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  • May 1997
  • Teaching Note
  • HBS Case Collection

Module Overview: Coordinating and Managing Supply Chains: Matching Supply and Demand TN

By: Ananth Raman
  • Format:Print
  • | Pages:30
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Abstract

Prepares students to configure operating and distribution systems to provide product (or service) supply to match customer demand. Begins by introducing students to the supply-demand mismatch problem, documenting its significance in many companies, and suggesting ways to quantify its components. Also examines the underlying causes of mismatched supply and demand; although emanating primarily from a firm's inability to forecast demand, supply-demand mismatch is exacerbated by poor planning, operational constraints, and high working capital costs among other factors. Helps students identify how managers can reduce supply-demand mismatch costs, not only by reducing exacerbating factors but also by employing other mechanisms, such as effective use of supply chain intermediaries.

Keywords

Demand and Consumers; Working Capital; Distribution; Cost of Capital; Management Practices and Processes; Supply Chain Management; Forecasting and Prediction; Supply and Industry

Citation

Raman, Ananth. "Module Overview: Coordinating and Managing Supply Chains: Matching Supply and Demand TN." Harvard Business School Teaching Note 697-126, May 1997.
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About The Author

Ananth Raman

Technology and Operations Management
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More from the Author
  • Hamptonshire Gas and Convenience By: Ananth Raman, Nathan Craig and Ehsan Valavi
  • Human-Computer Interactions in Demand Forecasting and Labor Scheduling Decisions By: Caleb Kwon, Ananth Raman and Jorge Tamayo
  • Innovations in Retail Operations: Thirty Years of Lessons from Production and Operations Management By: Marshall Fisher and Ananth Raman
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