Short Course
Processes and Tools for Supply Chain Success
Build your understanding of the SCOR® Model to support supply chain improvement. Explore key strategic and operational areas of supply chain management along with approaches, tools, and technologies that drive innovation and performance.
Current Offerings
Overview
Who Should Attend
Ideal for professionals who manage or support supply chain operations, including leaders in logistics, manufacturing, finance, information systems, and marketing. Participants often include:
Managers and section leaders
Supply chain specialists and analysts
Operations directors
Supply chain executives and VPs
Program Benefits
Improve your ability to:
Understand evolving supply chain dynamics and their impact
Apply tools and technology that improve supply chain performance
Strengthen product and information flows
Align supply chain practices with organizational goals
Improve financial and operational results
Manage sustainability and closed-loop supply chains
Lead successful supply chain transformations
I thoroughly enjoyed this class. Great mix of academia and real life examples; great class participation and great instructors. I found this course to be very relevant to my current job activities."
Cindy Ambrose
Project Manager, Logistics, The Hershey Company
Program Content
Overall supply chain process flow represented by the SCOR® Model
Preferred metrics and analytics to drive maximum performance in key supply chain process areas
Planning processes
Evolution of MRP, S&OP, and IBP (Integrated Business Planning)
Roles and responsibilities
Measuring the process
Modeling and designing global supply chain networks
Importance of transforming supply chains
Public/private sector comparisons
Strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management
Risk management processes
Effective approaches to improved purchasing and procurement
Sourcing and savings analysis
Landed cost models and global trade management
Focus on manufacturing and operations tools and technologies that relate to overall supply chain priorities
Need for alignment of supply chain and manufacturing processes with overall organizational goals and objectives
Opportunities for supply chain capabilities to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of manufacturing processes
Evaluation of in-house vs. contract manufacturing
Effective approaches to improve warehouse and transportation efficiency and effectiveness
Current tools and technologies relating to mobility, automation, and digitization
Metrics and analytics
Carrier selection and transportation bid optimization
Closed-loop supply chains and “circular” supply chains
Managing returns processes for improved sustainability and ESG compliance
Re-manufacturing processes
Importance of organizational and personal leadership
Real-world cases and examples in supply chains
Supply chain design and simulation
Managing for continuous supply chain improvement
Learn from Supply Chain Experts
C. John Langley Jr., Ph.D.
Emeritus Professor of Supply Chain Management, Smeal College of Business
Dr. Langley is a leading authority in supply chain management and logistics. A Penn State alumnus and former CSCMP president, he founded the Annual Third-Party Logistics Study and co-author of Supply Chain Management: A Logistics Perspective. His research, consulting, and industry leadership have shaped the field for decades.
Susan B. Purdum, CTL
Associate Teaching Professor, Smeal College of Business
Susan Purdum helps learners tackle supply chain challenges using problem-analysis tools and systems perspectives. Her engineering, manufacturing, and logistics background brings real-world context to the classroom. In many of her industry roles, she was the first female engineer, engineering manager, or plant manager.
Steve Tracey
Professor of the Practice in Supply Chain, Smeal College of Business
Steve Tracey is a supply chain executive and educator with global leadership experience. Former Executive Director of Penn State's , he specializes in supply chain strategy, enterprise transformation, emerging technologies, and leadership development.
Irv Grossman
Director, Center for Supply Chain Innovation, Auburn University
Irv Grossman is Professor of Practice and Director of Auburn's Center for Supply Chain Innovation. A supply chain consultant and former industry executive, he has led initiatives across retail, consumer goods, and technology. His expertise spans forward and reverse supply chains, network design, and supply chain transformation.
Professional Certificate
Supply Chain Certificates
This course is one of three programs required for our Supply Chain certificate. Complete the programs in any order and develop expertise in supply chain operations, leadership, and management.
Customize this Program
All programs and delivered to groups of 10 or more. A member of our team will reach out to discuss your goals and explore the right fit for your group. You can also reach us directly at 800-311-6364.
Additional Information
Our Learning Solutions Associate can hold a seat for you in the program. A reservation does not commit you until you submit the online registration form. To reserve your spot, email our office.
A 10% reduced rate on live remote delivery is available to military and government employees, Penn State alumni, individuals pursuing a professional certificate, teams of three or more from the same organization, and CSCR corporate sponsors or affiliated groups.
Yes. This program can count toward a . Complete three qualifying programs at your own pace to earn the certificate. Note: Each program can only count toward one certificate.
After you register, you’ll gain access to your personal learning portal. There, you’ll find pre-program assignments, information about faculty and fellow participants, plus other program resources.
Accepted applicants can transfer to another section if the transfer is arranged more than four weeks before the program begins. Additional transfers are subject to a charge of 10% of the current program fee. A sponsoring company may also identify a replacement candidate, provided the candidate is accepted into the program.
Refunds are based on when written notice of withdrawal is received:
More than six weeks before the program begins: Full refund
Between two and six weeks before the program begins: 50% refund
Two weeks or less before the program begins: No refund
All withdrawals, transfers, and substitutions must be confirmed in writing by the registered participant or their agent. If written notification is not received, the full program fee will be assessed.
Penn State may cancel or postpone a program due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances. If a program is canceled, registration fees will be refunded; however, Penn State is not responsible for other related expenses, including airline or travel agency cancellation or change fees. If a program is postponed, you may receive a refund or transfer your program fee to another session.
If you have questions about transfers or cancellations, please contact us.