Week 11: Learning Supply Chain Management and Digital Business

10/6/2026

Hello everyone! Welcome back to my Week 11 reflective blog. Today's physical class was both interesting and practical because we learned important concepts about Supply Chain Management (SCM) and gained hands-on experience in creating a business profile on Alibaba.com. It was a productive session that helped me understand how products move from suppliers to customers and how digital platforms can support business growth.

    During the lecture session, we learned about Supply Chain Management (SCM), which refers to the process of managing the flow of goods, information, and services from suppliers to customers. We were introduced to the generic supply chain and learned how different parties such as suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and customers are connected. One topic that caught my attention was the difference between the push and pull models. The push model is based on forecasting demand before customers place orders, while the pull model responds directly to actual customer demand. Understanding these models helped me realize how businesses make decisions to manage inventory and meet customer needs efficiently.

    Another interesting topic discussed was the bullwhip effect. This concept explains how small changes in customer demand can lead to larger fluctuations throughout the supply chain. It showed me how miscommunication and inaccurate forecasting can create problems such as overstocking or product shortages. We also learned several solutions to supply chain problems, including improving communication, sharing accurate information, using technology, and strengthening collaboration among supply chain partners. These solutions highlighted the importance of teamwork and effective planning in business operations.

    In the lab session, we had the opportunity to create an Alibaba.com profile together under the guidance of Dr. Fareed. The step-by-step guidance made the process easier to follow and understand. It was exciting to explore one of the world's largest B2B e-commerce platforms and learn how businesses can showcase their products and connect with potential customers globally. This hands-on activity gave me practical exposure to digital business tools and helped me understand the importance of building a professional online presence.

    Overall, today's class provided a good balance between theory and practice.  I am grateful to Dr. Fareed for his guidance throughout the session. This class has helped me appreciate how supply chain management and digital technologies work together to support successful businesses in today's competitive world. Thank you for taking the time to read my Week 11 reflective blog. I hope you enjoyed learning about my classroom experience. See you in the next blog! 😆💪