*Core Subjects/Syllabus* 

*Semester 1: Foundations of Materials Management* 

1. *Introduction to Materials Management* 

   - Role of materials management in supply chain operations. 

   - Key concepts: Procurement, inventory, warehousing, and distribution. 

 

2. *Procurement and Strategic Sourcing* 

   - Supplier selection, vendor development, and global sourcing. 

   - Cost analysis (TCO: Total Cost of Ownership) and contract management. 

 

3. *Inventory Control Techniques* 

   - ABC analysis, EOQ (Economic Order Quantity), JIT (Just-in-Time). 

   - Safety stock, reorder points, and inventory turnover ratios. 

 

4. *Logistics and Warehouse Management* 

   - Warehouse layout design, material handling equipment, and automation. 

   - Cross-docking, 3PL (Third-Party Logistics), and reverse logistics. 

 

5. *Legal and Ethical Aspects* 

   - Contract law, Incoterms, and compliance (UCC, ITAR). 

   - Ethical sourcing and anti-corruption practices (FCPA, UK Bribery Act). 

 

*Semester 2: Advanced Techniques and Technology* 

6. *Supply Chain Analytics* 

   - Demand forecasting (ARIMA, machine learning models). 

   - Tools: Excel, Power BI, SAP IBP (Integrated Business Planning). 

 

7. *ERP Systems in Materials Management* 

   - Hands-on training with SAP MM, Oracle SCM, or Microsoft Dynamics. 

   - Automating procurement workflows and inventory tracking. 

 

8. *Sustainable Materials Management* 

   - Circular economy principles and green procurement. 

   - Carbon footprint reduction, waste management, and recycling. 

 

9. *Risk Management in Supply Chains* 

   - Identifying risks (supply disruptions, geopolitical issues). 

   - Mitigation strategies (diversification, safety stock optimization). 

 

10. *Quality Management* 

    - TQM (Total Quality Management), Six Sigma, and ISO 9001 standards. 

    - Supplier quality audits and defect analysis. 

 

*Semester 3: Specializations and Leadership* 

11. *Advanced Procurement Strategies* 

    - Category management, e-procurement, and e-auctions. 

    - Supplier relationship management (SRM) and collaborative planning. 

 

12. *Global Supply Chain Management* 

    - Managing cross-border logistics (customs, tariffs, documentation). 

    - Cultural challenges in global supplier networks. 

 

13. *Lean Supply Chain Practices* 

    - Lean principles (value stream mapping, Kaizen). 

    - Reducing lead times and eliminating waste (Muda, Mura, Muri). 

 

14. *Technology Trends* 

    - IoT in inventory tracking, blockchain for supply chain transparency. 

    - AI-driven demand sensing and robotic process automation (RPA). 

 

15. *Capstone Project/Internship* 

    - Real-world project: Designing a materials management plan for a manufacturing firm. 

    - Internship with automotive, FMCG, or pharmaceutical supply chains. 

 

*Elective Subjects  * 

- *Healthcare Supply Chain Management* 

- *Automotive and Aerospace Logistics* 

- *Retail Inventory Optimization* 

- *Disaster Relief Supply Chains* 

- *Pharmaceutical Cold Chain Management* 

 

*Assessment Methods* 

- *Practical Exams*: ERP simulations, inventory optimization case studies. 

- *Written Exams*: Theory on procurement, logistics, and sustainability. 

- *Projects*: Designing a green supply chain or risk mitigation plan. 

- *Capstone Defence*: Evaluation of real-world projects/internships.