Penn State University and the Center for Supply Chain Research at the school's Smeal College of Business will offer their Managing Effective Supply Chains course twice in the coming months. The first session will be held from May 19-23 and the se cond from Aug. 25-29.

The course aims to provide managers with the competencies required for expert handling of supply chains on a global scale.

The five-day program offers insight into the benefits to be gained by replacing a "functional" organization with a "process" organization; integrating all functions along the chain through shared objectives; developing common performance matrixes; improving customer satisfaction through shorter delivery times; maximizing capital turnover; using information technology to enhance performance; and working effectively in alliances and partnerships of the extended supply chain.

That course is the first of a two-step model created by Penn State Executive Programs. The second part , Designing and Leading Competitive Supply Chains, will take place at a later date. That program provides senior management and supply-side executives with insight into strategy and models that develop supply chain systems for speed, flexibility and competitive differentiation.

The program is for managers who are new to supply chain processes and searching for best practices in their area of responsibility. Those who work as functional counterparts in finance, information systems, manufacturing or marketing will also benefit. Penn State Executive Programs recommends that three people from an organization attend each program to create the momentum for change.

The faculty for the program present current methodologies and research and possess what the school says is world-class experience in supply chain practices. Guest speakers provide timely insight on contemporary issues in business and technology.

Components of the program include global supply chain management, supply chain strategies, supp ly chain partnerships, information technology and the supply chain, supply chain components and tools, and creating and measuring logistics value.

The course fee of $2,950 covers all course materials plus a private room and meals.

For additional information, contact Penn State Executive Programs, The Smeal College of Business Administration, The Pennsylvania State University, 409 Business Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802-3009 or call (814) 865-3435, or send an e-mail to psep@psu.edu. More information is also available at www.smeal.psu.edu/psep.