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    Welcome to Supply Chain Management Diploma

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    ENGAGE. EQUIP. EMPOWER.

    The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). ITC is the only UN agency fully dedicated to the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

    The ITC Supply Chain Management Programme trains SMEs and professionals globally.

    • We engage and equip local partners to provide leading training and professional certification in supply chain management (SCM).
    • We empower participants to advance their careers and improve enterprise competitiveness.

    Administered by the programme, the internationally recognized Diploma in Supply Chain Management and certificate-level training is delivered by over 60 licensed partners in more than 40 countries. Find, contact and register with your local training institution here.

    Developed by a team of global supply chain experts, training to achieve the Diploma in Supply Chain Management covers every stage of the purchasing and supply chain management process through four course modules: (1) Strategy and Planning, (2) Sourcing, (3) Operations and (4) Logistics.

    SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT - DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

    Establishing professional credentials can be a stepping-stone for a career in SCM and enhances the human capital of enterprises of all sizes. By completing four course modules, and passing corresponding exams, participants achieve the Diploma in Supply Chain Management. Diploma graduates are eligible to apply for the internationally recognized Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) designation through the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) (currently under review).

    COURSE MODULE 1

    Strategy and Planning: Accurate forecasting of supply, through useful and practical tools, converts demand into clear targets that are aligned with overall enterprise objectives. This module helps participants understand the importance of effective supply chain management by turning market and customer demand into strategies and plans. The module also gives practical advice on how to measure and evaluate performance.

    Skills and competencies: identifying strengths and weaknesses in enterprise planning; using tools to set targets and objectives in purchasing, operational and logistics strategies; and, performance evaluation.

    COURSE MODULE 2

    Sourcing: Understanding supply markets and correctly specifying products and services means knowing what is required and sourcing from suitable suppliers with necessary capabilities. This module helps enterprises develop supplier relationships, select and negotiate the best offers, and manage contracts / risks in a cost-effective manner. It enables participants to specify needs, analyse supply markets and source from suppliers in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.

    Skills and competencies: specifying requirements; analysing supply markets; appraising suppliers; obtaining and selecting offers; negotiating; and, contracting.

    COURSE MODULE 3

    Operations: Effectively managing operations is key for improved productivity and competitiveness. Processing and manufacturing operations are also closely linked with procurement and sales / marketing. This module explores the transformation of purchased material into final products and services that meet customer and market demand. This relies on a number of factors, including quality management, waste reduction, value added product / process design, layout, environment management and planning / control to ensure sustainable and competitive operations.

    Skills and competencies: operations and inventory management; environmental procurement; and, managing finance along the supply chain.

    COURSE MODULE 4

    Logistics: Efficient inbound logistics, internal distribution, warehousing, outbound logistics and export of goods and services can reduce cycle times, optimise inventory levels, reduce waste, lower costs, and enhance delivery performance, leading to improved competitiveness. This module addresses the management of storage, distribution, transportation and delivery of material and products.

    Skills and competencies: managing logistics in the supply chain; inventory management; and, customer relationship management.

    SUPPLY CHAIN SKILLS AND TRAINING

    Our vision is to support supply chain management skills training for development.

    Our mission is to engage institutions in offering training locally, to equip local partners with leading training approaches / materials and to empower participants to develop practical solutions to organizational challenges.

    Our focus is on promoting enterprise competitiveness. Supply chain related costs often make up as much as 80% of an enterprise’s total expenditures. A 10% savings in supply chain operations can translate into a 60% increase in profit while maintaining or improving quality.

    Supply chain skills are critical for businesses of all sizes, especially for micro and small enterprises that have access to fewer resources. Efficiently managing supplies and controlling costs can mean the difference between profit and loss, between success and failure.

    Through ITC training, skills and competencies to master for improved supply chain management include:

    • Developing the right supply chain and costing strategies
    • Tackling critical issues in a supply network
    • Applying the best negotiation techniques
    • Using the most suitable systems for managing operations and inventory
    • Implementing effective purchasing, supply, logistics, and warehousing methods

    Enterprise efficiency is essential to success in the international marketplace. Competitiveness hinges on the ability to cost-effectively and sustainably manage supply chains.

    Supply chain skills and competencies enable enterprises across industries to optimize operational costs while improving quality, productivity and lead-times to meet customer requirements.

    In many countries, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) represent more than 90 percent of all businesses, account for two thirds of private sector employment and create the majority of new jobs.

