Supply Management Training

From recognizing a need to issuing a purchase order, participants learn the essentials of determining quantity, specifications and price that are the cornerstones of procurement. This course covers a variety of procurement scenarios; repetitive purchases of production materials, procuring on-time low-cost items, large capital goods acquisition and securing commodities under long-term supply contracts. The opportunities and challenges of international procurement versus domestic procurement discussed. Participants gain broad understanding of the role of procurement and the various ways it can be organized.

Prerequisite: BUSN-0225 Procurement

The interconnections between procurement, operations and transportation is explored in this course. Participants discuss how to balance the pressures for large order sizes to achieve low unit costs with the competing pressures to keep order sizes low to minimize warehouse space and inventory obsolescence. The options of few centralized warehouses versus multiple distributed warehouses are addressed. Among the topics covered are forecasting, uncertainty, safety stocks and customer service requirements. Computer systems, such as DRP, WMS and TMS are also be presented.

Prerequisite: BUSN-0223 Logistics

Participants learn the advantages and limitations of the 4 modes of transportation: road, rail, air and water, as well as intermodal transportation. Topics covered include the role of freight forwarders, brokers and integrated transportation companies. This course introduces participants to transportation documentation and allows them to experience basic load planning. Participants gain an overview of contracts, insurance, customs clearance and letters of credit. The fundamentals of Incoterms 2010 and their impact on buyer-seller responsibility for transportation are also examined.

Prerequisite: BUSN-0226 Transportation

This course familiarizes participants with Operations Management in manufacturing, distribution and service organizations as they learn the basics of location, selection and layout. Topics covered are capacity planning and scheduling, as well as key concepts of JIT/LEAN, OPT/TOC and MRP. Participants discuss the challenges of balancing capacity with demand and are introduced to forecasting techniques, demand planning and inventory ordering. Quality systems and continuous improvement methodologies, including Deming, Juran, ISO 9000 and Six Sigma, are also addressed.

Prerequisite: BUSN-0224 Operations Management

Essential to the successful supply chain professional are the competencies of listening skills, spoken and written communication, persuasiveness and the ability to explain complex issues up and down the organization and around the supply chain. Another critical ability is building effective inter-organizational supply chain relationships. This workshop covers how to create and deliver strong presentations and how to be professional in your spoken communications by looks at steak, sizzle and style. Non-verbal communications such as appearance and body language are also explored. The workshop offers guidance on producing clear, concise and compelling reports and written communication, and examines do’s and don’ts in electronic communication today.

Prerequisite: COMM-0407 Comms and Relational Skills

Negotiation skills are an essential competency for any manager, and especially those responsible for supply chain management. This workshop provides participants with a roadmap for leading or participating in successful negotiations. Participants focus on the entire negotiation process, and learn the activities and techniques to be used from the preparation stage to the actual face-to-face negotiations. It covers understanding the other negotiator, responding to power imbalances, as well as looking beyond the deal to building longer-term relationships. Interactive activities, including negotiation simulations and role-playing exercises, feature prominently and allow opportunities to fine-tune negotiation skills.

Prerequisite: BUSN-0202 Negotiation Skills

Competitive bidding and contract management, if not handled properly, can lead to serious legal and financial consequences for any organization. This workshop seeks to equip you with the tools required to turn this into a competitive advantage for your enterprise. The workshop looks at the conditions for successful competitive bidding and the elements of the bidding process, including RFPs and RFQs. Electronic tendering is also addressed. The workshop moves on to examine types of contract and contract law. Candidates also gain an understanding of writing contract terms and how to manage a contract from performance review to dispute resolution and termination.

Prerequisite: BUSN-0196 Competitive Bids/Contract Mgmt

This seminar provides a comprehensive overview of how finance impacts supply management. Basic terminology used in finance and accounting are defined. Participants learn how to read financial statements and understand how decisions are taken. They are also introduced to using key ratios to interpret financial information. The principles of accounting and budgeting are presented. Participants gain an understanding of how supply management practitioners make a business case for an investment and evaluate investment opportunities.

Prerequisite: ACCT-0059 Accounting

Participants learn the role and purpose of marketing with a special emphasis on how marketing affects supply management. The differences between marketing and sales, marketing products and services, as well as B2B and B2C marketing are addressed. Market research, understanding your competition, market segmentation and market selection are key topics covered. Among other subjects discussed are the marketing mix: the “4 Ps” of product, pricing, place and promotion. Strategies for market leaders and market followers are also outlined.

Prerequisite: MKTG-0074 Marketing

Every department has a critical role to play in delivering an organization’s strategy. This seminar provides an overview of strategic planning in an organization and the basic elements of a strategic analysis (SWOT). The Porter 5-forces model for analyzing the competitive environment is introduced. Topics covered include critical success factors, strategic maps and company positioning, and strategic model (low-cost, differentiation, niche). Participants discuss how to develop a strategic plan in a supply management role and the linkages between the strategic plan and a budget.