Short Graduate Program in Operations and Supply Chain Management (Master Level)

To advance your career, familiarize yourself with how supply chains work and how to improve operations.

Overview

Program overview

Fundamentals and trends in supply chain management.

Concepts related to supply chain optimization: design, demand forecasting, inventory management, supply chain management, revenue management, facility location.

Concepts, tools and practices for continuous improvement: Lean management system, problem-solving approaches (PDCA, A3 and Six Sigma).

Two elective courses to acquire additional skills tailored to your professional needs: transportation, warehousing, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, project management, sustainability, applied artificial intelligence, among others.

Program characteristics

Graduate
15 credits

Part-time
Full-time

Day
Evening
Week-end

On-site
Blended

Côte-des-Neiges

Your career outlook

To learn more about careers in this field, visit the overview page for Graduate Diploma in Management – Operations and Supply Chain Management and the Master of Science (MSc) – Operations and Supply Chain Management.

A bridge to a graduate diploma and then a master’s degree

The Short Graduate Program in Operations and Supply Chain Management (Master Level) allows you to access, under certain conditions, the Graduate Diploma in Management – Operations and Supply Chain Management and then the Master of Science (MSc) – Operations and Supply Chain Management.

You may also be interested in these other programs

Already started your program? Check your course list in HEC en ligne > Academic Progress.

You must pass 5 courses for a total of 15 credits.

3 compulsory courses (9 credits)

OPER 60521A

Operations Strategy and Process Improvement

Subject

Operations and logistics

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Location

Côte-des-Neiges

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

The aim of this course is to enable students to learn the concepts, tools and practices of process and performance improvement.

More specifically, the course :

- explores the many facets of Lean management and continuous improvement with the help of numerous examples;

- provides an overview of improvement and problem-solving tools, and the contexts in which they are most appropriate;

- shows the different stages involved in improving a process, and the management issues involved in an improvement approach;

- prepares students to become players who can integrate this management practice into their daily lives, or to act as members of a process improvement team, or even as internal consultants within an organization.

Themes covered

Origins and foundations of Lean and continuous improvement
A3 problem solving
Toyota Kata and scientific thinking
Continuous improvement tools (process mapping 5s kanban pokayoke SMED etc.).
Kaizen events Reengineering and 6 sigma
Strategy deployment and hoshin kanri
Lean Management System Daily Management System (DMS) and strategic alignment
Lean Leadership
Organizational culture and the learning organization

Important notes

Course in French: OPER 60521

See the course webpage
OPER 60520A

Planning and Control of Logistics Systems

Subject

Operations and logistics

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Location

Côte-des-Neiges

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

The course covers the main issues related to the planning and control of logistics systems, namely demand forecasting, inventory management, location, network design, transportation, supply chain management, and revenue management.

The course covers the main issues related to the planning and control of logistics systems, namely demand forecasting, inventory management, location, network design, transportation, supply chain management, and revenue management. It aims to provide the student with theoretical and practical knowledge to plan and execute the logistics activities of a company. For each of the topics, the focus is on the modeling and analysis of the problems encountered as well as the identification of the appropriate techniques to determine the solutions.

Themes covered

- Demand forecast
- Inventory Management
- Supply Chain Management
- Revenue Management
- Facility Location
- Supply Chain Networks Design
- Transportation Network Design

Important notes

Course in French : OPER 60520

See the course webpage
OPER 60515A

Supply Chain Management: Fundamentals and Trends

Subject

Operations and logistics

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Location

Côte-des-Neiges

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

This course presents the main strategies, approaches and practices inherent to integrated supply chain management in different sectors, and the challenges associated with their implementation. The emphasis is on mastering the principal concepts, as well as the trends in the evolution of practices.

This course focuses on: 1) the main concepts underlying different forms of deployment and management of supply chains (SCs); 2) the factors and trends influencing the evolution of SC management for different sectors of activities (for-profit and non-profit); 3) the barriers and opportunities associated with the implementation of integrated SCs; and 4) the different strategies and approaches being adopted by the most successful organizations.
Specifically, this course presents:
- the key elements inherent in the integrated supply chain management, as well as the main concepts and their evolution over time;
- the challenges and benefits associated with the implementation of integrated management;
- the evolution of technologies facilitating information exchange and processing to support supply chain management (current and upcoming trends);
- the applications of supply chain concepts adapted for the service and social-good sectors.

