Teaching Supply Chain Management Complexities: A SCOR Model Based Classroom Simulation

Keywords

SCOR model, experiential learning, supply chain simulation

Abstract

The SCOR (Supply Chain Operations Reference) Model Supply Chain Classroom Simulation is an in-class experiential learning activity that helps students develop a holistic understanding of the processes and challenges of supply chain management. The simulation has broader learning objectives than other supply chain related activities such as the Beer Game. Competing supply chains work to produce and sell two products, each experiencing differential demand. Seasonal demand, time delays, quality defects, and disruptions offer complexities that are part of actual supply chain management. The behavioral dynamics of collaboration between various functional nodes is illustrated through students’ interactions as they try to achieve their role's objectives. Through their decisions and actions, students develop a practical understanding of the processes and complexities of supply chain management. The classroom simulation actively engages students, and has been used successfully in multiple courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels at multiple universities and by a major corporation during a manager training session. Assessments indicate that the simulation is an effective experiential learning activity. While it offers learning outcome flexibility, common debrief themes are SCOR model processes, supply chain relationships, information flow, seasonal demand, quality defects, reverse logistics, and supply chain disruptions.

Original Publication Citation

"Webb, G. Scott, Thomas, Stephanie P., and Liao-Troth, Sara (2014); “Teaching Supply Chain Management Complexities: A SCOR Model Based Classroom Simulation” Decision Sciences the Journal of Innovative Education, 12(1)."

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2014

Publisher

Journal of Innovative Education

Language

English

College

Marriott School of Business

Department

Marketing

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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