ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the basic concepts of Supply Chain Management (SCM) and shows that supply chains in some shape or form are required to deliver products and services that either we – or our organisation – need or think are needed. For every business transaction there is a supplier and a customer and there are activities, facilities and processes linking that supplier to the customer. In addition, for every task in a project there is a customer and a supplier or a group of suppliers. The management process of balancing these links to deliver best value to the customer at minimum cost and effort for the supplier is supply chain management. Whilst you may be unaware of them, you will experience supply chains everywhere, e.g. in running your home, managing a manufacturing business, in health services, hotels, banks, government, utilities, non-profit organisations, universities, entertainment, retail, professional services and managing a project.
