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Overview

In today's fast-changing global landscape, marked geopolitical uncertainties, companies worldwide are striving to enhance the reliability and resilience of their supply chains. The University of Cape Town (UCT) Supply Chain Management online short course, accredited by the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA), addresses this need by equipping professionals with critical skills in supply chain management. Over an eight-week period, this course offers a deep dive into how effective supply chain management can become a cornerstone of competitive advantage, maximising profits and providing flexibility amidst disruptions.

The course delves into the foundations of production, inventory, storage, and transportation of goods and services, emphasising strategic business decisions to maintain efficient supply chains. You’ll explore the four essential management functions: planning, organising, leading, and controlling. You’ll also examine key aspects such as procurement, packaging, warehouse management, transportation modes, and packaging types. The course focuses on analysing the economic benefits of an integrated supply chain and the impact of demand on inventory management, guided by UCT faculty and industry experts.

Throughout the UCT supply chain management short course, you’ll enhance your understanding of the tasks, roles, structures, and logistics integral to supply chain management. The curriculum includes a comprehensive study of procurement optimisation processes and warehouse efficiencies. You’ll acquire skills in demand analysis, performance measurement of warehouses, and the application of forecasting techniques. Using your professional context as a case study, you’ll design an integrated supply chain plan, assessing its potential competitive advantage.

This course on supply chain management is ideal for professionals looking to broaden their knowledge and skills in this field. It is particularly beneficial for those working in logistics, warehousing, transport, inventory control, purchasing, customer service, or retail, as well as professionals in related public sector roles, healthcare systems, and business owners or entrepreneurs aiming to optimise their supply chain functions. Upon completion, you’ll not only gain globally recognised skills in supply chain management but also enjoy networking opportunities, and discounts for the Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM) certification, enhancing your career prospects in this vital sector.

Trailer

What you'll learn

Acquire valuable and relevant supply chain management skills, and walk away with:

• A thorough understanding of the four key organisational functions in the supply chain
• Practical knowledge of warehouse performance, reverse logistics, investment recovery, transportation, and packaging
• The ability to design an integrated supply chain plan and measure its performance
• The confidence to move into or progress in a supply chain management role
• Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward

Modules

ORIENTATION MODULE Welcome to your Online Campus
Meet and engage with your learning and peer networks as you navigate the Online Campus.

MODULE 1 Understanding general management in the supply chain
Learn about the tasks, roles, and structures of management in the supply chain.

MODULE 2 Procurement management
Learn about the role of procurement in the supply chain and how to optimise the procurement process to secure a competitive advantage.

MODULE 3 Local and international inventory
Explore how to manage inventory in a local and international context.

MODULE 4 Warehousing and storage management
Learn to measure warehouse performance by examining a warehouse’s core efficiencies.

MODULE 5 Transportation management, packaging, and containers
Learn about the different transportation modes and explore the importance of sustainable packaging.

MODULE 6 Forecasting and demand management
Learn about the importance of forecasting and the role of technology in forecasting trends.

MODULE 7 Reverse logistics and investment recovery
Explore the processes involved in product recall.

MODULE 8 Creating a competitive advantage
Learn how to create a competitive advantage by measuring supply chain performance.

FAQs: Careers in Supply Chain Management