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Supply Chain Management

Building Sustainable Value Chains

Supply chain management involves the coordination of all activities associated with the flow of goods, services, information, and finances from raw material suppliers to end customers. For eco-entrepreneurs, building a sustainable supply chain is both an ethical imperative and a competitive advantage. This module covers sustainable procurement, supplier relationships, and supply chain transparency.

Sustainable Supply Chain

From raw materials to reverse logistics — click each stage

Click on any stage to explore sustainability practices

Course Content

A supply chain encompasses all the steps involved in getting a product from raw material to end customer. Key elements include suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and customers. Supply chain management involves planning, sourcing, making, delivering, and returning. For eco-businesses, each step of the supply chain must be evaluated for its environmental and social impact.

Key Points

  • Upstream supply chain: raw materials and components
  • Downstream supply chain: distribution and retail
  • Supply chain visibility: knowing what happens at each step
  • Just-in-time vs. just-in-case inventory strategies
  • Supply chain resilience: preparing for disruptions

Module Quiz

Question 1 of 520%

What is the primary role of a leader?

Downloadable Resources

Worksheets and templates to practice what you've learned

Sources & Literature

  1. [1]B-ECO Project Results: https://b-eco.erasmus.site/it/project-results/
  2. [2]Chopra, S., Meindl, P. (2016): Supply Chain Management. Pearson.
  3. [3]European Commission (2022): Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive.
  4. [4]BSR (2021): Sustainable Supply Chain Handbook.

Learning Objectives

  • 01Understand the fundamentals of supply chain management
  • 02Apply sustainability criteria to procurement decisions
  • 03Build transparent and ethical supplier relationships
  • 04Manage supply chain risks and disruptions
  • 05Use technology to improve supply chain sustainability