In-depth study of the integration and coordination of material, information, and financial flows within a supply chain that spans suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers; logistic restructuring for global supply chain management; distribution network design; replenishment coordination; vendor managed inventory; strategic alliances; performance measurement and incentive issues; postponement of information; centralized vs. decentralized control; value of information, information distortion and the bullwhip effect; coordination difficulties; pitfalls and opportunities in supply chain management.