Supply chain management (SCM) as a paradigm is nothing new to business and industry. However, academia and employers have recently seen SCM become a major focus. There are currently several industry-recognized certifications in SCM, largely focused on individuals with experience in management through the executive level. The curriculum in the certification tracks listed below is directed at those who have entry- to mid-level experience.
The curriculum for these certification tracks includes eight topics in SCM:
- SCM Principles
- Demand Planning
- Supply Management and Procurement
- Warehousing Operations
- Inventory Management
- Manufacturing and Service Operations
- Transportation Operations
- Customer Service Operations
2 Bonus Courses:
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
- Inventory Management: The Nuts and Bolts
Each certification track can be taken on its own to earn one certification; multiple certifications can be earned in any order. Each certification track covers the basic elements of the primary certification track, which allows the learner to obtain a foundational understanding of the best practices and processes associated with each topic.
Common Study Sessions accompany each certification track, providing an overview of SCM. It is highly recommended that both the standalone Common Study Sessions document and the certification track document be thoroughly reviewed prior to taking a national certification examination.
The content provided within this certification track relates specifically to Supply Chain Management Principles. The national certification examination will include questions on both the Supply Chain Management Principles content and the Common Study Sessions content.*
Learning Objective
This certification track, Supply Chain Management Principles, is intended to provide an overview of the supply chain functions. Each function has a corresponding certification track that provides much greater detail than what is presented here. The goal of this certification track is to provide information in a Study Session format and for the Study Sessions to correspond with the additional certification tracks listed below:
- Demand Planning
- Supply Management and Procurement
- Warehousing Operations
- Inventory Management
- Manufacturing and Service Operations
- Transportation Operations
- Customer Service Operations
These functions are presented in the specific order outlined above to enable the student to learn and easily understand the sequence and dependencies within the chain. As students move from Study Session 1 (Demand Planning) to Study Session 2 (Supply Management and Procurement), and so on, they should think about what they have already learned and apply it as they move through the new Study Session. For example, procurement (Study Session 2) cannot make purchases without receiving requirements in the form of purchase requisitions from the demand planning function (Study Session 1), while manufacturing (Study Session 5) cannot assemble products without having the right materials and inventory (Study Session 4) available at the right time.
Customer Service Operations is woven into every aspect of the supply chain but is presented last in this certification track. While customer satisfaction and customer retention are of paramount importance for every company, actual product and service offerings must be made available for customers from an operational supply chain. These products and services are used to attract customers and therefore demonstrate the need for customer service operations.
The goal of the content in this certification track is to prepare students to understand the principles of supply chain management and the sequence of those principles. SCPro™ Fundamentals Certification examinations are owned and administered by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).
Outline
Study Session 1: Demand Planning Overview
Unit 1: Integrated Business Management
Unit 2: Collaborative Planning Process
Unit 3: Demand Forecasting Methods
Unit 4: Independent and Dependent Demand
Study Session 1 Learning Summary
Study Session 1 Practice Questions
Study Session 2: Supply Management and Procurement Overview
Study Session 2 Description
Study Session 2 Learning Objectives
Unit 1: Procurement Overview
Unit 2: Supplier Relationships
Unit 3: Supply Planning with Suppliers
Unit 4: Executing the Procurement Process
Study Session 2 Summary
Study Session 2 Optional Supplemental Resources
Study Session 3: Warehousing Operations Overview
Study Session 3 Description
Study Session 3 Learning Objectives
Unit 1: Warehouse and Distribution Center (DC) Overview
Unit 2: Receiving
Unit 3: Storage
Unit 4: Order Fulfillment
Unit 5: Preparation for Shipment
Study Session 3 Summary
Study Session 3 Optional Supplemental Resources
Study Session 3 Practice Questions
Study Session 4 Description
Study Session 4 Learning Objectives
Unit 1: Inventory Basics
Unit 2: Cost Considerations
Unit 3: Inventory Management Practices
Study Session 4 Summary
Study Session 4 Optional Supplemental Resources
Study Session 4 Practice Questions
Study Session 5: Manufacturing and Service Operations Overview
Study Session 5 Description
Study Session 5 Learning Objectives
Unit 1: What is a Process?
Unit 2: Product Life Cycles
Unit 3: Manufacturing & Services Operations (M&SO) Expanded
Unit 4: Manufacturing and Service Quality
Study Session 5 Summary
Study Session 5 Practice Questions
Study Session 6: Transportation Operations Overview
Study Session 6 Description
Study Session 6 Learning Objectives
Unit 1: Role of Transportation in Supply Chain Principles
Unit 2: Modes of Transportation
Unit 3: Transportation Processes
Unit 4: Transportation Planning and Strategy
Study Session 6 Summary
Study Session 6 Optional Supplemental Resources
Study Session 6 Practice Questions
Study Session 7: Customer Service Operations Overview
Study Session 7 Description
Study Session 7 Learning Objectives
Unit 1: Customer Service
Unit 2: The Order Process and Customer Relationship Management
Unit 3: Communications
Unit 4: Returns and Reverse Logistics
Unit 5: Challenging Customers
Unit 6: Legal and Regulatory Concerns
Study Session 7 Summary
Study Session 7 Practice Questions
Practice Questions Answer Key
Internet Connection
- Broadband or High-Speed – DSL, Cable, and Wireless Connections
*Dial-Up internet connections will result in a diminished online experience. Classroom pages may load slowly and viewing large audio and video files may not be possible.
