E-Commerce Supply Chain

Course Content

20 Sessions of 1.5 Hours (3 Credits)

This course is designed to provide a deep dive into the principles, strategies, and technologies that make up the e-commerce supply chain. Participants will learn how to effectively manage inventory, logistics, order fulfilment, and customer service to drive business growth in the digital economy. Emphasis will be placed on cutting-edge tools, emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and the challenges faced in e-commerce logistics.

E-Commerce professionals, Supply Chain Managers, Entrepreneurs, and Business Students

All e-commerce companies.
  • Understand the fundamentals of supply chain management in the context of e-commerce.
  • Gain insights into inventory management, demand forecasting, and supplier relationships.
  • Learn about the role of technology and automation in modern e-commerce supply chains.
  • Explore strategies for reducing costs and improving delivery performance.
  • Develop skills for managing risks and addressing challenges in global logistics.
  • Master last-mile delivery solutions and customer experience management.
Lectures, Case Studies, Modelling, Hands-on Sessions and Discussions in the class
  • To demonstrate how different operations are to be performed for smooth and efficient way in e-commerce
  • To apply analytical tools and emerging technologies for effective decision-making and optimum utilization of available resources.
  • To enhance efficiency of e-commerce activities for smooth delivery of goods in an efficient and sustainable manner.
Prof. Maheswar Singha Mahapatra
Flipkart
  • “Supply Chain Management and E-Commerce” by Charles C Poirier and Michael J Bauer
  • “E-Commerce Logistics & Fulfillment" by Michael J. B. Colgan
Module No. Session No. Topics Readings / Case Study / Videos
Module1: Introduction to E-Commerce Supply Chain (6 Hours) 1-4
Session 1: Introduction to E-Commerce Supply Chain
  • Overview of e-commerce supply chain
  • Key components: procurement, inventory management, fulfillment, logistics, and delivery
  • Differences between traditional and e-commerce supply chains
  • E-commerce business models: B2C, B2B, D2C
Session 2: E-Commerce Supply Chain Challenges
  • Scalability and flexibility
  • Managing inventory across multiple channels
  • Rapid product turnover and returns
  • Cross-border shipping and regulatory challenges
Session 3: Inventory Management in E-Commerce
  • Inventory strategies: Just-in-Time (JIT), drop-shipping, and stockpiling
  • Real-time inventory tracking and management systems
  • The role of automation in inventory management
  • Case studies from leading e-commerce brands
Session 4: Demand Forecasting and Replenishment
  • Data-driven demand forecasting
  • Using machine learning and AI for forecasting accuracy
  • Replenishment strategies for e-commerce businesses
  • Seasonal and trend-based demand fluctuations
  • Jayashankar M. Swaminathan, Sridhar R. Tayur, (2003) Models for Supply Chains in E-Business. Management Science 49(10):1387-1406.
  • Brian Rongqing Han, Tianshu Sun, Leon Yang Chu, Lixia Wu (2022) COVID-19 and E-Commerce Operations: Evidence from Alibaba. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management 24(3):1388-1405.
  • Meng Qi, Yuanyuan Shi, Yongzhi Qi, Chenxin Ma, Rong Yuan, Di Wu, Zuo-Jun (Max) Shen (2022) A Practical End-to-End Inventory Management Model with Deep Learning. Management Science 69(2):759-773.
Module 2: Managing E-Commerce (9 Hours) 5-10
Session 5: Supplier Relationships and Sourcing
  • Building and maintaining strong supplier relationships
  • Global sourcing strategies
  • Negotiation techniques and vendor management
  • Ethical sourcing and sustainability in e-commerce
Session 6: E-Commerce Order Fulfillment Models
  • In-house fulfillment vs. third-party logistics (3PL)
  • Drop-shipping and its pros/cons
  • Multi-channel fulfillment: Omni-channel vs. multi-channel
  • Fulfillment centers and warehouses
Session 7: Technology in E-Commerce Supply Chains
  • Role of ERP and WMS in e-commerce supply chains
  • Automation and robotics in warehousing
  • AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics
  • Blockchain applications in supply chain visibility and security
Session 8: Logistics and Shipping Strategies
  • Shipping models: Single vs. multi-shipment, expedited vs. standard delivery
  • International logistics and customs clearance
  • Freight forwarding and third-party shipping solutions
  • Packaging and cost reduction strategies
Session 9: Last-Mile Delivery and Customer Experience
  • The importance of last-mile delivery in customer satisfaction
  • Solutions for last-mile delivery: drones, autonomous vehicles, crowdsourced delivery
  • Tracking and real-time delivery updates
  • Managing returns and reverse logistics
Session 10: Customer-Centric Supply Chains
  • The role of the customer in shaping supply chain decisions
  • Personalized delivery experiences
  • Understanding customer preferences through data
  • Post-purchase support and service
  • Yibo Dang, Theodore T. Allen, Manjeet Singh, Jason Gillespie, Jon Cox, James Monkmeyer (2024) Innovative Integer Programming Software and Methods for Large-Scale Routing at DHL Supply Chain. INFORMS Journal on Applied Analytics 54(1):20-36.
  • Vinayak Deshpande, Pradeep K. Pendem (2022) Logistics Performance, Ratings, and Its Impact on Customer Purchasing Behavior and Sales in E-Commerce Platforms. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management 25(3):827-845.
