getting holistic

It's often said that supply chain success depends on the ability to take a step back and view the big picture now and then. "Designing and Leading Competitive Supply Chains," a course offered by Pennsylvania State University's Smeal College of Business, seeks to provide mid- and upper-level executives with just such a view.

The course focuses on industry best practices for enhancing supply chain speed, flexibility, and competitive differentiation. It consists of five sections: designing and implementing supply chain concepts, managing global supply chains, supply chains and the new financial imperatives, supply chain activities and the evolving organization, and strategic supply chain imperatives for the future.

Co-sponsored by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), the course is designed to help participants develop supply chain systems that are aligned with their company's overall organizational strategy. Attendees will learn how to compete on value-added factors other than product and price, and identify the components of their supply chain that are most in need of performance improvement. Participants will also work on individual projects aimed at solving a specific problem within their organizations.

This program will be offered March 16-21 and again on Sept. 21-26 at the school's University Park, Pa., campus. To learn more about the five-day course, go to www.smeal.psu.edu.