Themes covered

- Continuous Replenishment MRP MRP II and ERP
- Collaborative Sales Planning and Operations
- Efficient and responsive supply chains
- Toyota Production System Kanban and Lean Management
- Internal integration and external integration
- Bullwhip Effect and Collaborative Replenishment Programs
- DRP and flowcasting
- Risk management and supply chain resilience
- Digitizing the supply chain
- Humanitarian and healthcare logistics

Important notes

Course in French : OPER 60515

See the course webpage

2 optional courses (6 credits)

Areas of application

OPER 60503A

Sustainable Supply Chain

Subject

Operations and logistics

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

This course examines the challenges and opportunities associated with sustainability in supply chains. The course has four components: (i) investments in environmental technologies, (ii) energy efficiency and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, (iii) the circular economy, and (iv) corporate social responsibility in supply chains.

Sustainability issues in supply chains present challenges for many organizations around the world. They can also generate opportunities. The course will first focus on the financial and operational evaluation of environmental technologies in supply chains. This will be followed by a few sessions on energy efficiency and GHG emissions management in supply chains. The third part of the course, on circularity, will examine concepts such as eco-design, reverse logistics, and waste management. Finally, the course will conclude with challenges related to the social aspects of sustainability, including human rights, health and safety, and fair wages in supply chains.

Themes covered

Environmental technologies
Energy efficiency
Energy efficiency paradox
Eco-designs principles and implementation
Reverse logistics
Waste and end-of-life management
Human rights and fair wages in supply chains
Employees health and safety and working conditions in global supply chain
Sustainable procurement

Important notes

Cours mutuellement exclusif(s) : OPER 60506A ou OPER 60507A. Vous ne pouvez pas vous inscrire à ce cours si vous avez postulé ou réussi un des cours OPER 60506A ou OPER 60507A.

See the course webpage
PROJ 40507

Gestion de projets logistiques

Subject

Project management

Program

Graduate diplomas

Location

Côte-des-Neiges

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

Concepts de base en gestion de projets et méthodes les plus souvent utilisées en gestion de projets logistiques. Emphase sur la planification d'un projet de nature logistique et du contrôle de son exécution, dans les contextes de logistique industrielle et commerciale, événementielle et humanitaire.

Objectifs spécifiques :
- Sensibiliser au contexte, aux particularités, aux défis et aux facteurs clés de succès de la gestion des différents projets qui peuvent précéder ou accompagner la mise en place et la mise en œuvre de la gestion intégrée de la chaîne logistique;
- Initier aux bonnes pratiques et méthodes de gestion de projet appliquées aux projets logistiques;
- Initier aux méthodes et outils les plus couramment utilisés en gestion de projets;
- Permettre d'assimiler les principes généraux de la gestion de projets qui s'appliquent aux projets tels que l'aménagement d'un entrepôt, l'implantation d'un système d'information spécifique à la gestion de l'entreposage, la reconfiguration d'un réseau logistique, l'organisation d'événements, l'intervention des secours en cas de catastrophe;
- Mettre en pratique les concepts et méthodes à travers un projet de session.

Themes covered

Les étapes de la gestion d'un projet du choix du projet jusqu'à son exécution et sa clôture en passant par sa planification
Les qualités d'un bon gestionnaire de projet
La gestion des parties prenantes dans un projet
Les critères de succès d'un projet
Les projets de logistique industrielle et commerciale
Les projets de logistique événementielle
Les projets de logistique humanitaire
L'étude de cas de projets concrets dans les trois domaines cités précédemment

Important notes

Un ordinateur portable configuré selon les exigences technologiques de l'École est requis pour ce cours.

See the course webpage
OPER 60530A

Purchasing Strategy

Subject

Operations and logistics

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Location

Côte-des-Neiges

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

We review the strategic issues and principal trends in purchasing management looking to identify the best practices in the field based on professional and academic articles, case discussions and guest speakers' presentations.

Many organizations from the private and public sectors have elevated purchasing to a strategic business responsibility. The trend towards outsourcing of non-core activities makes that a very high proportion of value adding now streams from suppliers. Accordingly, we will discuss strategic questions in purchasing such as:
- Why and how outsource an activity?
- How to organize the purchasing function?
- How to manage relationships with suppliers?
- How to measure and improve supplier performance?
- How to attract the best suppliers?
- What are the links between purchasing and organizational performance?
- How can purchasing contribute to the sustainability objectives of an organization?

