back to school

School's back in session, and the universities that offer management education programs for logistics, distribution, warehousing and material handling professionals are no exception. A few examples coming up next month:

• On Oct 3-6, the Penn State Smeal Executive Program offers "Managing Effective Supply Chains: Achieving Supply Chain Transformation." The course is designed to show how best-in-class companies adapt their supply chains to changing environments. The program introduces a business model designed to help optimize profit margins, cash-to-cash cycle times and customer response times. Visit www.smeal.psu.edu/psep.
• On Oct. 10-12, the School of Business at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, will conduct "Supply Chain Redesign and Measurement for Breakthrough Performance." The program introduces participants to the University of Wisconsin's nine-step process for evaluating existing supply chains, identifying business requirements, designing and implementing solutions, and managing performance. Students explore supply chain trends and important issues, define key performance indicators, and hear from industry experts. On Oct. 17-18, the school offers "Demand Planning and Sales Forecasting for Supply Chain Management," which looks at methods of forecasting to ensure sufficient fulfillment resources, appropriate metrics to use in the process, software and other IT tools, and more. That's followed by "Improving SC Performance with Business Requirements Planning and Technology Deployment" on Oct. 19-20. The latter workshop is designed to provide participants with the knowledge to evaluate business requirements and make sound decisions about the technology needed to get the most from assets, plan more effectively, grow revenue and become more profitable. For information, visit http://uwexeced.com/supplychain.
• On Oct. 10-11, the Logistics Institute at Georgia Tech will offer "FinListics: Financial Logistics Workshop." FinListics is a methodology for measuring the impact of changes in logistics practices on overall financial performance. It offers participants insight into senior management's view of the financial benefits of logistics, highlighting logistics' potential for improving shareholder value. On Oct. 12-14, TLI offers its program on "Warehouse/Distribution Center Layout." The course is intended for managers, systems analysts, and engineers who are working with problems that involve the use of material handling equipment in warehouses and DCs. For more information, visit www.tli.gatech.edu.