Introduction

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the backbone of modern businesses, ensuring efficient movement of goods, services, and information. By mastering the fundamental principles of SCM, professionals can optimize operations, reduce costs, improve supplier relationships, and enhance customer satisfaction.

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in supply chain management, covering key concepts, strategies, best practices, and modern technologies. Participants will explore topics such as inventory management, procurement, logistics, demand forecasting, and digital transformation to build an efficient and resilient supply chain.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

• Understand core supply chain principles, functions, and best practices.
• Learn procurement, inventory control, transportation, and distribution management.
• Explore demand forecasting, supply chain optimization, and cost reduction strategies.
• Assess digital transformation, AI, blockchain, and sustainability in SCM.
• Develop a strategic supply chain plan for business efficiency and resilience.
• Gain insights into future trends shaping global supply chains.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for professionals seeking a strong foundation in supply chain management, including:

• Supply Chain & Logistics Coordinators
• Procurement & Sourcing Specialists
• Warehouse & Inventory Managers
• Business Strategy & Operations Executives
• Entrepreneurs & Business Owners Managing Supply Chains
• Students & Career Switchers Exploring Supply Chain Roles

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Supply Chain Management

Unit 1: Understanding Supply Chain Fundamentals

• What is Supply Chain Management (SCM)? Key Functions & Importance
• Components of a Supply Chain: Procurement, Manufacturing, Warehousing, Distribution
• The Evolution of SCM: Traditional vs. Modern Supply Chains
• Case Study: How Amazon & Walmart Built High-Performance Supply Chains

Unit 2: The Supply Chain Process & Key Stakeholders

• Supply Chain Flow: From Raw Materials to End Customers
• Key Stakeholders in SCM: Suppliers, Distributors, Retailers & Customers
• The Role of Supply Chain in Business Profitability & Competitiveness
• Workshop: Mapping a Basic Supply Chain Network

Day 2: Procurement, Sourcing, & Inventory Management

Unit 3: Procurement & Sourcing Strategies

• Strategic vs. Operational Procurement
• Supplier Selection & Relationship Management
• Cost-Saving Strategies: TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), Negotiation & Multi-Sourcing
• Case Study: How Toyota Manages Supplier Relationships

Unit 4: Inventory Management & Control

• Types of Inventory: Raw Materials, WIP, Finished Goods, Safety Stock
• Inventory Management Techniques: FIFO, LIFO, EOQ, JIT & VMI
• Balancing Demand & Supply to Avoid Stockouts & Overstocks
• Workshop: Developing an Inventory Management Plan

Day 3: Logistics, Transportation & Distribution

Unit 5: Logistics & Freight Optimization

• Logistics Functions: Inbound, Outbound & Reverse Logistics
• Comparing Transportation Modes: Air, Sea, Rail & Road
• Freight Optimization & Cost Reduction Strategies
• Case Study: How DHL & FedEx Optimize Global Logistics

Unit 6: Warehousing & Distribution Strategies

• Warehouse Layout & Storage Optimization
• Cross-Docking, Hub-and-Spoke & Distribution Network Design
• The Role of AI & IoT in Warehouse Automation
• Workshop: Optimizing a Distribution & Fulfillment Strategy

Day 4: Demand Forecasting, Risk Management & Digital Transformation

Unit 7: Demand Planning & Forecasting Techniques

• The Importance of Demand Forecasting in Supply Chain Planning
• AI & Machine Learning for Demand Prediction & Trend Analysis
• Managing Seasonal & Unpredictable Demand Fluctuations
• Case Study: How Zara Uses Demand Forecasting to Minimize Waste

Unit 8: Supply Chain Risk Management & Resilience

• Identifying & Mitigating Supply Chain Risks (Financial, Operational, Geopolitical, Cybersecurity)
• Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery Planning
• Blockchain for Supply Chain Transparency & Fraud Prevention
• Workshop: Conducting a Supply Chain Risk Assessment

Day 5: Sustainability, Future Trends & Strategic SCM Implementation

Unit 9: Sustainable & Ethical Supply Chain Management

• The Rise of Green Supply Chains & Carbon Reduction Initiatives
• Circular Economy & Reverse Logistics for Sustainable Waste Management
• ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) Compliance in Supply Chains
• Case Study: How Unilever & IKEA Implement Sustainable Sourcing Strategies

Unit 10: Future Trends & Implementing a Supply Chain Strategy

• The Impact of AI, Blockchain & 5G on Supply Chain Operations
• The Rise of Autonomous Vehicles, Drone Deliveries & Smart Warehousing
• Hyper-Personalized & Digital-First Supply Chains
• Final Project: Developing a Supply Chain Optimization Plan
• Course Wrap-Up & Certification

Training Methodology

• Interactive Lectures & Real-World Case Studies from Industry Leaders
• Hands-On Workshops with Demand Forecasting, Procurement & Logistics Simulations
• Live Demonstrations of AI-Powered Inventory & Digital Freight Optimization
• Expert Panel Discussions & Group Strategy Sessions
• Practical Assignments & Certification at Course Completion