Supply Chain Management

Introduction to the value chain

A slow start is not our style. We will dive right in with an introduction to all the subjects you will encounter this year. It is the starting point for every subject in the curriculum. For students from another sector this is a first introduction, for experienced profiles a refresher of the basics. This "teaser" is the first brick on which you can build the rest of the curriculum.

Supply Chain Finance Management

A managerial position also involves conversations with the finance department, so awareness of what goes on there is key. After a general foundation, we will zoom in on the financial issues specific to logistics. Not only will you learn to fluently speak the language of your finance colleagues for efficient cooperation, but you will also have the necessary knowledge to enter a finance function yourself. Win-win!

Transport modes and strategies

You will explore the key transportation options for moving goods. You'll learn about the ins and outs of air, maritime, road, and rail transport—each with its own perks and pitfalls. Through engaging case studies and real-life business scenarios, you’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of how different transport modes work together in the global supply chain. You will dive into how each transport mode ads value, in how combining different transport methods can optimize efficiency. You will discover eco-friendly strategies that make transportation greener. Also included:

• Smart Decision-Making: Learn to weigh speed, cost, and environmental impact when choosing transport options.
• Business Strategies: Get insights into how airlines, shipping companies, railways, and trucking firms operate.

Strategic Procurement

This course revolves entirely around procurement and the strategic decisions involved. From long-term to short-term supplier relationships, from markets with a plethora of possible partnerships to markets with no more than one designated partner, from exploratory work to negotiation techniques – we will explore it all to give you the best foundation for establishing successful procurement systems.

Production Planning and Operations Management

While supply chain management seeks harmony between suppliers and customers, operations management focuses on harmony between the functional departments within your company. Both deal with the acquisition, development and use of resources that companies need to deliver their goods and services – but in a different playing field. Smooth internal integration ensures that your external business operations runs effortlessly as well.

Next generation Distribution: Warehousing Strategies, Automation & Robotics

This course will take you through the complex world of strategic warehousing, automation, urban logistics, and e-commerce fulfillment. These are really the critical components of today’s distribution networks. You will learn all about the differences between centralized and decentralized models and what they mean for businesses, the challenges and solutions for getting products to customers right when they want them (last-mile delivery), the hurdles of urban logistics and the impact of e-commerce.

Supply chain 4.0

This module explores how the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and blockchain are transforming traditional supply chains. You will learn how to harness these technologies to make supply chains smarter, more flexible, and sustainable. Through a combination of theory and practical case studies, you will learn how to leverage these technologies to enhance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in global supply chains. Unlock the secrets of the digital supply chain and equip yourself with the knowledge and skills to be fully prepared for the logistics landscape of the future.

Global Supply Chains model

Supply chains don't grow on trees, someone is in charge of designing each sequence. That could be you. In this course, you'll find a comprehensive set of tools to get started with drafting and to better understand, evaluate and manage existing networks. No matter how limited or extensive the network, with these tools and techniques in hand you will know how to tackle any supply-chain.

Supply Chain Insights from business leaders

In this course, you’ll engage with top industry executives to tackle real-world supply chain challenges. You’ll explore manufacturing and sustainability strategies, learning how to create or transform supply chains while keeping efficiency and environmental responsibility in balance.

This course isn’t just about theory; it’s all about strategic decision-making and overcoming obstacles. You’ll gain insights into how to integrate ecological sustainability into supply chain practices. With expert-led discussions and compelling case studies, you’ll develop the leadership skills necessary to drive successful, sustainable transformations in a global context.

International supply chain dynamics

Step into the fascinating world of global supply chains with this unique course that’s split into two parts. First, you’ll dive deep into the geopolitical factors that shape supply chains, exploring how international relations, trade policies, and regional conflicts affect the movement of goods and services around the world. You’ll discover the intricate connections between politics and global commerce, giving you valuable insights into this complex landscape.

The second part takes you on an unforgettable 5-day international trip to a key supply chain hotspot. Here, you’ll witness firsthand how supply chain operations are managed in a real-world, dynamic setting. This immersive experience will expose you to the challenges and opportunities that international companies face, helping you develop a thorough understanding of global supply chains. Get ready for an adventure that combines learning with real-world applications!

