This intensive course offers a comprehensive introduction to global supply chain management concepts, processes, technologies and best practices. Through interactive lectures, hands-on simulations, case studies and group discussions, participants will gain in-depth knowledge of managing end-to-end supply chain operations from sourcing to manufacturing to distribution. Participants will develop strategic skills to optimize complex supply networks, leverage data to improve forecasting and planning, implement emerging technologies, and use supply chain capabilities as a competitive advantage. Experienced instructors will share real-world insights and provide frameworks, templates and tools to apply across various industries.
Target Audience
The course is designed for supply chain professionals at all levels including:
- Supply chain analysts/managers
- Logistics and distribution managers
- Procurement/sourcing specialists
- Operations managers
- Inventory planners/analysts
- Manufacturing and production managers
Professionals from engineering, sales, marketing, IT and other functions interested in supply chain practices will also benefit. No specific prerequisites are required beyond basic quantitative skills.
Course Objectives
By the end of the course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the strategic role of supply chain management in driving business success
- Apply techniques like demand forecasting, inventory optimization, network design, and supplier management
- Analyze end-to-end supply chain processes to identify opportunities for improvement
- Leverage data and analytics to gain insights and make data-driven decisions
- Identify technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain that can transform supply chain capabilities
- Develop strong supply chain modeling, analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Gain insights into global logistics, transportation, warehousing and inventory management
- Design resilient and sustainable supply chains that create competitive advantage
Course Outline
Module 1 – Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management
- Supply chain management overview
- Linking supply chain operations to business strategy
- Key supply chain processes and considerations
- Supply chain drivers, metrics, and performance framework
Module 2 – Demand Forecasting and Inventory Management
- Demand planning and forecasting techniques
- Managing uncertainty and risk
- Inventory management approaches and analysis
- Optimizing inventory policies and control
Module 3 – Procurement and Supplier Management
- Strategic sourcing and procurement processes
- Supplier relationship management strategies
- Global supplier network optimization
- Technology trends in procurement
Module 4 – Transportation, Logistics and Warehousing
- Logistics network optimization and routing
- Transportation mode selection and execution
- Warehouse management and design
- Omnichannel distribution approaches
Module 5 – Supply Chain Analytics and Technologies
- Leveraging data and analytics for supply chain insights
- Applications of AI, IoT, blockchain and other emerging technologies
- Building resilient and sustainable supply chains
- Financial analysis and strategy considerations
Module 6 – Supply Chain Sustainability and Risk Management
- Implementing sustainable and green supply chain practices
- Environmental impact measurement and reporting
- Managing supply chain risks like disruptions, delays, and capacity issues
- Building resilient and agile supply chains
- Supply chain continuity planning and risk mitigation strategies
- Ethics, compliance, and responsible sourcing
Module 7 – Supply Chain Digital Transformation
- Leveraging digital technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain
- Digitizing supply chain processes and information flows
- Adopting smart warehousing and manufacturing solutions
- Implementing predictive analytics and control towers
- Automating routine supply chain tasks
- Creating digital twin simulations of supply chains
- Assessing cybersecurity risks in digital supply chains
- Change management for supply chain digital transformation
Teaching Methodology
The course incorporates:
- Interactive lectures and presentations
- Hands-on simulations and exercises using real-world datasets
- Case studies and group discussions analyzing supply chain issues
- Frameworks, templates and tools for implementation
- Q&A sessions with instructors
- Actionable takeaways and best practices
Case Studies and Examples
Relevant case studies will be used to demonstrate application of concepts, some examples are provided below:
- Apple’s supply chain innovation and efficiency
- Amazon’s logistics and distribution network optimization
- Lean and agile supply chains at Toyota, Zara, Dell
- Mitigating supply chain risks during COVID-19 pandemic
- Digitization of container logistics at Maersk
- Procurement transformation at Unilever
- Omnichannel retail supply chains at Walmart
Who Should Attend?
This course provides immense value for:
- Supply chain professionals seeking to advance their expertise and career to the next level
- New entrants and graduates entering the supply chain field needing to build robust foundations
- Experienced professionals transitioning from other functions into supply chain roles
- Technical specialists looking to broaden understanding of end-to-end supply chain strategic planning
- Senior executives seeking to improve their organization’s supply chain capabilities and competitive edge
The comprehensive curriculum makes it beneficial for participants across various levels of experience and industry backgrounds.
Benefits of attending this course
Benefits for the Organization
Here are some key benefits for organizations from attending a supply chain management course:
- Enhanced supply chain capabilities – The course equips employees with latest practices to improve forecasting, inventory management, logistics, procurement and other supply chain functions.
- Increased operational efficiency – Employees can identify and address inefficiencies, reducing costs and improving productivity.
- Competitive advantage – Cutting-edge supply chain knowledge enables innovation, differentiation and staying ahead of competition.
- Preparedness for disruption – Employees gain insights into building resilient, agile supply chains that can withstand disruptions.
- Talent development – Employees gain in-demand skills and can transition into critical supply chain roles within the organization.
- Succession planning – Having more employees with supply chain expertise facilitates seamless succession planning.
- Consistency in practices – Employees learn standardized best practices which brings consistency across the organization.
- Improved collaboration – Cross-functional employees taking the course together improves collaboration.
- Latest industry developments – Employees stay updated on supply chain innovations, technologies and trends.
- Boosts employer brand – Investing in employee development makes the organization more attractive to future talent.
The course ultimately results in supply chains that help unlock growth, cut costs, mitigate risks and gain competitive edge.
Personal Benefits
Here are some key personal benefits of taking a supply chain management course:
- Gain in-demand skills like forecasting, inventory management, logistics that make you highly employable
- Get hands-on experience with industry tools and software to boost resume
- Learn emerging practices in AI, automation, sustainability that future-proof your career
- Exposure to real-world case studies and projects to apply concepts
- Opportunity to network and build connections with experts and peers
- Advance your career by transitioning into critical supply chain roles
- Increased job satisfaction from having relevant expertise and confidence
- Become an expert on industry best practices to stand out
- Higher salary potential by gaining a credential targeted by employers
- Build foundational knowledge to pave way for leadership roles
- Remain competitive and updated on innovations reshaping the field
- Chance to work on cross-functional team projects
- Learn from experienced instructors with practical insights
- Holistic curriculum provides end-to-end supply chain perspective
- Flexibility to balance course with work commitments
- Virtual/online courses provide access to top programs globally
The personal benefits range from tangible skills to long-term career progression. The course can be a strategic investment in remaining relevant and progressing in the supply chain profession.
