D’Amore-McKim School of Business
Northeastern University
Course:
SCHM6213 – Global Supply Chain Management (Spring 2015)
Instructor:
Dr. Yu Amy Xia
Office: 214 Hayden Hall
Phone: 617-373-4785
E-mail: y.xia@neu.edu
Office Hours:
Lecture Time:
Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1:30pm–2:30pm or By appointment
Tuesdays, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Room: 230 Dodge Hall
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course provides insight into the planning, processes, and activities of supply chain
management for companies involved in international commerce. It focuses on contemporary
issues that affect the design of international supply chain systems, and examines the current
status and future prospects of the modes of international transportation. The course offers you
an opportunity to examine the end-to-end processes and operational challenges that managers
deal with when managing global supply chains.
COURSE OBJECTIVES
The objectives of the course are to develop an understanding of:
 Supply chain management activities and issues of firms with international operations.
 Supply chain processes including sourcing, logistics, transactions, and attendant information
flows for firms with international operations.
 Security and risk management options for firms with global operations.
 Key considerations in global network design and facility location.
 Sustainable supply chain issues for firms with global operations.
 Supply chain strategy options that companies use to support their global operations.
 Key supply chain issues in emerging economies.
COURSE RESOURCES
 Reference book – International Logistics The Management of International Trade
Operations 3rd Edition by Pierre David and Richard Stewart, ISBN-978111146498,
CENGAGE available at University library.
 Reading material -The students are required to read listed recent journal articles and reading
materials. All the materials are available at university library online or onsite.
 Case studies, simulation packet – available for purchase at Harvard Business Publishing.
How to get the coursepack on the Harvard Business Publishing web site:
The Course link: https://cb.hbsp.harvard.edu/cbmp/access/32690609
1. You need to register on the site to create a user name if you do not already have one. Some
course materials are PDF documents and you can open them with Adobe Reader. e-Learning
materials include a link you can use to gain access to them. Some course materials may not be
available in digital format and these will be shipped to you. You will have access to the course
materials for 6 months.
2. After you register, you can get to the coursepack at any time by doing the following:
1
a) Visit hbsp.harvard.edu and log in.
b) Click My Coursepacks, and then click Global Supply Chain Management Spring 2015.
 Course webpage: http://blackboard.neu.edu. Announcements and other course information
will be posted on the webpage. You are encouraged to visit it regularly.
COURSE POLICIES AND GRADING SCHEME
 Student Responsibilities
You are expected to act professionally in the classroom at all times. Active participation is
required for meaningful learning in this course. I expect that:
 You will attend all class sessions.
 You will read the required material prior to coming to class.
 You will actively participate in class discussions and activities.
 You will submit assignments by the due date. NOTE: A 10% penalty will be assessed for
each day an assignment is late.
 No Laptop Policy
Use of laptops is generally not allowed during class sessions, except on dates specified
by instructor.
For those students who have to use laptops to take notes, laptops are permitted for use during
class time for taking notes only.
Use of chat programs, web surfing, texting, and other non-class related activities on
electronic devices are strictly prohibited.
 Missing Class/ Exam/ Assignment due date
Documented evidence from proper authority (i.e., doctor if you are sick) is required to excuse
you. Acceptable reasons include medical emergency, participation in university events, etc.
 Academic Integrity
Academic honesty and integrity must be upheld at all times. Cheating and plagiarism will
result in a “0” grade for the exam, quiz, or assignment in question. In addition, I may report
the cheating or plagiarism incident to the Dean’s office and OSCCR for further action. Please
refer to NEU’s academic honesty and integrity policy for description of what constitutes
cheating, plagiarism, fabrication, and dishonesty at:
http://www.northeastern.edu/osccr/academicintegrity/index.html.