    • We empower training participants to build supply chain skills and effectively manage resources / processes. Enterprises typically spend 60 percent or more of their earnings on buying goods and services. Improved business processes can deliver competitive benefits and increased profits. Achieving these outcomes requires capable professionals.
    • To help enterprises – large or small – ITC training in supply chain management has been developed as a leading solution. Training in supply chain management and logistics is especially important for SMEs that have access to fewer resources.
    • To be competitive, and become a supplier to a multinational or large domestic company, an SME will need to demonstrate sufficient control over its own supply chain, that it has the right processes in place and that it can ensure delivery on time with required quality.
    • Enterprises participating in ITC training have achieved cost reductions as high as 50 percent by shortening lead times, improving productivity, streamlining processes and strengthening relationships across supply chains. To address the specific needs of small enterprises, a module for SMEs was recently added to the training curriculum.
    • Understanding and applying ITC’s training concepts can take a small business to a higher level of performance. Enterprise dynamism and efficiency are essential to success in today’s international marketplace.
    ITC training helps to build supply chain management skills and knowledge. We contribute to SME competitiveness by empowering small enterprises to improve their procurement, supply chain and logistics operations.

    In partnership with the ITC E-learning Programme, our diploma and certificate-level training in supply chain management will soon be available online.

    • We are transforming our leading training programme in supply chain management into an electronic learning format. From ITC’s perspective, e-learning is a tool for SMEs and professionals to learn how to enhance and internationalize their business skills.
    • Each course module will be available as a separate, online, course: Strategy and Planning, Sourcing, Operations and Logistics. Participants will be able to take online exams and achieve the Diploma in Supply Chain Management.
    • Online education is a proven complement to face-to-face programming and participants can choose to take a blend of in-person and e-learning courses.
    • Developed in conjunction with the E-learning Programme, a freely available e-learning course “Introduction to Supply Chain Management” was previously introduced in 2014. To date, over 3,000 participants have taken the course. The course will remain free and serves as introduction to the diploma programme. Registration via the SME Trade Academy is open to all: learning.intracen.org
    E-learning is both an extension of our traditional face-to-face training as well as a complement. By making its supply chain management training available online, ITC is adapting to the needs and availability of participants on a global scale.

    The ITC Supply Chain Management Programme supports the implementation of trade-related technical assistance (TRTA) projects.

    • With in-depth knowledge of all aspects of supply chain management, ITC can help organizations leverage key strategies, technical know-how, concepts and best practices.
    • The ITC Supply Chain Management Programme has been actively involved in building the capacity of small businesses to contribute to their national economies through technical assistance projects around the world.
    • For example, the training approach has been successfully deployed in Kenya, Zambia and Tanzania. Local partners were licensed and trained to support SCM-related capacity building.
    • Visit ITC’s project database to learn more: http://www.intracen.org/itc/projects/
    Our assistance is aimed at addressing supply chain-related challenges and the associated skills gap in developing and least-developed countries (LDCs).

    The Benefits of ITC training go beyond the Diploma in Supply Chain Management and professional certification. Our network – a community of alumni, institutions and experts – presents opportunities for further professional recognition, master’s level education and career advancement.

    • Diploma graduates can obtain the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM®) designation from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) in the United States. The CPSM® designation is recognised globally.
    • Achieving the Diploma in Supply Chain Management creates a path to a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with the European Institute of Purchasing Management (EIPM) and earns credits toward the degree.
    • Along with local network partners, the ITC Supply Chain Management Global Round Table is held in a different country on a biannual basis. The round table presents an opportunity for partners and participants to:
      • Share experiences and learn about best practices for developing, promoting and implementing SCM based training and certification.
      • Develop closer links among network partners through collaborative projects, exchange and communication of events and activities.
      • Share ideas for the future development of the ITC Supply Chain Management Programme.
    • The Supply Chain Management Programme hosts an exclusive “Community of Practice” (CoP) group on LinkedIn. As both a CoP and participant group, access is limited to partners/trainers, current participants and alumni of the Diploma in Supply Chain Management.
    The Diploma in Supply Chain Management represents official certification by the United Nations. The ITC Supply Chain Management Programme provides continuing benefits to alumni and delivery partners worldwide.

    Challenges related to globalization directly influence an enterprise’s ability to manage its supply chain. At the same time, there is growing demand for sustainability and for suppliers that take environmental, social and ethical considerations into account.

    • Our training addresses the need for sustainability in supply chains by highlighting key environmental, social and business ethics considerations. We also contribute to the UN Global Goals: the ‘Sustainable Development Goals’ (SDGs).
    • The SDGs consist of an integrated, interlinked set of 17 goals supported by 169 targets in economic, social and environmental development dimensions. We contribute to the Global Goals by supporting to SME competitiveness for inclusive and sustainable growth via SDG #4: Quality education. We report on directly on our contributions to SDG 4 and indirectly contribute to:
      • SDG #8: Decent work and economic growth
      • SDG #9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure
      • SDG #12: Responsible consumption/production
      • SDG #17: Partnerships for the SDGs
    • Facilitating access to supply chain management training has implications for the position of women in business and the SCM profession. We support the achievement of SDG #5: Gender equality and women’s empowerment. While still gender unbalanced by total number of participants, ITC has helped to train more than 14,000 women in supply chain management.
    The Global Goals for Sustainable Development represent a universal, global development agenda for all development actors until 2030. The global goals for sustainable development are ITC’s goals.

