Tight margins and intense competition are enough to make anyone a little gloomy. But there's no need to despair; supply chain managers can surmount these obstacles by embracing the tools and metrics of the "dismal science."

That's the premise of "Supply Chain Economics," an executive education course offered by Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management in conjunction with the school's Transportation Center. The course will investigate the relationship between supply chain operating success and financial metrics. Participants will study the basics of financial analysis and use activity-based costing and revenue management to improve their supply chains. They will also learn how to use financial information to strengthen strategic alliances.

The course will be held April 13-16, 2008, on Northwestern's campus in Evanston, Ill. For more information, visit www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/execed programs.