 Grading Policy
Final grade will be determined by your performance in the following assignments:
% of Final Grade
Exam
30%
Case studies
Presentation& Report (Group,1)
25%
Summaries (individual or in pair, 3)
18%
Current Events (Group, 1)
15%
Participation
12%
Total:
100%
2

Description of Assignments
 Exam- Comprehensive, consists of multiple-choice, true/false, and short answer/essay
questions. Students are allowed to refer to their reading summaries and lecture notes for the
exam.
 Case Studies – There are 4 case studies. Assignments involving the case studies are
Presentation and Executive summaries.
o
Presentation & Report– This will be done in groups (to be determined by instructor).
Each group is required to analyze one case, write a report and make a presentation of
the analysis on the day scheduled approaching the end of the semester. The
presentation should be comprehensive and should demonstrate a clear understanding
of the case, detailed analysis, appropriate recommendations, and facilitate class
discussion. Where applicable, consult outside sources (respective company website,
trade publications, Google, etc) to enhance your understanding of the problem, the
company, and what may have happened since the case was written. Such sources
could enrich your analysis and presentation.
o
Executive summaries – Each student (or in pairs) is required to submit executive
summaries of the other cases (not the case their team presents). The summary is
intended to demonstrate that you read and understood the case, you have suggestions
on resolving issues in the case, and can integrate ideas concisely. The summaries will
help you prepare for class discussions. The summaries are due (in class) on the day
each case is discussed. The summary should not exceed 2-pages (12-font size Times
Roman or equivalent). You may use any format (i.e., prose, bullet points, etc.) but the
write-up should be professionally done.
 Current Events – Students are required to sign up for one of the 9 current events, There
should be about 4 students in an event assignment. Students signed up for an event form a
group. The group needs to prepare for a twenty-thirty minutes talk for an event. Each
student needs to speak during the event presentation. One day before the event
presentation, the presenting group needs to submit the PowerPoint presentation file to the
instructor. After the event presentation, the group needs to submit a bullet point list that
covers the knowledge they believe the class need to know about the event.
Issues suggested to be covered in an event presentation include but are not limited to:
o
Members of an organization or a group
o
Politics; gov’t policy, structure (not a history lesson), etc.
o
Economic and Social; business environment, cultural, global/sustainability, etc.
o
Financial Markets; stability, volatility, exchange rates, currency manipulation, etc.
o
Infrastructure; road, ports, rails, etc.
o Industry; competitive advantage(s), sourcing opportunities, location optimization,
etc.
o Trade and Commerce; regional economic integration (i.e. custom union, etc), tariffs,
quotas, etc.
o
Current importation issues and events
Identify important issues and problems – Each group should identify and submit a list of
the most important issues to the current events. The list should be in 12pts, double space
3
and less than two page. The list will be revised and shared at blackboard as the required
material for the exam. Students are encouraged to discuss with the instructor before submit
the list ( 3 points)
PowerPoint file – Each group need to prepare a PowerPoint file for a presentation. The file
should be clearly organized and presented; covers important issues and material; include a
cover page with all the names of the students in the group and a reference page. Presenting
group needs to submit the file to the instructor at least one day before the presentation. The
file will be shared at the blackboard as reference material for the class. (3 points)
References – The last page of the presentation slide should list all the references the group
uses for current events. Among them, at least two should be articles in recent five years
instead of websites. ( 2 points)
Data and analysis of data– You will need to collect some relevant information/data through
external/publically available information. Trend charts, bar charts, pie charts scatter charts,
etc are encouraged in analyzing the data. Note the analysis should be original (3 points)
Presentation – 20-30 min presentation to be done in class. Each student in the group needs
to speak during the presentation. See Grading criteria for presentations attached in this
syllabus. (4 points)
Questions, comments and support– Students are required to attend all the presentations to
support other groups and ask questions to challenge and support the presenting groups.
Students are also encouraged to submit comments to other groups’ presentation to the
instructor.
NOTE: The grading of Current Events will be based on quality of analysis, information
collected, presentation, organization, referencing, audience response (questions and
comments from other students). Please see general grading criteria table in the next page.
