Course Name: Current topics and methodologies in supply chain management
Time and place: 28.9.2026-2.10.2026, Aalto University, Espoo
Learning goal and objectives:
The students will gain an understanding of current topics investigated within the field of supply chain management (SCM), such as supply chain risk and disruptions, sustainable supply chain management, digitalization of the supply chain, management of service networks and contemporary issues in public procurement. The current issues are discussed in conjunction with relevant research methodologies. After the course, the students will have developed an understanding of several key methodologies and approaches typically applied in the SCM field, as well as their relevant application areas and the seminal references for these. We cover both qualitative and quantitative methods, with example methods including case studies, discourse analysis, ethnography, action research, systematic literature review, event studies, modelling, text mining methods, mixed methods, and other novel qualitative and quantitative methods.
Instruction and examination:
The course consists of a reading package, active participation during the teaching days, and the writing of an essay. The essay can be either a research proposal (10-15 pages) on how the student would apply particular method(s) to one of the current topics in their own thesis or a draft full paper (15-20 pages) using the method(s), depending on the student’s stage in their studies. The essay must adhere to the formatting guidelines that will be provided later and be submitted within one month after the course ends.
Credits: 6 ECTS
Grading: Five-level (1-5) grading scale (sufficient, satisfactory, good, very good, excellent)
Prerequisites: Target group are doctoral students doing research within supply chain management, logistics management, industrial engineering, operations management, industrial economics, or service management.
Admittance: 25 students are admitted to the course.
For your application, please email the course coordinator with the following details by 3 August 2026:
– Name:
– Phone:
– E-mail:
– University:
– Department:
– Discipline/major:
– Research area/thesis topic (including the planned methodology/ies):
Notification of acceptance will be sent via email by 10 August 2026.
There is no fee for participation, but students are required to pay their own travel and accommodation expenses.
Instructors:
Professor Markku Kuula, Aalto University School of Business
Associate Professor Katri Kauppi, Aalto University School of Business
Associate Professor Max Finne, Aalto University School of Business
Assistant Professor Seongtae Kim, Aalto University School of Business
Principal University Lecturer Johanna Bragge, Aalto University School of Business
Professor Vikram Bhakoo, The University of Melbourne
Course coordinator and contact information: Assistant Professor Seongtae Kim, Aalto University School of Business, seongtae.kim@aalto.fi