  • Guest Editors: Teodor Gabriel Crainic, Stein W. Wallace, Lei Zhao (2020) Introduction to the Special Section: Urban Freight Transportation and Logistics. Transportation Science 54(3):565-566.
Module 3: Global E-Commerce and Risk Management (6 Hours) 11-14
Session 11: Cross-Border E-Commerce and Global Logistics
  • International shipping challenges: tariffs, duties, customs
  • Partnering with global fulfillment centers
  • Localizing your supply chain for different markets
  • E-commerce tax and regulatory compliance
Session 12: Risk Management in E-Commerce Supply Chains
  • Identifying risks in the e-commerce supply chain
  • Supply chain disruption: causes and strategies for resilience
  • Managing geopolitical, economic, and environmental risks
  • Business continuity planning
Session 13: Sustainability in E-Commerce Supply Chains
  • Environmental impact of e-commerce logistics
  • Green logistics: reducing carbon footprint and waste
  • Sustainable packaging and transportation options
  • Circular economy models and reverse logistics
Session 14: E-Commerce Analytics and Performance Metrics
  • Key performance indicators (KPIs) in e-commerce supply chains
  • Measuring efficiency: lead times, order accuracy, fulfillment rates
  • Using analytics to optimize inventory and fulfilment
  • Real-time dashboards and reporting tools
  • Song, J.M. and Zhao, Y., 2022. Supply chain coordination for e-commerce: Risk penalty vs. flat rate. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, 24(2), pp.1110-1127.
  • Tinglong Dai, Christopher Tang (2022) Frontiers in Service Science: Integrating ESG Measures and Supply Chain Management: Research Opportunities in the Postpandemic Era. Service Science 14(1):1-12.
Module 3: Global E-Commerce and Risk Management (6 Hours) 11-14
Session 11: Cross-Border E-Commerce and Global Logistics
  • International shipping challenges: tariffs, duties, customs
  • Partnering with global fulfillment centers
  • Localizing your supply chain for different markets
  • E-commerce tax and regulatory compliance
Session 12: Risk Management in E-Commerce Supply Chains
  • Identifying risks in the e-commerce supply chain
  • Supply chain disruption: causes and strategies for resilience
  • Managing geopolitical, economic, and environmental risks
  • Business continuity planning
Session 13: Sustainability in E-Commerce Supply Chains
  • Environmental impact of e-commerce logistics
  • Green logistics: reducing carbon footprint and waste
  • Sustainable packaging and transportation options
  • Circular economy models and reverse logistics
Session 14: E-Commerce Analytics and Performance Metrics
  • Key performance indicators (KPIs) in e-commerce supply chains
  • Measuring efficiency: lead times, order accuracy, fulfillment rates
  • Using analytics to optimize inventory and fulfilment
  • Real-time dashboards and reporting tools
  • Song, J.M. and Zhao, Y., 2022. Supply chain coordination for e-commerce: Risk penalty vs. flat rate. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management, 24(2), pp.1110-1127.
  • Tinglong Dai, Christopher Tang (2022) Frontiers in Service Science: Integrating ESG Measures and Supply Chain Management: Research Opportunities in the Postpandemic Era. Service Science 14(1):1-12.
Module 4: Technology Application (9 Hours) 15-20
Session 15: E-Commerce Platform Integration and API Management
  • Integrating supply chain systems with e-commerce platforms (Amazon, Flipkart etc.)
  • APIs and their role in supply chain automation
  • Benefits of cloud-based solutions for scalability
  • Managing system integrations across different platforms
Session 16: Warehouse and Distribution Center Operations
  • Types of warehouses: centralized vs. decentralized
  • Warehouse layout and inventory organization
  • Picking, packing, and sorting strategies
  • Warehouse management systems (WMS) and their role in e-commerce
Session 17: E-Commerce Payment and Fraud Prevention
  • Payment processing systems and platforms
  • Risk of fraud in e-commerce and supply chains
  • Fraud prevention technologies and tools
  • Secure payment gateways and blockchain in payments
Session 18: Trends and Innovations in E-Commerce Supply Chains
  • The future of e-commerce logistics: AI, robotics, and autonomous vehicles
  • Drones, 3D printing, and other cutting-edge technologies
  • The rise of hyperlocal delivery models
  • E-commerce subscription services and their supply chain needs
Session 19: Building a Scalable E-Commerce Supply Chain
  • Strategies for scaling up supply chain operations as your business grows
  • Balancing cost, speed, and service as you scale
  • Adapting supply chains for new product categories or geographies
  • Managing complexity in growing e-commerce businesses
Session 20: Group Presentation
  • Presentations of student projects on optimizing an e-commerce supply chain
  • Case studies of successful e-commerce supply chains (e.g., Amazon, Alibaba, Zara)
  • Students’ input and feedback
  • Anu Bask, Hilkka Merisalo-Rantanen, Tuure Tuunanen (2014) Developing a Modular Service Architecture for E-store Supply Chains: The Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprise Perspective. Service Science 6(4):251-273.
  • Xiaobo Li, Hongyuan Lin, Fang Liu (2024) Should Only Popular Products Be Stocked? Warehouse Assortment Selection for E-Commerce Companies. Manufacturing & Service Operations Management 26(4):1372-1386.
  • Sudheer Chava, Alexander Oettl, Manpreet Singh, Linghang Zeng (2023) Creative Destruction? Impact of E-Commerce on the Retail Sector. Management Science 70(4):2168-2187.