The Modular Learning System (MLS) in Supply Chain Management was launched in 2001 by International Trade Center, Geneva to address the demand for longer term , tangible and high quality training in International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management , It has since then been offered by an increasing number of network partners across the globe [...]

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ITC’s Modular Learning System in Supply Chain Management

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The Modular Learning System (MLS) in Supply Chain Management was launched in 2001 by International Trade Center, Geneva to address the demand for longer term , tangible and high quality training in International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management , It has since then been offered by an increasing number of network partners across the globe . The programme was first launched in Asia but the current network covers over 60 countries through partnerships with more than 100 partner institutions. The Institute of Supply and Materials Management of Sri Lanka (ISMM) became a network partner of ITC in 2002 and since then ISMM has trained more than 100 supply chain professionals under this programme

The Programme

The MLS-SCM programme consists of a series of complete and up to date training packs on supply chain management and a professional certification programme.

The support given by ITC to network member institutions is in the form of training of trainers, assistance in course design, development of local materials and cases, etc

The MLS-SCM programme is based on the following three pillars:

1. High quality training materials provided by ITC, Geneva
2. A professional certification programme provided by ITC, Geneva
3. ITC support to the network (training of trainers, course design, marketing of the courses, etc).

Programme Structure

The MLS-SCM materials consists of a series of complete training modules covering all key aspects of purchasing and supply chain management in a practical and structured manner.

The MLS-SCM currently consist of the following Modules:

1. Understanding the Corporate Environment
2. Specifying Requirements & Planning Supply
3. Analysing Supply Markets
4. Developing Supply Strategies
5. Appraising & Short-listing Suppliers
6. Obtaining & Selecting Offers
7. Negotiating
8. Preparing the Contract
9. Managing the Contract and Supplier Relationships
10. Managing Logistics in the Supply Chain
11. Managing Inventory
12. Measuring and Evaluating
13. Environmental Procurement
14. Group Purchasing
15. E-procurement
16. Customer Relationship Management
17. Operations Management
18. Managing Finance along the Supply Chain

Each Module training pack consists of:

1.A Course book for the participants – in full colour – containing text materials and figures
2.A Workbook, also for the participants, with various levels of exercises and learning checks
3.An Answer book for trainers
4.PowerPoint slides for trainers

New modules are under development covering topics such as Public Procurement, Finance Management & Quality Management in the supply chain, Packaging and others. For certain Modules, games, role-plays and additional training resources are available and ITC also helps to develop local complementary materials and cases.

The MLS-SCM is aimed specifically at staff responsible for managing purchasing and supply chain operations in enterprises. It responds to enterprises’ rapidly growing need to develop skills in Supply Chain Management, a key area for competitiveness. An International Advisory Board consisting of high level international subject experts oversee and validate the programme.
The MLS-SCM is currently available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic and French. The objective is to offer the full programme as well as the international exams in the six official UN languages.

The International Professional Certification Programme

International Exams leading to an International Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma in Supply Chain Management based on the MLS-SCM have been organized every 6 months since 2002. This programme offers three levels of professional recognition as follows:

The International Certificate in Supply Chain Management, awarded after successful completion of the exams for Modules 1-6.

The Advanced International Certificate in Supply Chain Management, awarded after successful completion of the exams for the above Modules plus Modules 7-12.

The International Diploma in Supply Chain Management, awarded upon successful completion of all the 12 Modules plus 4 of the Diploma level Modules (13-18) & successful completion of the Project report. The option of 12 Modules plus the successful completion of six of the Diploma level Modules is also offered starting from 2010.

Exams are taken in the home country, with the local MLS-SCM network member institution being responsible for handling all local arrangements. In Sri Lanka ISMM is the only institution which offers this internationally recognized qualification in Supply Chain Management.

The exams themselves are developed and marked by an international panel of experts consisting of high-level specialists from all continents. Paper-based exams are organized twice a year in March and September and online exams will also become available in the near future.

Graduation Letters

Graduates of different levels of the Programme are authorized to use following lettering after their names in recognition of their accomplishments

Those receiving the International Certificate : Cert.SCM (ITC)
Those receiving the Advanced International Certificate : Adv. Cert. SCM (ITC)
Those receiving the International Diploma : Dip. SCM (ITC)

ISO Certification

The International Trade Centre (ITC)’s Supply Chain Management Programme (SCM) has earned an important international quality management standard certification, ISO 9001:2008. This prestigious and widely implemented standard from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) validates the SCM Programme’s commitment to quality and reinforces the effectiveness of its quality management system. To maintain the ISO 9001:2008 certification, the programme will be audited on a consistent timetable in accordance with ISO schedules.

Success Story Competition

The students following this International Diploma in Supply Chain Management course are eligible to participate in “ MLS SCM Success Story Competition” which is held annually in conjunction with the ITC Global Round Table Network Conferences . These success stories are submitted by students from all over the world and should be based on successes they have achieved in their workplace making use of the theoretical and practical aspects that are learned through MLS SCM programme. Since its inspection in 2009 students attached to ISMM also participated in this competition and every year at least one of the ISMM students got selected to the final list of success stories and was invited by ITC to present their success stories at the Annual Global Roundtable Network Meetings held in Switzerland, Kenya and Malaysia. In 2010 two students of ISMM were selected by ITC to present their success stories in Nairobi, Kenya and Mr Visuddha Piyathilaka student of ISMM at that time working for South Asia Gateway Terminal as the Technical Inventory Manager won the world price beating all other contenders.

Exemptions for MSc /MBA

Another unique feature in this programme is that those who complete the Diploma are offered with many exemptions to follow the MSc in Purchasing Management and MBA in Purchasing and Supply Management offered by The European Institute of Purchasing Management (EIPM) in Switzerland. Students has the option to complete the entire MSc /MBA programme at EIPM campus in Geneva ,Switzerland within a period of 6 months or complete 75% of the course in the home country and the rest at EIPM campus .

Corporate Membership of ISMM

Diploma holders are also eligible to apply for the Corporate Membership of the Institute of Supply and Materials Management with relevant work experience in the field. Corporate Membership of ISMM is being recognized the Government of Sri Lanka as equivalent to a First or Second Class Honours Degree in the field of Purchasing and Supply Chain Management awarded by a recognized university

Institute and the Faculty

ISMM which celebrates its 40th Anniversary this year is the only professional body in Supply Chain Management that was incorporated by an act of parliament in Sri Lanka and affiliated to the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM) based in UK and International Trade Centre in Geneva Switzerland. The Faculty of Lectures attached to ISMM are professionals in the field of Supply Chain Management with industrial exposure and are highly qualified in their respective disciplines. All Lectures are being trained by ITC and certified as “International Trainers” making them qualified to conduct MLS SCM lectures anywhere in the world.

More Information

Through its 18 modules, the MLS-SCM covers all stages in the purchasing and supply Chain management process. A detailed description of each core module as well as additional information about this programme can be downloaded from www.ipscm-learningnet.net or by contacting the Local network partner ISMM by sending an e mail to ismmsrilanka@gmail.com or by Calling Director Training Dr Kingsly Wickramasuriya or Assistant Training Manager Ms Devika Bibile on 0112555562.




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