Supply Chain Business game

In this course, we will bridge the gap between theory and practice. Step into the shoes of a real life supply chain manager and develop your own business plan. Play along! In this simulation, we will execute your business plan for the first year and determine your successes with an annual report. This way you get used to the stressful environment that the aviation industry can bring and see how your freshly gained knowledge translates to the workplace.

Supply Chain Management Specific Electives

In this course, you’ll have the chance to tailor your program to your interests. You can choose from two specialized supply chain courses. The first option is Air Transport Economics & Finance, where you’ll dive into the low-margin world of air transport. Understanding the economics behind airlines, airports, and ground handlers is key to optimizing their value. You will explore financial trends, market differences, and regional developments. With plenty of practical examples and case studies, you’ll become an expert in no time.

The second option is Certified SAP Business Integration, focusing on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). You will really be immersed in the practical aspects of supply chain management. You’ll work with SAP S/4HANA, the latest from the global leader in business software. SAP S/4HANA is the most widely used operating software out there, and mastering it, will prepare you for both current and future challenges in this complex field.

Master project

During this in-company project, you will be deployed intensively for eight weeks as a junior consultant to solve an actual business case. With this hands-on, consultative role, you will effortlessly make the bridge to practice. Whether you opt for a project at a start-up, SME or multinational, the company will be able to convert your ideas into workable solutions right away – the crowning achievement of your hard work over the past year.

Note: This curriculum is subject to change.

This in-company assignment is the icing on the cake of this master, seeing as the hands-on advising role builds a bridge to the practice. Lauren Wilson, Thi Le en Matthieu Kulezak optimalized several processes for Innovet.

A multicultural student body is a rewarding start to learning to collaborate professionally with different perspectives. But to become a true expert, it's important to go beyond the AMS campus. Join us on a trip to learn about the ins and outs of the logistics industry abroad, to broaden your cultural horizons and network. And if our alumni are to be believed, it is an experience that will stay with you forever.

In 2024, our students went to Copenhagen, Denmark. They followed lectures at the Danish Technical University, visited different companies and industry organizations, and had a tour of the beautiful city. The visit concluded with a day-long hackathon where the students put their learnings to the test, hacking the future of city logistics.

In 2025, our students will go to Marseille, France. Marseille’s geostrategic location, at the heart of the Euro-Mediterranean zone, positions it as Europe’s southern gateway.

In addition to the standard curriculum, with specific supply chain electives, you also have the opportunity to enrich your studies with general AMS electives, in the form of an intensive week of classes, entirely devoted to a topic that is relevant and interesting to you. We always provide an extensive choice between topics from the current geopolitical climate, relevant world news and future-proof insights.

To give you an idea, this list shows some of the electives from previous years.

• Digital Transformation
• Designing Business Models for Future Growth
• Geopolitical Challenges
• Emerging Asian Markets
• Organizing for the Digital Future

Your personal development is just as important as the technical knowledge you will gain this year. Therefore, this module challenges you to get to know yourself better: What is your personality like? How do you work with others? What career goals do you want to pursue? This valuable awareness and the soft skills that go with it will strengthen you as a person to take the next professional step and put you in a good light with recruiters.

After completing this program:

• ...you will be aware of the key management areas, theories and concepts and what strategic implementation options are available – with a connoisseur's eye for global supply-chains.
• ...you will have a thorough understanding of each link within a supply chain and how they interact.
• ...you know which frameworks to employ to optimize complex supply chain and logistics processes and how to put those into practice.
• ...analyzing supply chain issues and making improvements with concrete, feasible proposals is your second nature.
• ...you are at home in the various components of logistics processes and companies, thanks to visits to dozens of logistics players.
• ...you can professionally report and present analyses, findings and proposals.
• ...you will know how to solve not only logistics, but also management issues, with a strong (multicultural) communication, business-savvy mindset, critical eye and an appetite for teamwork.