Hardware Requirements
- Processor – 2GHz Processor or Higher
- Memory – 1 GB RAM Minimum Recommended
* While our courses are accessible through multiple mobile learning platforms, some courses may include a CD or DVD with the Textbook, so you may need access to a computer with CD-ROM or DVD Drive.
PC Software Requirements
- Operating Systems – Windows 7 or higher
- Microsoft Office 2007 or higher. Also, you could use a general Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
- Internet Browsers – Google Chrome is highly recommended
- Cookies MUST be enabled
- Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
- Kindle Reader App is needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
- PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
- Adobe PDF Reader
- QuickTime, Windows Media Player &/or Real Player
MAC Software Requirements
- Operating Systems – Mac OS x 10 or higher with Windows
- Mac office programs or a Word Processing application to save and open Microsoft Office formats (.doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx)
- Internet Browsers- Google Chrome is highly recommended
- Cookies MUST be enabled
- Pop-ups MUST be allowed (Pop-up Blocker disabled)
- Kindle Reader App is needed for many of our courses (No special equipment needed. This can be downloaded for FREE onto your computer.)
- PowerPoint Viewer (if you do not have PowerPoint)
- Adobe PDF Reader
- Apple QuickTime Media Player
- Courses that include a CD-ROM or DVD may require an external drive and Parallels software to view.
How long does it take to complete a course?
When you register for a course(s), you will receive a start date and the time frame it takes to complete the program. Once the course begins, each course is self-paced, so you can start and stop each learning module at your own pace. However, you must complete the course within the time frame to receive a certification.
What happens if I do not have enough time to complete the course within the time frame provided?
If you don’t finish the course in the time frame, you will not receive a certification. The time frame allotted to complete each course has been based on each learner giving a concerted effort to complete the course, plus the number of hours it takes to learn the information and obtain the certification. Therefore, the time frame for each course has been calculated to ensure successful completion of the course. However, if for some reason a learner is unable to complete the course, you will have to re-enroll in the course and you will be required to pay the course price in effect at the time of re-enrollment.
Once enrolled in the course, and I realize that I can’t complete the course can I get a refund?
There are NO REFUNDS once you enroll in a course. However, if you are suddenly deployed while pursuing a certification course, we will work with you to ensure you complete your studies. Learners who need to delay their course for medical reasons, may be eligible to transfer their course(s) to a future term. A medical withdrawal will be considered only if accompanied by:
A written verification and phone verification from a medical doctor stating the student cannot complete the course due to illness or disability. Please not the doctor’s note must be in English to be considered.
You can contact our office at: info@aperionglobalinstitute.com
Are there any additional materials and/or books I am required to buy for a course?
No, everything you need is included in the course. Some courses will suggest additional materials/books that can help you grasp the information better, or expand your knowledge about a topic. However, you are not required to purchase the additional information.
Are there exams I will have to take in a course?
Yes, there are exams in each course to access your knowledge of the material. You will be required to pass those exams to successful complete the course. The type of exams you will take vary. They can range from multiple choice questions, essays, short answers, and/or video/audio submissions. If you diligently study and complete the assignments for each course, you will be prepared to pass the exams in the course(s).
Can I get financial assistance?
Aperion Global Institute (AGI) courses are non-credit courses, so they do not qualify for federal assistance in the United States, and AGI does not provide financial assistance. In some states, a vocational program, military program, or workforce development program will pay for qualified learners to take courses. You will be responsible for qualifying for financial assistance through those agencies and/or programs. For international students, you will also have to follow the guidelines and requirements regarding financial assistance at your institution or program.
What happens when I complete a course?
Upon successful completion of a course, within three (3) days you will receive a certification by email. You are free to save and print the certification for your educational and career needs. If for some reason you do not receive the certification, or can’t save or print the certification please contact our office at: info@aperionglobalinstitute.com
Once I provide an employer with the certification, am I guaranteed a job?
AGI does not provide direct job placement services after successfully completing a course. However, the certification you receive informs a potential employer that you have acquired the skills and knowledge to obtain employment, in most cases. We recommend that learners conduct research on the job market to make sure you have the required job skills and expertise.
What software or hardware do I need, and what are the system requirements to take courses?
To take our courses, you must have access to a computer and the internet. You can use a Mac and/or PC., tablet, phone. You don’t have to use the same device to log-in for the course(s). We recommend that you have a word-processing program (Microsoft Word is the best), Abode Player, and the latest version of a free web browser such as Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge, etc.
When can I start the courses?
You can start the courses on the start date only. Once the course starts, you are free to access the course anytime, anywhere, and as many times as you want with an internet connection. Please note: There are no refunds once you enroll in a course(s).
Can I receive CEU credit for courses that I successfully complete?
Please do not assume that all courses that you take and successfully complete are eligible for CEU certification. If you are seeking CEU certification for a course, we strongly recommend that you contact your institution and establish eligibility for the courses you plan to take BEFORE you enroll in a course. Although we provide you with a certificate for successfully completing a course, it is solely your responsibility to ensure that the course you enroll in and the certificate meets CEU requirements for your profession.