Themes covered

Outsourcing; the role of purchasing in outsourcing decisions; procurement outsourcing
Organizing the purchasing function: centralized vs. decentralized approaches
Purchasing portfolio models TCO
Selecting evaluating and developing suppliers
Managing supplier relationships
Purchasing ethics and sustainability
Global sourcing benefits and costs

Important notes

Course in French : OPER 60530

See the course webpage
OPER 60505A

Service Operations Management

Subject

Operations and logistics

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

This course addresses the characteristics, challenges, and issues in operations management within the service business context. It focuses on the impact of the design of operational systems and technologies on competitiveness, capacity management, the quality of the customer experience, and innovation in service delivery, among others operational issues.

The course aims to achieve the following objectives:

- To enable students to grasp the complexity of the interrelationships and overlaps between different functions and strategies in the specific context of service-based businesses.

- To provide the conceptual and technical tools needed to analyze, understand, and improve operational systems in service-oriented enterprises.

- To enable students to identify and understand operational challenges, issues and problems encountered in various types of services, and to formulate solutions and recommendations.

- To enhance students' analytical, integration, and critical synthesis skills.

- To allow students to practice their oral and written communication skills.

Themes covered

The main themes covered in this course include:
Importance challenges and issues in service operations management.
Development and evolution of the knowledge field of service operations management.
Characterization and design of the service delivery system and service portfolio.
Strategic analysis frameworks for service operations.
Critical aspects of operations management in service-oriented businesses (capacity management quality management customer experience management technology and physical support).
Specific of different service delivery systems (professional services public services commercial sector and others).
Major transformations in the service sector and service offerings (digitalization the sharing economy new business models servitization).

Important notes

Course in French : OPER 60505
Cours mutuellement exclusif(s) : OPER 80550. Vous ne pouvez pas vous inscrire à ce cours si vous avez postulé ou réussi le cours OPER 80550.

See the course webpage
OPER 60502A

Transportation Systems

Subject

Operations and logistics

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Location

Côte-des-Neiges

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

Providing students with a better understanding of the role and importance of the different transportation modes used in a global supply chain.

More specifically, this course describes the planning and control processes used in freight transportation systems. The emphasis is placed on the following activities: long distance dispatch and transportation planning, freight handling operations in terminals, pick-up and delivery and fleet management. All transportation modes are covered. This course also introduces students to the most relevant decision support tools and technologies which may be used to improve the performance of transportation companies. We also discuss the main strategic issues related to transportation systems such as the use of new technologies, the establishment of partnerships between carriers and shippers, and the trend towards offering integrated logistics services.

Themes covered

- Role and importance of transportation in logistics
- Characteristics of different transportation modes and infrastructures
- Operations planning and control process in transportation
- Decision support techniques and technologies in transportation
- Strategic issues and trends in transportation

Important notes

Course in French : OPER 60502

See the course webpage
OPER 60501A

Warehousing Systems Design

Subject

Operations and logistics

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Location

Côte-des-Neiges

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

Introduction to the concepts and methodologies related to the design and management of a warehousing system.

This course allows the student to understand how to develop a warehousing and distribution strategy; how the warehousing and distribution strategy will influence the choice of equipment, working methods and technology; how to analyze the human and financial impact on the company's operating costs. The course aims to inform the student about available technologies and have him develop his analytical skills in practical situations.

Themes covered

- Warehouse design process
- Order picking process planning
- Choice of equipment
- Layout
- Technology

Important notes

Course in French : OPER 60501

See the course webpage

Approaches and tools

OPER 60550A

Decision Support Tools for the Operations Manager

Subject

Operations and logistics

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Location

Côte-des-Neiges

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

This course focuses on analytically modeling and analysing typical business problems from operations and logistics management. We apply modeling concepts that are used behind the screen of many Decision Support Systems, including optimization, simulation and decision trees.

Through examples, class discussions, case studies and workshops, students become familiar with the concepts, the solution approaches, the interpretation and the practical applications in Operations Management. We will make use of some Excel-based decision support tools (Solver, PrecisionTree, @Risk) to analyze these business problems. The focus is on the various applications.The aim of the course is:- to develop analytical skills to structure, model and solve business decision problems in the area of Operations and Logistics Management and interpret the solution output. The methodologies used are optimization (linear and integer programming), Monte Carlo simulation and decision trees;- to develop practical skills in solving these problems by hands-on experience with Excel-based decision support tools;- to discuss and analyse typical applications for these decision support tools in Operations and Logistics Management.

