Recently we had a Discovering mathematics input on supply chain and logistics and for a brief moment I actually wanted to a demand planner!

We were learning the importance of people in the position of supply chain demand planning and the numerous factors which need to be taken into account when deciding what and how many products are needed. Factors such as where are the products coming from and would that influence the cost. The size, shape and condition of the products (e.g. frozen) and how would that impact on the kind of transportation need to get it from manufacturer to shop and how to store it once it arrives. To be honest, I thought the lesson wasn’t going to particularly interest me. However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. It was favourite Discovering Mathematics input by far.

We were given a taste of what the job entails with a demand planning game. In pairs we were given order forms of a mixture of items typically bought in for supermarkets. We were allowed to spend up to £5000 in our first quarter and then any profits we made thereafter we were allowed to spend in the following quarters. I must admit I became totally engrossed in the task. There was something quite satisfying about just sitting working through the calculations and finding out what the final profit would be at the end of the year. Although I enjoyed it, I could see that in real life it would be a stressful job. Maybe as stressful as teaching.