Charles F. Nicholson
Clinical Professor in Supply Chain & Information Systems
Department Supply Chain & Information Systems
Office Address 467 Business Building
Phone Number
814-863-3229
Email Address
cfn10@psu.edu
Charles F. Nicholson
Clinical Professor in Supply Chain & Information Systems
Department Supply Chain & Information Systems
Office Address 467 Business Building
Phone Number
814-863-3229
Email Address
cfn10@psu.edu
Education
Ph D, Applied Economics (Quantitative Methods, Animal Science), Cornell University, 1996
MS, Agricultural Economics (Animal Science), Cornell University, 1990
BA, Economics (Statistics), University of California, Davis, 1982
Courses Taught
SCM 405 – Mfg Svc Strat (3)
Investigates manufacturing and services strategies in supply chain networks. SCM 405 Manufacturing and Services Strategies (3)This course examines manufacturing and services strategies, with special emphasis given to quality management concepts, methods, and issues. After completing this course, students will have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to: Explain the role of manufacturing or services operations from the boundary-spanning perspective of supply chain management and how supply chain management can be used as a strategic competitive advantage Articulate how the various components of a manufacturing strategy are integrated, particularly with respect to the use of information technologies for supply chains Effectively apply operational and quality tools useful in implementing manufacturing strategies. Individual and team assignments form the basis for evaluation. Evaluation methods include a combination of class participation, exams, 'hands-on' exercises, case studies, and written assignments. This is one of three prescribed foundation courses in the Supply Chain and Information Systems major for which B A 302 'Supply Chains' is a prerequisite. The course is also an important prerequisite for the capstone course in the major, SC&IS 450 'Supply Chain Leadership.'
SCM 800 – Supply Chain Management (3)
Introduction to the strategic framework, issues, and methods for integrating supply and demand management within and across companies. SCM 800 Supply Chain Management (4) SCM 800 provides an enhanced understanding of key principles, concepts, and methodologies for effective supply chain management. Supply chain management is the integration of core business processes from the end user through original suppliers that provides products, services and information that add value for customers. The systems viewpoint and a process orientation are explored at the firm level and from the perspective of inter-firm collaboration among participants in supply chains. Case studies explore supply chain management and its critical role in business. The course provides opportunities to investigate important topics such as the bullwhip effect, the key approaches to planning and managing inventory across supply chains, the creation of value through alignment and realignment of supply chain capabilities, and the key supply chain performance metrics.After completing this course, students should have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to:a. Articulate the essential principles and concepts of the supply chain approach b. Understand the potential role of supply chains in creating value and in sustaining competitive positions of firms c. Explain the impact of the bullwhip effect on supply chain performance d. Understand the underlying causes of the bullwhip effect and articulate the principal approaches to ameliorating its impacts on supply chain performance e. Articulate differences in the principal approaches to managing inventories across supply chains f. Articulate the principal benefits and challenges associated with collaborative approaches to supply chain management g. Understand the principal metrics used to manage supply chain performanceThe evaluation of students is based on small group case study submissions, short paper and problem assignments, on-line discussion postings, and peer reviews.
SCM 404 – Dem Fulfil (3)
SCM 494H – Research Project (3)
Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis.
SCM 301 – Supply Chain Management (3)
Supply chain management concepts, principles, and methodologies.
SCM 496 – Independent Studies (2)
Creative projects, including research and design, that are supervised on an individual basis and that fall outside the scope of formal courses.
SCM 497A – Logistics Case Study Analysis (3)
This course will introduce students to the case analysis method with an emphasis on logistics. Students will learn to a) identify the type of case and the most important questions to be addressed, b) identify required information, relevent data sources an
SCM 546 – Strategic Procurement (2)
Development of procurement and supply management strategies to support synchronized supply chains.
Selected Publications
CGIAR Research Program on Water, Land and Ecosystems (WLE); Kampala, Uganda: Global Water Initiative East Africa (GWI EA)
Editorships
One of four Editors-in-Chief for an interdisciplinary international journal covering topics in systems analysis of agricultural and food systems.
One of three co-editors for journal receiving 600 submissions per year