior Quantitative Analyst in MidFirst Bank’s Servicing Acquisitions department. Prior to MidFirst Bank, I gained extensive global exploration strategic planning experience in the oil and gas industry at Hess Corporation, including portfolio optimization, Monte Carlo analysis, capital utilization studies, competitor benchmarking assessment, and $1B+ annual capital budgeting process management.
My early career background includes being selected for the newly created Exploration Group’s Planning Advisor role at Burlington Resources and as a JPMorgan Investment Banking Associate in New York.
With a drive to excel and succeed, I earned an MBA from Vanderbilt University after graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics. I was a full scholarship track and field athlete, an All-Academic SEC Conference member, a National Collegiate Mathematics Award winner, and an Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society member.
In the community, I volunteer as the Healthy Schools OK Board of Director’s Vice President, as a member of Palomar’s finance committee, and as the GLOW Foundation Global strategic outreach advisor, where I am energized by the empowering of others to achieve their personal goals.
Course Details
For a list of course activities, scroll to the bottom of this page.
Course Prerequisites
None.
Course Materials
- David Simchi-Levi: Designing and Managing the Supply Chain: Concepts, Strategies, and Case Studies, 4th Edition; ISBN 1259997707
- Please note: you will be required to purchase access to Connect, the linked learning platform for this textbook. We will complete textbook readings and some assignments on the Connect platform.
- Connect Access Code and Purchase FAQ
- OU Bookstore
- Kaltura Capture
There are also numerous cases and other readings. These will be provided to you in the course modules.
Grades
Breakdown
| Activity | Description | Points | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homework Assignments | Calculation tasks based on SCM scenarios. | 5 @ 5 points each | 17.5% |
| Podcast Discussions | Podcast reflections and questions for the Live Session. | 8 @ 10 points each | 10% |
| End-of-Chapter Questions | Answers to end-of-chapter questions from your textbook. | 14 @ 100 points each | 17.5% |
| Supply Chain Specialization Report | Group written report on one example of the three functional areas of SCM. | 100 points | 20% |
| Supply Chain Specialization Presentation & Discussion | Group video presentation with slide deck summarizing key features of the written report. Groups will post their presentation to a discussion to which the whole class can respond. | 100 points | 15% |
| Participation | Live Session participation and completion of in-class activities. | 8 @ 15 points each | 20% |
| Total | 1825 points | 100% |
Scale
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90–100% | A |
| 80–89% | B |
| 70–79% | C |
| 60–69% | D |
| Below 60% | F |
Course Components
Homework Assignments
Our weekly homework assignments will provide you with practice calculations for supply chain situations. You will use provided Excel data to make calculations and answer specific questions.
Podcast Discussions
Our weekly discussions will ask you to respond to specific questions about assigned podcasts. You can also share questions and/or connections to the other course materials for us to discuss during the Live Session.
End-of-Chapter Questions
Each week, you'll answer end-of-chapter questions from our textbook on the McGraw-Hill Connect platform. These questions will help you apply your knowledge from your reading and prepare for our Live Session discussion and activities.
Participation
I expect you to attend our Live Sessions each week to participate in our discussions and activities. You earn course participation points by attending the Live Session, which will cover exciting and important content relevant to this course. If you do not attend a Live Session for the week, then you can complete a make-up activity to receive participation points for that week.
Supply Chain Specialization Group Project-Written Report and Presentation
Our culminating course project will involve working in a group to create a written report and presentation. You and your group will be assigned to research a current topic in one of the three functional areas of supply chain management. You'll submit this report and video recording of your group's presentation before our final Live Session, where we'll discuss the findings and connections between the projects.
Course Policies
Communication
The easiest way to communicate course questions is through the Course Help Board. I check this board regularly and encourage you to interact with your peers to answer questions. You can also contact me with individual/personal questions by email and I will respond ASAP.
Late Policy
Our course is organized so that our assignments build on each other. Assignments will be accepted late with a 20% penalty for each late day.
Module Information
Module 1: Module 1 introduces supply chain management (SCM) and describes how supply chain management is critical in today’s global business. In addition, the module addresses inventory management across different stages of the supply chain, focusing on strategies for handling fluctuations in customer demand. It explores the connection between service levels and optimal inventory levels, considering lead time and its variability. The 1st module also delves into various inventory policies tailored to specific scenarios or partnerships between firms.
