CIPSTamkeenStarts Aug 2, 2026

Achieving Competitive Advantage Through the Supply Chain

Module

Duration: 25hrs
Level: 05
Language: english
Reference: L5M7

Course Overview

Supply chain decisions decide whether a business wins or loses. This elective covers the dynamics that shape supply chain performance — from bullwhip effects through lean and agile thinking — and the improvement methodologies and measures used to translate operational excellence into competitive advantage.

What you'll learn

Analyse a supply chain using Porter's Five Forces and identify sources of competitive advantage
Choose between lean, agile, or leagile approaches based on demand variability
Apply Kaizen, Six Sigma, and BPR methodologies to improve supply chain processes
Build supply chain measures that link operational performance to strategic advantage

Syllabus & course details

Elective module · 6 credits · Objective Response (OR) exam · 1.5-hour duration. For those who want to use the supply chain as a source of strategic advantage. You'll cover the dynamics that shape supply chains (Porter's Five Forces, bullwhip, lean vs agile), continuous improvement methodologies (Kaizen, TQM, Six Sigma, BPR), and the supply chain measures and benchmarking practices needed to identify and sustain competitive advantage.