 Peer/Self Evaluation (for Current Events and Group Case) –
Each student is required to assess his/her group members’ contribution to the group
Current Events as well as his/her own input. An individual’s grade for a group project will
be weighted by the average contribution (evaluation) score. Individual grade will be
assigned such that each student gets 50% of the group mark as a right and the other 50%
will be based on peer/self assessment. You are required to submit your assessment form
together with the assignment. For example, if the following group’s project score is 90%,
and peer assessments are:
Tim
Jane
Mike
Liz
Tim
Jane
Mike
Liz
25
25
25
25
20
30
30
20
20
20
30
30
20
25
25
30
Avera
ge
85.0
100.0
110.0
105.0
Weight
ing
0.85
1.00
1.10
1.05
Tim’s project grade will be: 45% + 45%*0.85 = 83.25%
Jane’s project grade will be: 45% + 45%*1.0 = 90%
Mike’s project grade will be: 45% + 45%*1.1 = 94.5%
Liz’s project grade will be: 45% + 45%*1.05 = 92.25%
NOTE: Your peer assessment is confidential, i.e., it will not be shared with the group. Your
average score may be made known to you alone, but separate marks will not be disclosed.
Failure to submit your peer/self evaluation form will result in grade penalty.
4
 Participation – Will be based on quality and quantity of your participation in class
discussions. Attendance will be monitored throughout the semester. Missing class
sessions will result in participation grade penalty (because you cannot contribute in class
discussions if you’re absent). Activity/behavior that is disruptive in class is unacceptable
and will lead to participation grade penalty. Participation grade will be based on the
following:
 Does participant make points that are relevant to the discussion?
 Do comments show an understanding of readings/topic?
 Is there willingness to participate?
 Is there willingness to test new ideas or arguments?
 Is the participant willing to engage with other students in discussion?
 Do the comments clarify and highlight the important aspects of earlier comments?


Grading Scale
Grade
Percentage
Grade
Percentage
Grade
Percentage
A
≥ 93%
B-
80 - 82.99%
D+
67 - 69.99%
A-
90 - 92.99%
C+
77 - 79.99%
D
63 - 66.99%
B+
87 - 89.99%
C
73 - 76.99%
D-
60 – 62.99%
B
83 - 86.99%
C-
70 – 72.99%
F
< 60%
General Grading Criteria for Written Case Analysis and Current Event Projects
Grade
Requirement
A - Outstanding
−
−
−
−
−
Ideas are thoughtful, original, and articulated with clarity.
Organization is clear; thoughts flow logically.
Language is sophisticated with a pleasing style and engaging voice.
Grammar/mechanics are nearly perfect or perfect.
Exhibits are clearly labeled and referenced in text.
B - Good
−
−
−
−
−
Ideas are good but not adequately explained.
Organization is clear.
Language is appropriate but may show weakness in style.
Grammar/mechanics are still very good.
Exhibits are labeled and referenced in text.
C - Acceptable
− Ideas are fine but not extraordinary.
− Organization is clear, but the writing either lacks focus or coherence.
− Language is understandable, but the writer has some problems with
clutter, lack of precision, or triteness.
− Grammar and mechanics show no serious problems but common
errors do appear (spelling, inconsistency of tense, etc.)
5
−
−
U - Unacceptable −
−
−


Ideas may be confusing or do not make sense.
Fails to identify and answer case questions/issues.
Discussion/analysis proceeds in a random fashion.
Writing is incomplete or has many technical errors.
Language is careless or inexact.
Grading Criteria for Presentations
Team Presentation Evaluation
Poor
1.
Level of enthusiasm shown by presenters
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
2.
Level of class involvement/discussion
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
3.
Clarity and cogency of ideas presented
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4.
Depth of analysis
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
5.
Quality of PowerPoint slides
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
6.
Transition - between presenters, slides
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
7.
Relevancy of exhibits (if any)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8.
Voice projection (and “stage presence”)
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
9.
Overall professionalism of presentation
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Individual presenter’s performance
Poor
1.
