Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Management

It is almost a cliche that companies now compete on the excellence of their supply chains rather than individually. In the past decade or so, supply chains have become more global, “longer”, and hence riskier and less susceptible to control by a single dominant player. Understanding the basics of a supply chain is therefore more important than ever. This 3-day course emphasizes those strategic and operational principles that enable you to serve your customer better. These include the strategic foundations of a supply chain (what type of supply chain is “right” for your product?), the important concept of flow and variability in a production system (via a thorough examination of the famed Toyota Production System), and various fundamental operational concepts such as buffering and inventory, aggregate planning, service levels, and risk management. Wherever possible service supply chains are also considered, and major differences between product and service supply chains pointed out. Finally we discuss two capstone topics that serve to unify the course: innovation and how it happens in the supply chain, and the damaging effects that the lack of coordination can produce. Throughout the course the discussion is kept at a managerial (rather than a technical) level.

The topics range from supply chain strategy (including sourcing) through aggregate planning and forecasting to execution such as product availability and pricing. We also include a discussion of the pervasive phenomenon of amplification and oscillations in a supply chain.

The material is delivered primarily through case studies, exercises and group discussions, and should be of benefit to virtually any senior manager, particularly those involved in operational and supply chain matters.

Who Should AttendThis course is suitable for senior supply chain and operations managers in both manufacturing and service sectors. More attention is now being devoted to service delivery and service supply chains and we hope to cover that.

The program will help the participant understand and appreciate various tools and frameworks related to developing and executing a supply chain to successfully match customers’ needs. The various case studies and best practices studies will help the participant develop a mindset to look at the supply chain holistically rather than take localized decisions.

Participant BenefitsAs a participant of this Short Duration Programme, you will be able to enjoy some exclusive benefits other than the outcomes such as skills and knowledge enhancement and building specific competencies that can help shape your career growth.

Some of the exclusive benefits of attending this programme are listed below –