Themes covered

Methodological approaches :
- Linear and Integer Programming
- Data Envelopment Analysis
- Decision tree analysis
- Monte Carlo simulation

Applications:
- Production and distribution planning
- Performance measurement
- Capacity investment planning
- Portfolio analysis
- Project scheduling
- Revenue management

Important notes

Course in French : OPER 60550

See the course webpage
OPER 60512A

Design and Analysis of Operational Systems

Subject

Operations and logistics

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Location

Côte-des-Neiges

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

In this course, we discuss concepts and tools which are necessary for the analysis of operational systems with the aim of designing or improving the system. Several relevant themes will be presented, such as the management of variability, capacity management and variety management.

This course also provides an introduction for the students to a fundamental tool in process analysis, i.e. discrete event simulation. This type of simulation allows the analysis of an operational system over time. Typical key performance indicators that are analysed are the level of stock in the system (or the number of people present in a service process) and the total time (including both process and waiting time). This simulation will allow the students 1) to better understand the main underlying concepts, and 2) to be equipped with an important analysis tool that they can use in practice.

Themes covered

1. Operational systems strategy and trade-offs
2. Basic concepts of process analysis (elements of a system flow analysis capacity bottleneck Little's law basic relationships between key performance indicators)
3. Analysis of an operational system with variability (sources and impact of variability safety capacity waiting line analysis blocking and starving in production lines discussion of `The Goal')
4. Simulation workshops (basic concepts of discrete event simulation; introduction to the software modeling simple systems such as production lines; modeling complex systems; output analysis)
5. Strategic issues in capacity management (pooling of resources; flexibility and the concept of chaining)
6. Application of capacity management for specific contexts
7. Variety management (costs related to variety modular design; postponement)

Important notes

Course in French : OPER 60512

See the course webpage
MNGT 60415A

Management Consultation

Subject

Management

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Location

Côte-des-Neiges

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

Seminar on management consultation: the field, the intervention process, and the requirements of the job.

The seminar aims to impart knowledge and develop skills and attitudes required for the practice of consulting (external and internal). Emphasis is placed on the consulting "process", i.e., the approach by which the consultant assists the manager and the organization, rather than on the "product," i.e., the specific expertise involved in the consultation. The seminar is organized into the following themes: - familiarization with the consultation field and its specific requirements: the major areas of intervention, managing a consulting firm, professional development in consulting, etc.; - exploration of the general consulting process: main stages, various approaches, different roles that consultants can play, the main deliverables, etc.;- introduction to the main skills, tools, and attitudes required during the various stages of the consulting process.

Themes covered

Familiarization with the consulting field and its specific requirements: major areas of intervention managing a consulting firm etc.
Exploration of the general intervention process: the main stages in the consulting process the various approaches the different roles that consultants can play the main deliverables etc.
Introduction to the main skills and attitudes required during the various stages of the consulting process.
Self-awareness with regard to the requirements for the role of consultant and the consulting practice.

Important notes

Course in French : MNGT 60415
Cours mutuellement exclusif(s) : ENTR 61000. Vous ne pouvez pas vous inscrire à ce cours si vous avez postulé ou réussi le cours ENTR 61000.

See the course webpage
MNGT 60403

Méthodes d'intervention en développement organisationnel

Subject

Management

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Location

Côte-des-Neiges

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

Les étudiants développeront des compétences de facilitation et apprendront à maîtriser différentes méthodes d'intervention en développement organisationnel.

Ce séminaire traite du rôle-conseil en développement organisationnel, de la facilitation et des méthodes d'intervention. Il vise à développer des compétences et habiletés de facilitation de différentes méthodes d'intervention en développement organisationnel ainsi qu'un sens critique face à leur utilisation.

Themes covered

1. Compétences en développement organisationnel
2. Facilitation en fonction de sa personnalité
3. Gestion de ses émotions en contexte de facilitation (MSCEIT)
4. L'apprentissage dans les organisations
5. L'animation de réunion et de groupe de travail
6. La résolution de problème en équipe (prise de décision amélioration de la qualité Kaizen etc.)
7. La facilitation d'un groupe de codéveloppement
8. L'animation d'une communauté de pratique
9. Le groupe de discussion (focus group) et le Fishbowl
10. La démarche d'enquête appréciative (Appreciative Inquiry)
11. Le World Café et l'Open Space Technology
12. La conférence de recherche du futur (Future Search Conference)

See the course webpage
OPER 40513A

Enterprise Resource Planning in Supply Chain

Subject

Operations and logistics

Program

Graduate diplomas

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

This course emphasizes the design, integration, and use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems in supply chain management. Students will use SAP for transactions and learn how ERP supports decision-making through a unified view of processes (procurement, production, inventory, distribution), linking theory, practice, and performance.