Module 2: Module 2 highlights the significance of an efficient facilities network in cost reduction across the supply chain. It delves into techniques for creating a logistics network model, considering factors like customer and product aggregation for manageable problem-solving. The module discusses strategies for inventory placement, accounting for demand uncertainty's impact. Since network decisions have lasting effects, sourcing from different plants is crucial, with a focus on capacity planning and expansion decisions within the network.
In addition, the module reviews the importance of sharing information among supply chain partners. Key concepts such as the bullwhip effect, methods for coping with the bullwhip, strategies for locating products, and the key supply chain trade-offs are discussed.
Module 3: Module 3 examines supply chain integration, covering push, pull, and hybrid push-pull strategies. It explores the selection of strategies based on specific contexts and key determinants. The module introduces a framework for aligning products and industries with suitable supply chain strategies. Additionally, it touches on the influence of the Internet on supply chain integration, and it covers the best practices in distribution strategies.
Module 4: Module 4 examines corporate alliances between retailers and suppliers, particularly the trend of suppliers managing retailer inventory. It explores the motivations behind this shift and addresses decisions about in-house logistics versus external sources. The module also explores various business partnerships that enhance supply chain performance.
In addition, module 4 focuses on the significant role of outsourcing in modern supply chains and it covers the functions of outsourcing and procurement within the supply chain, highlighting the associated advantages and risks.
Module 5: In module 5 the importance of coordinating product design with the supply chain design is discussed.
In addition, flexibility is defined and demonstrated in module 5. Specifically, we will learn how firms can increase supply chain flexibility through system design, Sales & Operations Planning, and the Toyota Production System.
Module 6: Module 6 discusses concepts related to customer value. Specifically, metrics for customer value and aligning supply chain strategy to customer value are discussed.
In addition, module 6 reviews various issues associated with global supply chains and associated risks.
Module 7: Module 7 focuses on the many executives who recognize the importance of corporate social responsibility. In this module, the focus is on business strategies, operational improvements, and innovation that allow companies to create value through corporate social responsibility in general and sustainable supply chain, in particular.
Module 8: Module 8 focuses on the challenges for supply chains from a technology and data standpoint are discussed. Emerging technologies such as SOA, integrated systems, and e-commerce would largely help towards meeting some of these challenges.
In addition, in module 8, important issues related to technology standards are discussed as they affect or will affect the supply chains in the future. Many of the improvements in supply chains will be driven by the development and evolution of technology. Hence, it is important to highlight the important standards and technological trends.
University Academic Policies and Student Support
Land Acknowledgement
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes.
We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa and Osage nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture and history that make up our entire OU Community.
Course Catalog
Search the OU Course Catalog.
Student Handbook
Please familiarize yourself with the OU Student Handbook.
Student Support Services
OU offers a variety of services to support students. For more information, please refer to the Student Support Module in your Orientation course.
Online Library
Access digital materials and other resources at OU Libraries.
Copyright Statement and Privacy Information
Sessions of this course may be recorded or live-streamed. These recordings are the intellectual property of the individual faculty member and may not be shared or reproduced without the explicit, written consent of the faculty member. In addition, the privacy rights of others such as students, guest lecturers, and providers of copyrighted material displayed in the recording may be of concern. Students may not share any course recordings with individuals not enrolled in the class or upload them to any other online environment.
Academic Integrity
As a member of the OU community, it is your responsibility to protect your educational investment by knowing and following the rules. The Student Code is available from the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and is contained in the Student's Guide to Academic Integrity.
Academic honesty is incredibly important in this course. Cheating is strictly prohibited at the University of Oklahoma because it devalues the degree you are working hard to get. Should you know of someone else engaging in academic misconduct, please report it to your instructor or directly to the Office of Academic Integrity. Your instructor has a professional obligation to report academic misconduct.
In addition to the course conduct policies outlined by your professor in the Course Syllabus in the online classroom, please review the Graduate Student Handbook.
