Modules Executive Master Class in Supply Chain Management

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The programme is divided into 11 modules of three days each. Each module handles a specific topic. The first four modules cover a thorough core course on operational Supply Chain Management. The following seven modules cover a specific supply chain topic each. Throughout the programme fundamental tools and techniques, underlying management in general and Supply Chain Management specifically, are taught, for example statistics, strategy, accounting, change management or business ethics. Emphasis is also put on permanent evaluation, with three exam cases in group and an individual supply chain project in the participant's own (or client) company.

Participants will learn about...

Date & Location

Module 1

Introduction

8-9-10 March 2012, Ghent Campus

Module 2

Internal Logistics

29-30-31 March 2012, Ghent Campus

Module 3

Purchasing

26-27-28 April 2012, Ghent Campus

Module 4

Sales & Distribution

24-25-26 May 2012, Leuven Campus

Module 5

Supply Chain Finance

14-15-16 June 2012, Ghent Campus

Module 6

Integration

6-7-8 September 2012, Ghent Campus

Module 7

Collaboration Strategies

27-28-29 September 2012, Leuven Campus

Module 8

Lean & Agile Supply Chains

18-19-20 October 2012, Ghent Campus
Module 9

Globalisation Strategies

15-16-17 November 2012, Leuven Campus
Module 10 

People & Organisation

6-7-8 December 2012, Ghent Campus
Module 11 

Sustainable Supply Chains

24-25-26 January 2013, Ghent Campus

1 Module = 3 days (day 1: 9am – 9.30pm; day 2: 9am - 5.30pm; day 3: 9am - 12.30pm)

Module 1: Introduction

This module explains what Supply Chain Management is all about and why it is important. The famous Beer Game shows which elements are crucial in a supply chain. The concepts and the terminology of the various elements of the supply chain are introduced.

Discussed topics are:

  • Supply chain mapping
  • Bullwhip effect
  • Just-in-time
  • Lean operations
  • MRP & Distribution resource planning

Modules 2-3-4: Functional Areas

The core modules encompass successively internal, inbound and outbound flows of a company’s supply chain. Firstly, inventory management principles within and across warehouses are discussed. The second module is an in-depth purchasing management course. Finally, sales and distribution are analysed through warehouse and transport management.

Discussed topics are:

  • Inventory management
  • Multi-echelon management
  • Forecasting techniques
  • Procurement development model
  • Vendor selection techniques
  • Portfolio management in procurement
  • Warehouse and distribution management
  • Decision sciences for plants and warehouses
  • Multimodal transportation

Module 5: Supply Chain Finance

This module teaches the most indispensable financial principles for supply chain professionals. The link between finance and supply chain operations and strategy is discussed. The module comprises three main aspects: accounting, investment decisions, and working capital management.

Discussed topics are:

  • Time-driven activity-based costing
  • Investment analysis
  • Working capital management in the supply chain

Module 6: Integration

Operational integration of the total supply chain is key for success, but is difficult to accomplish. The company has to manage its relationship with both customers and suppliers. The technological possibilities for operational integration are analysed.

Discussed topics are:

  • Customer-supplier integration
  • Sales & operations planning
  • Dispatch and transport planning
  • E-business models
  • Implementation of ERP

Module 7: Collaboration Strategies

Increasingly, far-reaching collaboration within and between supply chains becomes the key to success. How to improve relationships and create a win-win situation for all parties is the main topic of this module.

Discussed topics are:

  • Collaboration frameworks
  • Risk sharing strategies
  • Gain sharing strategies
  • Negotiation skills

Module 8: Lean & Agile Supply Chains

The lean philosophy helps us to reduce unnecessary processes in the supply chain, resulting in major improvements in efficiency and in quality. But nowadays, flexibility is becoming more important for many supply chains. Management of risk and uncertainty is essential.

Discussed topics are:

  • Lean philosophy applied to supply chains
  • The resilient enterprise
  • Flexible supply chains, mass customization
  • Risk management in the supply chain

Module 9: Globalisation Strategies

A globalising business environment needs a global mindset. Supply chains are subject to this globalisation and therefore become more complex and more critical to success.

Discussed topics are:

  • Role of Supply Chain Management in international business
  • Strategic design of international manufacturing networks
  • Customs and legal aspects
  • Intercultural management

Module 10: People & Organisation

One of the roles of a supply chain manager is organising for change and improvements, with the help of colleagues. We discuss how to engage employees and which integrative skills are required for this. Frameworks that help to organise for Supply Chain Management are also introduced.

Discussed topics are:

  • Internal supply chain organisation
  • The role of the supply chain manager
  • Change management
  • People management

Module 11: Sustainable Supply Chains

Sustainability is getting a lot of attention nowadays in the boardroom of many companies. It is not only about ecological thinking, but ideally it also incorporates long-term economical consequences and social responsibility. This module teaches the new ethical frameworks for businesses of the 21st century.

Discussed topics are:

  • Business ethics
  • Green supply chains
  • Reverse logistics
  • Sustainability in supply chains

In-company project

Throughout the programme, participants apply the concepts and techniques they have learnt in an in-company project. The objective of the project is to address a specific Supply Chain Management issue in their own company or organisation.

Participants have to find a project supervisor within their company and together with this sponsor they define the management problem of the project. Additionally, participants are assigned an educational supervisor from Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School.

Coaching sessions which provide additional insights and information are included in the curriculum to help participants meet the desired outcomes, creating a sustainable competitive advantage. The participants write and defend a management report that discusses the supply chain problem, the chosen approach, and the performance improvement.

Successful completion of this in-company project is required to obtain the certificate at the end of the Executive Master Class.