Supply Chain Analytics and Modelling - 2nd Edition by Nicoleta Tipi

About the Book

Harness data within the supply chain using this accessible guide on how to examine, evaluate and apply business analytics models.

Book Synopsis

A comprehensive guide for analysing, interpreting and improving supply chain systems through data.

Supply Chain Analytics and Modelling by Nicoleta Tipi provides MSc students and supply chain professionals with a practical and structured introduction to the analytical tools and business models used across modern logistics and operations environments. The fully updated, latest edition of this core resource helps readers make sense of complex supply chain data and build the modelling skills needed to improve performance, resilience and decision-making.

Beginning with the foundations of analytics and business modelling, the textbook guides students and professionals through increasingly advanced techniques, from simulation and optimization to machine learning, AI and digital twins. It shows how to critically evaluate supply chain performance using accurate data, and how to apply model outputs to solve real-world problems. Throughout, readers will gain the tools to manage data complexity, assess risk and apply intelligent models to support effective decision-making.

To support academic study and independent learning, this edition includes:

- A wide range of modelling approaches, from descriptive to predictive analytics
- New content on digital twins, machine learning, AI and simulation tools
- Analysis of supply chain performance measurement and data reliability
- Real-world examples that connect theory to logistics and operations practice
- Online resources including lecturer slides and solved model examples

Supply Chain Analytics and Modelling equips students and practitioners with the analytical confidence and technical fluency to interpret, model and manage today's data-intensive supply chain systems.

Review Quotes

"Supply Chain Analytics and Modelling serves as an invaluable resource for students seeking to master data visualization, analysis and modelling of operations, logistics and supply chain challenges. The book skilfully bridges theory and practice by providing insights into performance measurement systems alongside contemporary analytical tools for process and network analysis. This comprehensive approach makes it an essential complement to traditional operations management and supply chain textbooks, suitable for both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Students and practitioners alike will find it particularly valuable for tackling today's increasingly complex supply chain environments."-- "Jelena Vlajic, Senior Lecturer in Supply Chains and Operations Management, Queen's Business School, Queen's University Belfast"

"Nicoleta Tipi delivers a timely and practical guide for navigating the data-driven demands of modern supply chains. This book stands out for its clarity, depth and actionable insights, bridging academic rigor with real-world relevance. From forecasting to optimization, it equips professionals and students alike with the analytical tools needed to drive smarter, faster decisions across the supply chain."-- "Omera Khan, Chief of Staff, Strategy & ESG Lead, DHL Supply Chain APAC"

"Nicoleta Tipi's updated edition of Supply Chain Analytics and Modelling is a valuable contribution to the field. Covering everything from the role of data and visualization to performance measurement and future agendas, the book equips readers with both the foundations and forward-looking perspectives needed in today's supply chain environment. A must-read for professionals and researchers who want to harness the power of smart analytics to drive resilience and innovation in supply chains."-- "Khaled EL Sakty, Dean, College of International Transport and Logistics, AASTMT"

"

The second edition of Supply Chain Analytics and Modelling is a significant step forward from an already excellent first edition. Nicoleta Tipi introduces business analytics with clarity and simplicity, using practical examples that make complex ideas easy to grasp. While many book texts discuss supply chain modelling, this book goes further by addressing the critical question of why modelling matters, offering clear explanations of the complexities of supply chain environments and the tools available to navigate them.
Data and performance measurement, often abstract or ambiguously presented elsewhere, are explained here in a straightforward and accessible way. The progression into advanced techniques and models in the second part of the book is particularly valuable, providing readers with both breadth and depth of understanding.
The book concludes with a thoughtful research agenda that highlights what has been explored so far and where future work should go. This makes the book not only an outstanding resource for practitioners and students but also an inspiring guide for researchers in the field.

"-- "Carla Pereira, Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain, The Open University Business School"

"A fundamental text for the analytics modelling revolution. Drawing from years of experience, Nicoleta Tipi has made the increasingly complex decision tools become more accessible for students in industrial, business and supply chain analytics fields."-- "Chukwuneke Okorie, Associate Professor Supply Chain Operations Management, College of Business and Management (CBM), Metro State University"

"Anyone who wants to turn complicated supply chain data into useful information should read this book. Nicoleta Tipi makes advanced modelling both easy to understand and useful by combining rigorous analysis with practical applications such as demand forecasting, optimization or simulation. This book gives students and professionals the knowledge they need to manage today's dynamic supply chains with confidence. I highly recommend it."-- "Oznur Yurt, Senior Lecturer in Operations & Supply Chain Management, The Open University Business School"

"The second edition of Supply Chain Analytics and Modelling is an invaluable contribution to both teaching and research in supply chain management. By integrating rigorous analytical methods with real-world applications, the book provides an essential reference for students, scholars and practitioners seeking to advance their understanding of modern supply chain challenges."-- "Elias D. Georgakoudis, CEO, Multi Pack"

"This book offers a comprehensive and academically robust exploration of business analytics and modelling in the supply chain context. It lays a solid conceptual foundation by defining business analytics and explaining its three primary forms: to be descriptive, predictive and prescriptive, before extending these principles to the complexities of supply chain modelling. By blending theoretical insights with practical relevance, it serves as an invaluable resource for researchers, practitioners and analysts aiming to bridge the gap between analytical models and real-world decision making in supply chain management. The book's structure progresses logically from fundamental concepts to advanced applications, offering a step-by-step learning experience. It addresses practical challenges like handling big data and implementing analytical models, as well as providing effective solutions in areas such as data visualization, statistical analysis, machine learning and regression methods. In short, it is an essential companion for anyone looking to understand the strategic use of analytics in modern supply chain management."-- "Sara Elgazzar, Dean of College of International Transport and Logistics (CITL), Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport"

"Whether you're a student, researcher or industry professional, this book is a must-have resource for understanding and leveraging analytics to drive efficiency, resilience and innovation in supply chains. It bridges the gap between theoretical foundations and practical applications, offering readers a comprehensive toolkit for data-driven decision-making in complex supply networks. Real-world examples enrich each chapter, reinforcing learning and encouraging critical thinking. Highly recommended."-- "Christine Jordan, Senior Lecturer and Programme Lead, Supply Chain and Logistics, University of Cumbria"

About the Author

Nicoleta Tipi is Senior Lecturer in Operations and Supply Chain at the Open University, UK. She was previously Senior Lecturer at the University of Huddersfield where she gained experience lecturing in the area of supply chain modelling and logistics operations. Nicoleta has considerable industry experience, having worked in different roles involving modelling and analytics for Unilever.