1
Student
Excellent
Excellent
2
3
4
5
6
7
Peer Evaluation Format
Please use the following format for peer evaluation. Email your evaluation to me within two
days after your current event presentation or case presentation
Name of
Student
Name of
Student
Name of
Student
% of work
load done by
the student
Brief
Explanation
of the
Evaluation
6
Name of
Student
…
Total
percentage
…
=100%
CLASS SCHEDULE **** (TENTATIVE)
Date
Topic
Readings
 Syllabus
 Introduction to Global Supply Chain
 Current event: Discussion of expectations and show example
Course
introduction
Tues.
01/13
Introduction to
Global Supply
Chain
 Signup for current events teams and case teams
Readings list:
Lieb and Lieb, “Is Amazon a 3PL?” Supply Chain Quarterly, Q3/2014
Gooley, “Intermountain man: Interview with Brent Johnson,” DC Velocity
(Nov.2013)
Reference book – International Logistics The Management of International Trade
Operations, Chapter 1
Thinking questions: Why global supply chain? Benefits? Problems?
 International logistics infrastructure
 Basic of importing and exporting/free zone
Readings list:
Tues.
01/20
Global Supply
Chain
Environment
“IBM's journey from international to globally integrated enterprise” Supply
chain Brain, August 2013
“Oracle of the economy, interview with Walter Kemmsies” DC Velocity, Feb.
2013
Dupin, C. (2010) “In the Zone: Foreign trade zones advocates tout benefits FTZs play
in growing exports” American Shipper (July) 18-22
Reference book – International Logistics The Management of International Trade
Operations, Chapters 2& 3
 Entry methods
 Influential factors: payment, terms, currency, documents, and tax
Readings list:
“Costco to enter China through Alibaba”, BBC news Oct. 14 2014.
Tues.
01/27
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-29625009
Entry of
Foreign
Market
Gillis, “Keeping a grip on export reform,” American Shipper (March 2014)
Jackson and Highfield, “The tax factor in global site selection,” Supply Chain
Quarterly (Quarter 1/2010)
Reference book – International Logistics The Management of International Trade
Operations, Chapters 4& 5
Current Events: World Trade Organization (WTO),North American Free Trade
Agreement (NAFTA), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) and Organization of the
Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), how they influence global supply chain
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What is happening at home and the global sourcing options
Readings list:
Tues.
02/03
Global
Sourcing
Kulisch, “ U.S. Infrastructure climate” American Shipper (Sep. 2014) 38-47
Siegfried,“Reshoring: a trickle or a flood,” Inside Supply Management (May 2014)
Kulisch, “Right shoring,” American Shipper (June 2012)
Current Events: USA, what is happening at home and our role in global supply chain
management
 Global sourcing and relationship management
Readings list:
Dupin, “ ‘Going out’ for logistics know-how,” American Shipper (Feb. 2014)
Tues.
02/10
Global
Sourcing
Gray, J.V., K. Skowronski, G. Esenduran. 2013. The reshoring phenomenon: what
supply chain academic ought to know and should do. Journal of Supply Chain
Management, 49(2), 27-33.
Yue, J., Xia, Y., & Tran, T. (2010). Selecting Sourcing Partners for a Make-to-Order
Supply Chain. Omega, 38 (3-4), 136-144.
Due: Case Summary for Case 1: Shanghai General Motors: The Rise of a LateComer
The class discuss the case and what we expect to know from the case group
Current Events: Mainland China, the changing area and its role in global supply chain
Current Events: Japan, Four Asian Dragons and Southeastern Asia
 Issues in global sourcing
Tues.
02/17
Global
Sourcing
Game 1
Bring laptop
Readings list:
“Failure to launch: How Vietnam’s once promising container future was scuttled by
poor port planning and an ill-timed economic downturn” American shipper (June
2014)
Simon Bragg, Richard Stone and Julian van Geersdaele “seven signs your supply
chain needs a redesign” DC Velocity ( July 2013)
Simulation: Global supply chain management
 International ocean transportation
Readings list:
Johnson, “NVOs navigate carrier alliances,” American Shipper (March 2014)
Solomon, “Slow steam ahead,” DC Velocity (April 2012);
Tues.
