International Supply Chain Management - Session 1: Introduction

Vocabulary flashcards covering fundamental definitions, decision phases, the SCOR model, and digital supply network concepts from the introductory session of International Supply Chain Management.

Supply Chain (SC)

A sequence of material suppliers, production facilities, distribution services, and customers linked together by the flow of information, products, and funds.

The Three Flows in a Supply Chain

Information, products, and funds.

Supply Chain Strategy & Design

Long-term decision phase in a supply chain focusing on the design and network of the supply chain.

Supply Chain Planning

Mid/Short-term decision phase in a supply chain.

Supply Chain Operations

Short-term, day-to-day decisions in a supply chain, such as weekly production plans.

SCOR Model

A framework that provides a description of SC processes, a framework for relationships between them, and a set of metrics to measure performance.

SCOR Level 1 to Level 3

The levels of the SCOR process hierarchy that are pre-defined by the SCOR model.

SCOR Level 4

The level of detail in the SCOR hierarchy used to describe one specific activity via a workflow model.

Seven SCOR Processes

Plan, Source, Transform, Order, Fulfill, Return, and Orchestrate.

Reliability (SCOR Attribute)

The ability to perform tasks as expected, focusing on the predictability of the outcome of a process (e.g., delivering on time and in the right quality).

Responsiveness (SCOR Attribute)

The speed at which tasks are performed and the speed at which a supply chain provides products to the customer.

Agility (SCOR Attribute)

The ability to respond to external influences and marketplace changes to gain or maintain a competitive advantage.

Costs (SCOR Attribute)

The cost of operating the supply chain processes, including labor, material, management, and transportation costs.

Profit (SCOR Attribute)

The financial benefit realized when the revenue generated from a business activity exceeds the expenses, costs, and taxes involved.

Assets (SCOR Attribute)

The ability to efficiently utilize assets, including strategies like inventory reduction and insourcing.

Environmental (SCOR Attribute)

The ability to operate the supply chain with minimal environmental impact, specifically regarding materials, water, and energy.

Social (SCOR Attribute)

The ability to operate the supply chain aligned with the organization’s social values, including diversity, inclusion, wage, and training.

Perfect Order Fulfillment ($RL.1.1$)

A key metric for the Reliability attribute.

Order Fulfillment Cycle Time ($RS.1.1$)

A key metric for the Responsiveness attribute.

Cash-to-Cash Cycle Time ($AM.1.1$)

A key metric for the Assets attribute.

Digital Supply Chain

A system that mediates partner activities in the SC through software, hardware, and a communication network to support interactions in processes across the world.

SC Megatrends (Fries)

Sustainability and digitalization.

Supply Management Sourcing (I)

Topic scheduled for Group 1 on 08.06.2026.