Supply chain management is unique and, to some degree, represents a paradox because it is concerned with one of the oldest and also the most newly discovered activities of business. Supply chain system activities – communication, inventory management, warehousing, transportation, and facility location – have been performed since the start of commercial activity. It is difficult to visualize any product that could reach a customer without logistical support. Yet it is only over the last few years that firms have started focusing on logistics and supply chain management as a source of competitive advantage. There is a realization that no company can do any better than its supply chain. This becomes even more important given that product life cycles are shrinking and competition is intense. Supply chain management today represents a great challenge as well as a tremendous opportunity for most firms. In this course we will present and explain concepts, insights, practical tools and decision support systems important for the effective management of the supply chain. Our goal is to understand how supply chain decisions impact the performance of the firm as well as the entire supply chain. The key will be to understand the link between supply chain structures and logistical capabilities in a firm or supply chain.