    The ‘fourth industrial revolution’ is rapidly altering the nature of global economy and the way goods and services are developed, manufactured and sold. The proliferation of information technologies and the rise of electronic commerce are creating new needs for training in supply chain management.

    • Our training supports professionals in obtaining new types of employment opportunities at the intersection of emergent technology and supply chain management.
    • The growth in e-commerce has increased the importance of logistics for all business activities. However, many enterprises face a skills gap and lack qualified professionals to meet new demands. This has created new employment opportunities for job seekers with supply chain skills.
    • Disruptive technologies, such as blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT), continue to evolve and alter the dynamics of doing business. Although use cases abound, most developers and technical experts lack the practical knowledge required to leverage technology for enterprise competitiveness.
    • ITC’s leading training was developed in response to the need for ongoing professional development in supply chain management. The Diploma in Supply Chain Management prepares graduates for participation in the new economy.
    ITC training in supply chain management creates employment opportunities for professionals in SCM and other fields. Maximizing the benefits of technology for business success requires knowledge of each stage of the supply chain.

    OUR FOCUS AREAS

    ITC’s supply chain management programming is built on three pillars: (1) High-quality training materials, (2) Networks and (3) Professional certification. Our focus areas are diverse and address different aspects of relevance to each pillar.
    Supply Chain Management Training for SMEs
    E-learning for Supply Chain Skills Development
    SCM-related Technical Assistance
    Alumni Benefits and the ITC Network
    Supply Chains and Sustainable Development
    Disruptive Technologies and Supply Chain Management
    ITC training results in the efficient management of sourcing, movement and storage of goods from source of production to point of consumption.

    PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE

    Service: Enterprise competitiveness
    • Contributor to $51 million USD in enterprise cost savings
    • Up to 100% productivity improvement
    Network: Multiplier network
    • One network partner enables 49 local enterprises, on average
    Value: Economic value
    • Partners generate combined revenue of $1.5 million USD per year, on average
    Results: ITC results-based management (RBM) and certification indicators
    • Over 50,000 participants trained, 50,000 exams delivered and over 5,000 professionals certified since 2003
    • ITC’s widest expert network
    Efficiency: Strong programme and process governance
    • The programme is ISO 9001:2015 certified and training materials conform to the highest standards
    Sustainability: Direct contributor to the UN Sustainable Development Goals
    • Quality education (Official reporting on SDG 4)

    ENGAGE.

    A GLOBAL NETWORK

    As the United Nations-based initiative for professional certification in supply chain management, ITC’s global partner network includes diverse institutions and organizations.

    We partner with organizations that are committed to developing high-quality training services. Programming is offered through qualified partners under fee-based licensing arrangements. Our partners include business-training centres, consultancies, technical institutes, universities and trade support institutions.

    Once an organization has obtained a license, it becomes a registered member of ITC’s global partner network.

    Interested in becoming a licensed partner?

    Contact us here.

    ITC’s global network of diverse partners has been instrumental in successfully delivering supply chain management skills training for development. The partner model results in a strong multiplier effect.

    EQUIP.

    TRAINING THROUGH LOCAL TO GLOBAL PARTNERSHIPS

    Through partnerships, the ITC training and certification approach provides increasing professional recognition from the certificate level to the Diploma in Supply Chain Management.

    Partners gain access to quality training materials and support to launch local courses and to offer exams.

    Course modules are led by local experts, trained by ITC, to deliver a learning experience that is adapted to the specific needs of participants from different sectors and with varying levels of knowledge. Where possible, content is localized with relevant cases and language. In coordination with ITC, partners can configure training approaches to meet the demands of their particular market.

    ITC provides web-based support and administration, course module books, trainer materials and multimedia learning tools. Partners are responsible for selecting local trainers and ITC delivers “train-the-trainer” workshops. The goal is to develop sustainable local training capacities for the benefit of supply chain professionals.

    Through a cooperation agreement between ITC and the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM) more value adding activities are being made available to the SCM profession worldwide. We also partner with other teams at ITC, international organizations and donors to deliver trade-related technical assistance (TRTA).

    Programme and Partner Events

    Along with local network partners, the ITC Supply Chain Management Global Round Table is held in a different country on a biannual basis.

