Value of Lifelong Learning for Supply Chain Leaders

07/31/19

As a Supply Chain leader, are you investing in learning for you and your managers?

As manufacturing output levels reach record highs per National Assocation for Manufacturers, exceeding $2.385 in Q1 2019, the value of effective supply chain management continues to be extremely important. Per CFO, the supply chain affects more than 37% of operating expenditures in most organizations. Many companies are promoting supply chain leaders to c-suite roles.

Per a recent article in Supply Chain Management Review, supply chain executive education currently being offered in traditional settings and online is both wide and varied. So how do you determine which training is right for you and your managers?

There are many traditional programs available, including locally at Eastern Michigan University, where we have our APICS Student Chapter. They offer a BBA in Supply Chain Management. Michigan State University was recently recognized as the Best Supply Chain/Logistics Graduate Degree Program in U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Graduate Schools 2020 Edition—the program’s third consecutive year to be ranked No. 1.

In addition to traditional class room options, there are several supply chain management certification programs available. Supply Chain Management Review provides a nice overview of the various programs in their article, “Supply Chain Executive Education: What’s the right combination?”

At APICS, we offer many educational programs for supply chain professionals developed by supply chain experts that are continuing to evolve based on changes in the environment. Our mission is to serve local supply chain professionals at all levels of their careers. Below we share feedback from Jeremy Burek, Director, Application Outsourcing at Kellogg Company and member of APICS since 1999.

“I joined APICS in 1999. Joining APICS and obtaining APICS certification was a way for me to continue to grow my base of knowledge, network with like-minded individuals, stay current with process and technology advances, and also help validate my knowledge with my current employer and potential future employers.”

After working at Intel, Burek moved to Kellogg Company in 2008. There, he transitioned to multiple leadership roles supporting different functional areas. He has held the titles of Director of Procurement and Manufacturing Applications, Director of Enabling Applications, and most recently, Director of Application Outsourcing.

“The APICS body of knowledge has applied to my work very differently throughout my 20 years of work experience,” he explains. No matter where his career takes him next, Burek is confident that APICS has prepared him for the future. “I find myself well positioned for success, either continuing my career within IT or transitioning back to the [production planning and procurement] business.”

At APICS Greater Detroit we offer many programs to help you deepen supply chain management knowledge within your existing team. This fall we are excited to offer the following globally recognized certifications with new virtual options and savings of 20% off historical prices!

CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) – The perfect certification for production and inventory management personnel. CPIM provides you with the ability to understand and evaluate production and inventory activities within a company’s global operations.
CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) – The CSCP designation is the most sought-after certification by supply chain professionals around the globe seeking to achieve mastery and recognition in their field.
CLTD (Certified Logistics, Transportation and Distribution) – The CLTD program helps you demonstrate in-depth knowledge of a broad range of supply chain logistics topics to set you apart from your peers. Elevate awareness, professionalism, and knowledge/skills of Logistics, Transportation & Distribution practitioners.
Customized Corporate Classes – We can create a proposal for your training, professional development, and educational objectives. Local organizations have found benefits training functional business employees within Supply Chain Management / Logistics / Operations, Sales and Marketing, Manufacturing, IT, Finance, and HR on Supply Chain processes and concepts.

APICS Greater Detroit chapter members receive discounts on all certification classes – click here to join today. We look forward to helping your company deepen operational knowledge and improve results in 2019!