Supply Chain Planning (Coursera)

Supply Chain Planning (Coursera)

Supply chain planning is an important activity in any supply chain. This is where organizations get an idea of the upcoming demand, realize if they have the capacity to meet the demand, and determine how to realize these demands. In this course, we will explore how to use data science to conduct demand and supply planning, how to constrain the forecast, and how to measure the results. As we walk through this process, we will also explore how to use Excel to quantify each step.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see Coursera's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

Course 1 of 3 in the Leverage Data Science for a More Agile Supply Chain Specialization.

What You Will Learn

  • Describe how demand planning, supply planning, and constrained forecast are associated with one another.
  • Use Excel to analyze historical data to quantify future needs.
  • Measure and quantify results for improvement.

Syllabus

WEEK 1
Demand Planning
Welcome to Module 1, Demand Planning. In this module, we will explore demand planning, how to identify influencing factors, how to differentiate between the three simple statistical forecast types, and how to compute a few forecast values.

WEEK 2
Supply Planning
Welcome to Module 2, Supply Planning. In this module, we will discuss the basics of supply planning, how to confirm internal & external capacity, how to confirm material availability, and the importance of communication and data sharing to supply planning.

WEEK 3
Constrained Forecast
Welcome to Module 3, Constrained Forecast. In this module, we will discuss constrained forecasts and consensus meetings. Specifically, we will cover the purpose and creation of constrained forecasts and how consensus meetings are utilized to reach organizational goals.

WEEK 4
Measure Results
Welcome to Module 4, Measure Results. In this module, we will discuss measuring results through collecting actual performance results and calculating forecast errors. Specifically, we will discuss the purpose of measuring results, the types of metrics used when measuring results, and common error measurements and their advantages and disadvantages.

Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Achieving Supplier Diversity (Coursera) Coursera
Coursera Instructor Network

Achieving Supplier Diversity (Coursera)

If you are interested in learning more about supplier diversity and how to achieve it, then I encourage you to take this course. It is a valuable resource that will help you develop and implement a successful supplier diversity program that benefits your organization and the communities you serve.

Nov 16th 2026
3 Weeks
Navigating Healthcare Supply Chain Operations (Coursera) Coursera
Northeastern University

Navigating Healthcare Supply Chain Operations (Coursera)

This course is the continuation of "Introduction to Healthcare Supply Chain Operations". If you have not visited the first part yet, please check it out before starting this course. If you have finished the first part of this series: Introduction to Healthcare Supply Chain Operations, you will be able to apply what you learned to your own career. The foundational knowledge and project plan from the introduction are carried through in this deeper dive into healthcare supply chain operations.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
International Business Operations (Coursera) Coursera
University of Colorado Boulder

International Business Operations (Coursera)

This course provides learners with a solid foundation in international supply, logistics, and foreign currency exchange. Foreign exchange is included in this course since it plays such an important role in planning and executing international operations. The first half of the course reviews critical roles that supply chain management, sourcing, logistics, and transportation play in contemporary global business. In the second half, the focus shifts to foreign currency exchange risks and methods for mitigating those risks, both financial and non-financial.

Nov 9th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Logistics Excellence (Coursera) Coursera
Rutgers University

Logistics Excellence (Coursera)

Supply Chains are made up of a network of companies from the initial raw materials to the ultimate consumer of the finished product. Within this network of companies, there are three ongoing flows: products, information, and finances. To properly understand and manage the supply chain, you need to understand all the flows. If you do not consider all of the flows, you will miss opportunities or sub-optimize parts of the supply chain.

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks
Intro to Managing Healthcare Supply Chain Operations (Coursera) Coursera
Northeastern University

Intro to Managing Healthcare Supply Chain Operations (Coursera)

This course is best suited for individuals currently in the healthcare sector, as a provider, payer, or administrator. Individuals pursuing a career change to the healthcare sector may also be interested in this course. In this course, you will have an opportunity to explore concepts and topics related to the design and management of operations and supply chains in the healthcare sector.

Nov 16th 2026
4 Weeks
Sustainable Supply Chains (Coursera) Coursera
Darden School of Business, University of Virginia

Sustainable Supply Chains (Coursera)

This course focuses on the premise of “What is a Sustainable Supply Chain? It covers the building blocks of a supply chain, the sustainability related standards, rules, and legislation that are applicable to the supply chain and the role of business, society, and government in building a sustainable supply chain.

Nov 23rd 2026
4 Weeks
Retail Digital Supply Chain Coursera
University of Pennsylvania

Retail Digital Supply Chain

In this course, you will focus on understanding the main challenges and opportunities that the Retailer’s supply chains are seeing today. You will start by revisiting the supply chain fundamentals, concentrating on the impact that the digital transformation is having on these fundamentals. You'll then learn how meaningful retail analytics can generate value for retailers and their supply chains. By the end of this course, you will be able to identify what traditional retailers are doing to successfully navigate the digital transformation.

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks
Supply Chain Logistics (Coursera) Coursera
Rutgers University

Supply Chain Logistics (Coursera)

Have you ever wondered how goods get delivered to us so quickly as soon as we order them? One word: Logistics! In this introductory Supply Chain Logistics course, I will take you on a journey to this fascinating backbone of global trade. We cover the three major building blocks of logistics networks: transportation, warehousing, and inventory. After completing this course, you will be able to differentiate the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of transportation. You will understand what goes into designing and setting up a warehousing facility. Finally, you will be able to select the options that enable you to develop logistics networks, that minimize costs and deliver top customer service.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Supply Chain Principles (Coursera) Coursera
Georgia Institute of Technology

Supply Chain Principles (Coursera)

This course will provide a solid understanding of what a supply chain is all about. The course: provides an introduction to Supply Chain; leverages graphics to promote the Integrated Supply Chain model; emphasizes understanding the Extended Supply Chain; presents a holistic approach – Incorporating People, Process, and Technology; calls-out industry-specific supply chain; leverages discussions, videos, quizzes, and questions for consideration; provides awareness of career path opportunities; presents emerging and futuristic trends in supply chain and given that at GT we are focused on developing what’s next in the world, we include Discussion of emerging and futuristic trends in supply chain. There is very little math involved in this course – so don’t worry at all about your math skills.

Nov 23rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Supply Chain Operations (Coursera) Coursera
Rutgers University

Supply Chain Operations (Coursera)

Have you ever wondered how products and services are created exactly the same thousands of times over? And how companies are able to smooth out operations to manufacture efficiently, effectively, and without any waste? How is such precision possible? The answer lies at the heart of operations. In the Supply Chain Operations course, we introduce and apply essential process improvement tools to achieve perfection. After completing this course, you will be able to apply the Six Sigma methodology for process improvement.

Nov 2nd 2026
4 Weeks
Sourcing Excellence (Coursera) Coursera
Rutgers University

Sourcing Excellence (Coursera)

Supply Chains are made up of a network of companies from the initial raw materials to the ultimate consumer of the finished product. Within this network of companies, there are three ongoing flows: products, information, and finances. To properly understand and manage the supply chain, you need to understand all the flows. If you do not consider all of the flows, you will miss opportunities or sub-optimize parts of the supply chain.

Nov 9th 2026
4 Weeks