02/24
Global
Transportation
Siegfried, “Navigating Impacts of an expanded Panama Canal” Inside supply chain
management (August 2013)
Reference book – International Logistics The Management of International Trade
Operations, Chapter 11
Due: Case Summary for Case 2: Crocs: Revolutionizing an Industry's Supply
8
Chain Model for Competitive Advantage
The class discuss the case and what we expect to know from the case group
Current Events: Central and South America, and the project to expand Panama cannel
Tues.
03/03
Guest speaker *
Tues.
03/10
Spring Break
 International air transportation
 International land and multimodal transportation
 Global transportation network
Readings list:
Tues.
03/17
Global
Transportation
Solomon, “into thin air?” DC Velocity (May 2014);
Brunson, “Shifting air pattern,” American Shipper (Aug. 2014).
Reference book – International Logistics The Management of International Trade
Operations, Chapters 12& 13
Current Events: International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA), unions and union’s role
in global Supply Chain
 Supply chain security and risk
 Security issues
Readings list:
Kulisch, “I want you for compliance,” American Shipper (Aug. 2014)
Tues.
03/24
Security and
Risk
management
“Supply chain security in a high–risk world,” SCMR (January-February 2011)
Choi, T. & Linton, T. (2011) “Don’t let your supply chain control you” HBR
(December), 112-117 [NEU online library]
Due: Case Summary for Case 3: Walmart's Sustainability Strategy (B): 2010
Update
The class discuss the case and what we expect to know from the case group
Tues.
03/31
Security and
Risk
management
Current Events: Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT), the world’s
efforts in fighting terrorist, and the impact on global supply chain management
 Risk management
 Sampling plan and risk inspection
Reading list:
Zeng & Xia (2015) “Zeng, A., Xia, Y. (2015), Building a Mutually Beneficial
Partnership to Ensure Backup Supply, Omega, 52, 77-91. [NEU online library]
Current Events: European Union (EU) , Russia and their relationship. How is the global
9
supply chain influenced by them?
 Sustainability
Readings list:
Peter Bradley (2013) “That was easy (on the planet)”, March 2013, DC Velocity
Locke & Romis (2007) “Improving work conditions in a global supply chain” MITSloan, Winter, 54-62 [NEU online library]
Tues.
04/07
Sustainable
supply chains
Perez-Aleman & Sandilands (2008) “Building value at the top and bottom of global
supply chain: MNC-NGO partnerships” CMR, 51/1, 24-49 [NEU online library]
Due: Case Summary for Case 4: World Wide Technology and ClearOrbit:
Enabling Supply Chain Collaboration
The class discuss the case and what we expect to know from the case group
Current Events: India and service supply chain
 Issues and strategy
Tues.
04/14
Global Supply
Chain Strategy
& Technology
Readings list:
Cooke, “R is for robot: interview with Tom Bonkennburg” DC Velocity (Dec. 2014)
Game 2
Kewalram, “What does 3D printing mean to logistics?” American Shipper (Sep.
2014)
Bring laptop
Maloney, “Great Dane distribution,” DC Velocity (April. 2014)
Beer Game
Tues.
04/21
Course wrapup
TRACE Evaluation
Due: Case project presentations for all groups
(oral presentation due, E-copy of slides sent by emails)
Overview of issues discussed
Case reports due for all groups (hard copy in class )
TBD
Exam week:
Final Exam
* Tentative
18th Annual NU Supply Chain Networking Expo
Wednesday, Jan 21th - 450 Dodge Hall: 11am-2:30pm
This is an ideal opportunity to meet and network with a targeted number of world-class
companies!
You can use this forum to share your resume and discuss career opportunities, corporate
residency, co-op, etc.
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