Open Enrollment

Continuing education is important not only for personal career development but also for learning new supply chain strategies and tactics. Here are a just a few examples of upcoming professional education programs around the world.

Course emphasizes strategic choices

To be successful, enterprises must choose a supply chain strategy that aligns with their overall business and fosters process integration. "Global Supply Chain Strategy," an executive education course from Georgia Tech and co-sponsored by CSCMP, focuses on how to make the best strategic choices for the entire supply chain.

In particular, the course focuses on how to create an integrated global supply chain operation. This involves making sure that sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, and sales are aligned to serve customers efficiently, and that suppliers are included in their integrated supply chain organization. Program participants will examine how to plan, design, and operate a highly effective, integrated supply chain. CSCMP members receive the reduced program rate of US $3,150, which is 10 percent off the regular rate of US $3,500.

Program: Global Supply Chain Strategy
Sponsor: Georgia Institute of Technology and CSCMP
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Dates: March 2-5, 2009
Info: www.scl.gatech.edu/cscmp

Build a sound foundation

Industry veterans Ken Ackerman and Art Van Bodegraven are known for their straight talk and practical advice. Who better, then, to teach those new to supply chain management the basics of transportation, procurement, manufacturing, warehousing, material management, and reverse logistics? In "Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management," the instructors will discuss the hard realities of supply chain integration, selecting and managing logistics service providers, project management, and recruiting and retaining an effective team of supply chain professionals.

To complement the classroom-style lectures, attendees will be required to participate in an interactive group project. Each group will research, study, and then present solutions to various case studies that are based on real-life scenarios.

Program: Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management
Sponsor: CSCMP
Location: Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Dates: March 2-3, 2009
Info: http://cscmp.org

Better supply chains through economics

Northwestern University asserts that supply chain economics management provides an effective way to reduce costs and time while serving customers better—a promising approach for companies facing tough market conditions.

The school's "Supply Chain Economics" executive education course presents ways to create a supply chain that is successful both operationally and financially. Participants will learn how to improve their supply chain's performance by using customer relationship management tools and financial analysis. This includes using activitybased costing and revenue management to better balance supply with demand. Course instructors will demonstrate how to link financial information to supply chain operations metrics.

Program: Supply Chain Economics
Sponsor: Northwestern University
Location: Evanston, Illinois, USA
Dates: April 19-22, 2008
Info: www.kellogg.northwestern.edu/execed/programs/TECH07

Diploma bridges knowledge gap in Asia

Asia has a desperate need for more supply chain talent. The Executive Diploma in Supply Chain Management (Asia) might help to bridge that gap.

The diploma will introduce participants to the fundamentals of logistics and supply chain management as well as issues unique to doing business in Asia. Electives focus on topics such as selling skills, project management, procurement and inventory management, and air and sea freight operations.

Program: Executive Diploma in Supply Chain Management (Asia)
Sponsors: Rasmussen & Simonsen and Supply Chain Asia
Location: Singapore
Intake Dates: June 15-19, 2009
Info: www.supplychainasia.com/diploma

A broader understanding of logistics

Michigan State University can help you gain a more strategic view of logistics' role in the supply chain through its "Logistics in Supply Chain Management" Executive Seminar.

The seminar will provide participants with a greater understanding of the theory, dynamics, structure, and principles of logistics management. Participants will learn tools and techniques for sales and operations planning, relationship management, and performance assessment. Instructors will also discuss the design and execution of global supply chains.

CSCMP members receive a discount on tuition.

Program: Logistics in Supply Chain Management Executive Seminar
Sponsor: Michigan State University
Location: Lansing, Michigan, USA
Dates: May 3-8, 2009
Info: www.bus.msu.edu/execed/programs