Religious Observance
It is the policy of the University to excuse the absences of students that result from religious observances and to reschedule examinations and additional required classwork that may fall on religious holidays, without penalty. [See Faculty Handbook 3.15.2].
Reasonable Accommodation for Disabilities
The Accessibility and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is committed to supporting students with disabilities to ensure that they can enjoy equal access to all components of their education. This includes your academics, housing, and community events. Please review OU's Accessibility Policy.
If you are experiencing a disability or a mental/medical health condition that has a significant impact on one or more life functions, you can receive accommodations to provide equal access. Possible disabilities include but are not limited to learning disabilities, AD(H)D, mental health, and chronic health. Additionally, we support students with temporary medical conditions (broken wrist, shoulder surgery, etc.) and pregnancy.
To discuss potential accommodations, please contact the ADRC at 730 College Avenue, (phone) 405-325-3852, or adrc@ou.edu.
Title IX Resources
For any concerns regarding gender-based discrimination, sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, stalking, or intimate partner violence, the University offers a variety of resources, including advocates on-call 24/7, counseling services, mutual no-contact orders, scheduling adjustments, and disciplinary sanctions against the perpetrator. To learn more or to report an incident, please contact the Institutional Equity Office (M-F, from 8-5, at 405-325-3546) or OU Advocates (available 24/7 at 405-615-0013).
Adjustments for Pregnancy/Childbirth-Related Issues
Should you need modifications or adjustments to your course requirements because of documented pregnancy-related or childbirth-related issues, please contact your instructor as soon as possible to discuss your options. Generally, modifications will be made where medically necessary and similar in scope to accommodations based on temporary disability. Learn more about the rights of pregnant and parenting students by consulting the FAQ sheets provided by the Institutional Equity Office.
Mental Health Support Services
If you are experiencing any mental health issues that are impacting your academic performance, counseling is available at the University Counseling Center (UCC). The Center is located on the second floor of the Goddard Health Center, at 620 Elm Rm. 201, Norman, OK 73019. To schedule an appointment, call 405-325-2911. For more information, please visit the University Counseling Center.
Final Exam Preparation Period
Pre-finals week will be defined as the seven calendar days before the first day of finals. Faculty may cover new course material throughout this week. For specific provisions of the policy please refer to OU's Final Exam Preparation Period policy.
Required Policies for Students On Campus
Emergency Protocol
During an emergency, there are official university procedures that will maximize your safety.
Severe Weather: If you receive an OU Alert to seek refuge or hear a tornado siren that signals severe weather:
- Look for severe weather refuge location maps located inside most OU buildings near the entrances
- Seek refuge inside a building. Do not leave one building to seek shelter in another building that you deem safer. If outside, get into the nearest building.
- Go to the building’s severe weather refuge location. If you do not know where that is, go to the lowest level possible and seek refuge in the innermost room. Avoid outside doors and windows.
- Get in, Get Down, Cover Up.
- Wait for official notice to resume normal activities.
Additional information about severe weather preparedness is available through the Department of Campus Safety's Emergency Management Division.
OU-Norman Campus: Tornado Refuge Protocol
Severe Weather Preparedness Video
Armed Subject/Campus Intruder
If you receive an OU Alert to shelter-in-place due to an active shooter or armed intruder situation or you hear what you perceive to be gunshots:
- Avoid: If you believe you can get out of the area without encountering the armed individual, move quickly towards the nearest building exit, move away from the building, and call 911.
- Deny: If you cannot flee, move to an area that can be locked or barricaded, turn off lights, silence devices, spread out, and formulate a plan of attack if the shooter enters the room.
- Defend: As a last resort fight to defend yourself. For more information, visit:
OU's Emergency Preparedness site
Shots Fire on Campus Procedure
Fire Alarm/General Emergency
If you receive an OU Alert that there is danger inside or near the building, or the fire alarm inside the building activates:
- Leave the building. Do not use the elevators.
- Know at least two building exits.
- Assist those who may need help.
- Proceed to the emergency assembly area.
- Once safely outside, Notify first responders of anyone who may still be inside the building due to mobility issues.
- Wait for official notice before attempting to re-enter the building.
Course Summary:
| Date | Details | Due |
|---|---|---|