Q: What are the 5 basic steps of supply chain management?

The five core steps in supply chain management include: Planning: Developing strategies to balance supply with customer demand. Sourcing: Selecting suppliers and managing the procurement of raw materials or components. Making (Manufacturing): Transforming raw materials into finished goods through production processes. Delivering (Logistics): Managing order fulfillment, warehousing, and transportation to customers. Returning: Handling product returns, repairs, recycling, and customer service to ensure satisfaction and sustainability.

Q: What are the 5 main functions of supply chain management?

The five primary functions of SCM are: Procurement: Acquiring goods and services from reliable vendors at optimal cost and quality. Production: Converting raw materials into finished products efficiently. Inventory Management: Monitoring stock levels to prevent overstocking or stockouts. Logistics: Coordinating storage and distribution of goods to ensure timely delivery. Coordination & Collaboration: Aligning goals and activities across internal departments and external partners to streamline the entire supply chain.

Question 1

Is this supply chain management course completely free?

Accepted Answer

Yes! This free supply chain management course is 100% online and costs nothing. It offers practical, expert-led learning—without hidden fees—making it accessible to anyone interested in logistics, procurement, or operations.

Question 2

Can I learn at my own pace with this free supply chain course?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! This course is designed for flexible, self-paced learning. Whether you’re a student, working professional, or business owner, you can access and complete the lessons anytime.

Question 3

Does the course offer real-world insights into supply chain operations?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The curriculum includes real-life examples, planning frameworks, and industry practices that reflect how global supply chains function in today’s economy.

Question 4

What do you mean by supply chain management?

Accepted Answer

Supply chain management (SCM) refers to the end-to-end coordination of procurement, production, inventory, and logistics to deliver a product or service efficiently from suppliers to end customers.

Question 5

What topics are covered in this free course?

Accepted Answer

The course covers supply chain components, procurement, manufacturing, distribution, strategic fit, aggregate planning, and the S&OP process—ideal for anyone building foundational SCM knowledge.

Question 6

Will I get a certificate after completing this course?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a free certificate that validates your understanding of core supply chain concepts—valuable for job applications and professional growth.

Question 7

What are the 5 basic steps of supply chain management?

Accepted Answer

The five core steps in supply chain management include:

Planning: Developing strategies to balance supply with customer demand.
Sourcing: Selecting suppliers and managing the procurement of raw materials or components.
Making (Manufacturing): Transforming raw materials into finished goods through production processes.
Delivering (Logistics): Managing order fulfillment, warehousing, and transportation to customers.
Returning: Handling product returns, repairs, recycling, and customer service to ensure satisfaction and sustainability.

Question 8

What are the 5 main functions of supply chain management?

Accepted Answer

The five primary functions of SCM are:

Procurement: Acquiring goods and services from reliable vendors at optimal cost and quality.
Production: Converting raw materials into finished products efficiently.
Inventory Management: Monitoring stock levels to prevent overstocking or stockouts.
Logistics: Coordinating storage and distribution of goods to ensure timely delivery.
Coordination & Collaboration: Aligning goals and activities across internal departments and external partners to streamline the entire supply chain.

Question 9

What is the difference between supply chain management and logistics?

Accepted Answer

Logistics is a component of supply chain management that focuses specifically on the transportation, storage, and movement of goods. In contrast, SCM takes a more comprehensive view—managing the end-to-end flow of goods, services, finances, and information across suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers.

Question 10

How does supply chain management differ from operations management?

Accepted Answer

Operations management is primarily concerned with optimizing internal business processes—like production, staffing, and quality control. Supply chain management, on the other hand, encompasses a broader scope that includes managing external relationships with suppliers and distributors to ensure an efficient and cohesive flow of products and services.

Question 11

What skills will I gain from this supply chain management course online?

Accepted Answer

This course helps you build job-relevant skills such as logistics coordination, demand forecasting, data interpretation, and strategic supply chain planning. These are essential for roles in operations, procurement, and supply chain analytics.

Question 12

How is this free supply chain management certification useful for career growth?

Accepted Answer

The certification adds credibility to your resume and LinkedIn profile, especially if you’re seeking entry-level roles like Supply Chain Analyst, Logistics Coordinator, or Procurement Associate. It demonstrates foundational knowledge, increasing your chances of standing out to recruiters.

Question 13

Is this online supply chain management program suitable for non-technical learners?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The course is beginner-friendly and doesn’t require prior technical expertise. It introduces concepts through easy-to-follow modules, making it ideal for students, freshers, and career switchers exploring supply chain management courses for the first time.

Feature	This Course (upGrad)	Other Platforms
Course Fee	✅ 100% Free Supply Chain Management Course	❌ Paid or Limited Trial Access
Lifetime Access	✅ Unlimited access to course materials anytime	❌ Time-Bound or Limited Access
Certification	✅ Free certificate upon successful completion	❌ Certificates often require payment
Comprehensive Learning	✅ Covers planning, procurement, logistics, S&OP, and more	❌ Often focuses on niche or fragmented concepts
Industry-Aligned Content	✅ Built around real-world SCM practices and tools	❌ Generic or outdated academic modules
Beginner-Friendly Format	✅ No prior experience required, ideal for all backgrounds	❌ Assumes domain or technical knowledge

Introduction to Supply Chain Management

Key Highlights Of This Supply Chain Management Course

Welcome & Introduction

Supply Chain Management

upGrad Success Mantra

Where Can This Free Course in Supply Chain Management Take You?

Here’s what makes it truly worth your time:

Who Should Enroll in This Course?

This free supply chain management course is ideal for:

What Makes This Course Different From Other Courses?

How We Compare to Other Platforms:

Frequently Asked Questions

Course Overview

Course Content & Certification

Career & Conceptual Insights

Learning Experience & Skill Development

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