Supply chain managers, also called buyers,
purchasing agents and purchasing managers, are in charge of buying goods
and services for their employers. Although general diplomas aren't
available online, a number of schools offer online certificate courses
in supply chain management.
Overview of Online Certificates in Supply Chain Management
Supply chain managers must be experts on the goods and services they
acquire, and they need to be familiar with methods for getting the best
quality products at the lowest possible price. Online courses teach
students to identify, analyze and anticipate sales trends and how to
find reliable merchandise sources. Both traditional purchasing systems
and e-procurement are explored and evaluated, as are the safe handling
and transportation of goods. Since effective relationships are a vital
part of the supply manager's job, students learn leadership skills, with
an in-depth focus on successful negotiating.
Both graduate and professional certificates are offered online.
Graduate certificate courses require a bachelor's degree to enroll.
Professional certificates are geared towards people who already work in
the purchasing arena and wish to advance their careers.
Programs vary in length, from two semesters to a year. Most online
supply chain management courses are offered through streaming video and
can be studied at the student's own pace within the quarter or semester
offered. Teachers work with students via e-mail, phone, Web conferencing
and discussion boards.
Students need a computer with high-speed Internet connection, an
e-mail account, a printer and possibly a Web camera and headphones. A
Web browser is required, in addition to Adobe Acrobat Reader and free
plug-ins, such as RealPlayer or Flash Player. Courses may also require
the purchase of special software and textbooks. In some instances,
students have online access to their school's libraries and technical
support.
List of Common Supply Chain Management Courses
The breadth of course topics reflects the diversity of knowledge and
skills that supply chain managers must integrate into their work.
Interactive classes, discussions and projects help students gain a sense
of what the job holds in the real world.
Supply Chain Management Introduction Course
This distance-learning course focuses on the fundamental concepts of
managing supply chains, beginning with production, sourcing and
distribution. Students examine methods for analyzing and predicting
trends, along with leadership and collaboration. They also discuss the
organizational role of the supply chain manager.
Negotiation Course
Negotiation is one of a supply chain manager's most crucial skills.
Online students learn negotiating tactics, social behavior, how cultures
differ in negotiation processes, ethics and communications. Students
explore the concept of power in win-win and win-lose scenarios.
Strategic Procurement Course
Students learn why effective purchasing is critical to an
organization. Purchasing systems, such as e-procurement,
business-to-business and business-to-consumer, are evaluated for their
strengths and weaknesses. Case studies and online discussions are used
to develop strategies for successful sourcing relationships.
Transportation and Distribution Course
Effective management of logistics and transportation is important
along the whole supply chain. Through lectures, research projects and
online discussions, this course examines the chain from customer order
to delivery, including national and global transporting methods,
warehousing operations, inventory and distribution.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2008, employment
for purchasing managers was expected to increase at an average rate
through 2018, at about 7% (
www.bls.gov). The median annual wage
for supply chain managers in May 2008 was $89,160. This figure includes
managers working in federal and local government, enterprises and
companies, the aerospace industry and various wholesale and retail
product industries. In addition to a salary and standard benefits,
supply chain managers may also receive merchandise discounts and bonuses
based on performance.
Continuing Education
This profession requires continuing education for career advancement,
either through college courses or professional associations. Some
companies and organizations favor those who hold a bachelor's or
master's degree in business, engineering or an applied science.
Professionals can also earn different credentials, such as the Certified
Supply Chain Professional given by the Association for
Operations Management.
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