Open Enrollment

Become a fast learner

Do you want to learn more about supply chain management but don't have a lot of spare time? CSCMP has developed a series of online "Supply Chain Quick Courses" that will meet your needs.

Designed for entry-level to mid-level professionals, these courses were created by recognized experts in the supply chain field. Each course includes one instructional, online video that runs from 45 minutes to 75 minutes; teaching notes, including terminology and definitions, test questions, and an answer key; recommended further reading; and a video-player interface. Current topics include: demand management, financial fundamentals, manufacturing operations, performance measurements, physical distribution systems, quality, sales and operations planning, and master planning and capacity management. CSCMP will be continually adding new courses to download. Courses cost US $64.95 for members and US $94.95 for nonmembers.

Program: Supply Chain Quick Courses
Sponsor: CSCMP
Info: http://cscmp.org/education/quick-course.asp

Learn to think lean

Experts maintain that when you apply lean thinking to the supply chain, you can achieve a more efficient and effective operation with less waste. But how do you acquire that lean thinking? The Georgia Institute of Technology's "Building the Lean Supply Chain Problem Solver" course could be the first step.

Georgia Tech says that the course will teach participants how to "think lean" and use problem-solving tools to eliminate waste. Students will learn how to develop a keen eye for operational waste and discover and solve the root causes of business problems. This course is the first of three that participants can take to receive a Lean Supply Chain Professional Certificate. The course is cosponsored by CSCMP.

Program: Building the Lean Supply Chain Problem Solver
Sponsor: Georgia Institute of Technology
Location: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Dates: August 9-11, 2011
Info: www.pe.gatech.edu/courses/building-leansupply-chain-problem-solver

How to pay for performance

The University of Tennessee offers two courses about compensating providers of outsourced services for overall results instead of for specific products or actions. "Performance-Based Logistics" (PBL) is for managers who work with the U.S. Defense Department in PBL contractual situations. The course focuses on establishing and executing performance-based lifecycle product support. PBL concepts and applications are presented through lectures, question and answer sessions, case studies, and small-group exercises.

"Vested Outsourcing" is designed for managers in any industry who procure outsourced services such as third-party logistics, information technology support, or facilities management. Participants will learn about the underlying theories and practical applications of paying for results (such as on-time delivery) as opposed to paying for activities (such as picking and packing). The course will also help participants write their own performance work statements that link to desired outcomes.

Both courses are co-sponsored by CSCMP.

Program: University of Tennessee Center for Executive Education
Courses and dates: Performance-Based Logistics: September 13-16, 2011; Vested Outsourcing: August 1-3, 2011; November 8-10, 2011
Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Info: http://thecenter.utk.edu/