    Information on programme and partner events can be found on our Facebook events page here.

    Events are also posted to our LinkedIn page here.

    Strategic direction and thought leadership on training material is overseen by recognized supply chain, development and training specialists. Programming is updated regularly in response to ever-changing requirements and is available in English, Spanish and Chinese (and French at the Advanced Certificate level).

    EMPOWER.

    PROGRESSIVE CERTIFICATE TO DIPLOMA OFFERING

    Effective management of resources, processes and relationships with suppliers, contractors and customers is an essential task for every business. A professional certification programme was created by ITC to provide a global training solution: the Diploma in Supply Chain Management.

    • The comprehensive training programme is designed for participants at different stages of their careers.
    • For those new to supply chain management, the programme’s range of courses allow participants to study at their own pace, take exams and gain internationally recognized professional certification.
    • The modular training approach is flexible, practical and allows for adaptation.
    INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE AND THE DIPLOMA IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT
    • Certificates and diplomas carry the logos of ITC and of the local network member institution.
    • The Executive Director of ITC and the head of the local network member institution sign certificates.

    CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

    Recognizes a successful enterprise project or impact story.

    Printed Certificate: ITC ED and Partner Signature

    CERTIFICATE IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

    Achieved by completing one course modules.

    (i.e. Strategy and Planning, Sourcing, Operations or Logistics)

    Graduation Letters: Cert. SCM (ITC)

    DIPLOMA IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

    Achieved by completing all four course modules.

    (i.e. Strategy and Planning, Sourcing, Operations and Logistics)

    Graduation Letters: Dip. SCM (ITC)

    Graduate Degree Path

    Our partnership agreement with the European Institute of Purchasing Management (EIPM) offers Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree entry and earned credits for diploma holders.

    ITC’s professional training and certification in supply chain management provides effective knowledge and skills development through best practices, cases / exercises. The flexibility of programming allows for progress according to individual objectives, knowledge level and schedule.

    PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK

    “Using supply positioning model and other tools. We re-categorized our purchasing items more rationally. This enabled us to put more time and resource on critical items. The sourcing performance is about 50% higher.”
    Li Qanjia, Sourcing Manager, Heavy Industries & Construction, China
    “The collective exhaustion of the programme and the numerous practical tools that it comprises, have increased so far the efficiency and effectiveness of my consultation career.”
    Mossad Ghoneim, Consultant, Developing & restructuring logistics management for enterprises, Egypt
    “With this training, it has helped to define the most suitable supplier that should supply one of the critical purchase items for us. The correct decision made has also constantly put my company in a compatible situation whenever a customer is comparing us with our competitors.”
    Cheah Tee Ying, High Technology, Malaysia
    “Using the cost negotiation concepts and techniques we were able to get a very competitive price from our existing vendor and extended the contract.”
    Bui Thi Van Ha, Joint Operating Company, Viet Nam
    “I have reduced the Stock Holding Cost (SHC) of the Engineering Stores of my organization, by 16% – 19% range in 4-6 months’ time span with the learning benefit of the programme.”
    Visuddha Piyathilake, Mechanical Engineer, Gateway Terminal Company, Sri Lanka
    “I was able to redefine the procurement strategy for the purchase of steel products for all projects by creating frame agreements with two qualified suppliers to provide the materials requested with a qualitative level that complied with our standard.”
    Amina Sule, Deputy Purchasing Manager, Engineering Company, Nigeria
    Through participation in ITC training, enterprises from around the world have realized the benefits of better supply chain management by reducing costs and lead times, improving productivity and quality, streamlining processes, and strengthening relationships across supply chains.

    INTRODUCTORY E-LEARNING COURSES

    The ITC Supply Chain Management Programme also provides introductory e-learning courses, offered on a cyclical basis, via the SME Trade Academy. The free courses prepare participants to register for training towards a professionally recognized certificate or the Diploma in Supply Chain Management.

    Introduction to Supply Chain Management

    This course introduces the participant to supply chain management and its importance in businesses for managing the supply chain key competencies and trade-offs. The module provides a practical model for positioning purchased and inventory items and developing appropriate strategies to manage the competencies that will help businesses become more operational effective and competitive.

    Register: English | Spanish

    Introduction to International Transport and Logistics

    This course introduces small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to the basic transport and logistical requirements of export operations, including cross-border sea freight, air freight and packaging procedures. It showcases the main operational differences between domestic and international trade, allowing participants to better apprehend their operational and managerial performance in terms of trade logistics.

    Register: English

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    Supply Chain Management Diploma

    Management Section

    Tel: +41 22 730 0301 / Fax: +41 22 730 0328

    E-mail:mls-scm@intracen.org

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