The course provides an in-depth study of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to understand their logic and their role in integrating organizational processes and contributing to operational efficiency. Students will then apply this knowledge in a simulated environment where they use SAP S/4HANA as if working in a real company. Through this simulation, students explore and apply key modules: Material Management, Production Planning, Sales and Distribution, and Logistics Execution. Students learn to execute end-to-end processes and to understand how decisions in one department or module affect others across the organization. They also develop the ability to evaluate the financial impacts of operational and strategic decisions. The course combines theory and hands-on application to build an integrated, critical, and practical understanding of ERP, preparing students to act effectively in complex logistical and organizational environments.

Themes covered

Navigation in SAP
Material master data management
Procurement management
Supplier selection and management
Inventory management - reactive and proactive approaches
Planning without production
Planning with production
Sales processes
Customer and distribution management
Specialized solutions vs. ERP integrated into supply chains
ERP and supply chain resilience
Artificial intelligence in ERP

Important notes

Préalable(s) recommandé(s) : OPER 40530 Un ordinateur portable configuré selon les exigences technologiques de l'École est requis pour ce cours.

See the course webpage
OPER 60500A

Supply Chain Analytics

Subject

Operations and logistics

Program

Master of Science (MSc)

Location

Côte-des-Neiges

Instruction mode

On-site learning

Credits

3

This course focuses on concepts and developments of analytics tools for the supply chain. The topics of this course consist in descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics for the supply chain, i.e., retail analytics, transportation and network analytics, and disruption management.

It is aimed to provide students with analytics skills necessary to tackle supply chain problems in the contexts of manufacturing, retail, omnichannel, transportation and public sectors. This course makes use of the Python Programming Language to demonstrate how such analytics tools can be built. Within a team project, students will also develop a proof of concept of an analytics tool for a supply chain application.

Themes covered

- Overview of analytics (definitions; potential; risks and responsabilities)
- Descriptive analytics in the supply chain (metrics and key performance indicators; visualization)
- Retail logistics analytics (demand forecasting using external data; store inventory replenishment; price optimization)
- Transportation and network analytics (distribution in online and omnichanel retailing)
- Disruption management (stochastic optimization of pre-event mitigation and post-event restoration plans)
- Python coding workshops (introduction to programming and Python libraries; program elementary analytics pipelines; understand complex analytics pipelines)

Important notes

Course in French : OPER 60500

See the course webpage

Program pending final approval.

Deadlines for submitting admission applications

Applicants in Canada (citizens or permanent residents)

Rolling admission: you may submit your application at any time.

To have a greater selection of courses at the time of enrollment, please submit your application before the deadlines indicated below.

Fall term: before April 1st
Winter term: before September 15th
Summer term: no admission

International applicants

Due to immigration requirements, it is not possible to submit an application for admission to this program.

Conditions and required documents

Select the education system in which you studied:

Quebec or Canadian system

Admission requirements

Degree required

You must hold an undergraduate degree of at least 90 credits (bachelor's degree).

Minimum GPA

You must have earned a GPA of at least 2.7 out of 4.3 for your undergraduate degree. If the university in which you completed this degree requires a higher GPA for admission to a graduate program, this is the average to take into account.

If you have an undergraduate degree with a GPA of at least 2.5 out of 4.3 and you have at least five years of relevant experience, your application may be considered.

Language requirements

Documents required for admission

You will need to provide documents as part of the admission process.

Check the list of required documents

Capacity is limited for certain programs. HEC Montréal does not guarantee that all eligible applicants will be accepted.

Estimated tuition fees

The amounts below are approximate. For the detailed amounts per credit or per term, see the tuition fees schedule (PDF, 100 Kb). These amounts do not include the cost of health insurance, course materials, housing, or other expenses.

Each term, you will receive a bill with the exact amount you owe based on your credit load.

Residents of Quebec

You pay the Quebec rate if you are a resident of Quebec according to certain criteria, such as having a Quebec birth certificate or a Québec Selection Certificate.

Total cost of a 15-credit program: $2,400

See if you meet one of the Quebec residence criteria.