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Harper College

Supply Chain Management Certificate

Earn a career-ready certificate

Program facts Liberal Arts icon


  • Credit hours: 18
  • Stackable to degree: Yes
  • Potential job outcomes: Demand planner, inventory analyst, logistics analyst, transportation coordinator

Learn the ins and outs of supply chain management with this 18-credit-hour certificate program. Ideal for individuals interested in exploring careers in this field, the program is also great for those currently working in areas of supply chain management and looking to fill in some knowledge gaps.

Take classes in supply chain management, production control, inventory management, transportation, procurement and demand planning. All courses are taught by skilled instructors who are extremely knowledgeable across all areas of supply chain management.

Take advantage of Harper's Fast Track program and complete all four certificates in supply chain management in one year.

Certificate program requirements

This 18 credit-hour certificate program is designed to provide education for those working directly in supply chain management or fields related to supply chain management, or for those seeking employment in this area. The content in this curriculum focuses on key functions across the supply chain with regard to technical knowledge, communication and problem solving. The AAS Degree in Manufacturing Technology also offers a specialization in Supply Chain Management.

Required:

Number Course Title Credits
SCM 101 3

Description:  Introduces Supply Chain Management (SCM) and the end-to-end (E2E) business processes necessary to achieve market and financial value, as well as competitive advantage. SCM is achieved by an organization proactively adopting initiatives to move suppliers and customers into collaborative relationships for mutual gain. Attention is focused on the fundamentals including customer service, fulfillment, demand planning and forecasting, inventory control, procurement, storeroom/warehousing, production control/operations, and physical distribution/logistics. All topics focus on technology, financial trends and career paths within the field.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

SCM 120 3

Description:  Describes the development, scope, and objectives of production control. Outlines the coordination of manufacturing resources (money, manpower, materials and machines) and how they apply to this function. Focuses on scheduling, releasing and tracking of production orders and associated schedules, and the reporting of materials and resources used in the production process. Outlines the Enterprise-wide linkages and technology implications as related to overall company and business strategy through CRP, ERP, MRP and MPS activities and related roles.

Prerequisite: SCM 101 or consent of program coordinator.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

SCM 122 3

Description:  Provides an overview of the dynamics of managing inventory within the constantly evolving supply chain environment. Topics include forecasting inventory requirements based upon customer and consumer demand, understanding inventory management as related to production planning, modeling various scenarios based upon demand information, and recognizing the various processes and technology used in inventory management today.

Prerequisite: SCM 101 or consent of program coordinator.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

SCM 123 3

Description:  Reviews the framework of the transportation/distribution component of Logistics as part of the broader Supply Chain, and how it is a key component of the strategy and customer service for an organization. Provides an overview of various transportation systems and the impact on costs and service that each system provides. Examines the different types of modes and routings, and the impacts of regulatory and environmental decisions. Reviews the operational aspects of the transportation function, responsibilities for the key job functions associated with transportation, and overall trends within the industry.

Prerequisite: SCM 101 or consent of program coordinator.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

SCM 125 3

Description:  Covers the overall function of Procurement and its importance within the Supply Chain. Focuses on the strategic role of Procurement within the organization and how it directly contributes to the financial results of the business. Discusses overall roles and responsibilities within the function including preparation for and analysis of supplier bids and quotations, processes for purchase orders and contracting, inventory management and materials planning, supplier relationship management and performance management, total cost of ownership review, business continuity planning, and social and ethical responsibility.

Prerequisite: SCM 101 or consent of program coordinator.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

SCM 126 3

Description:  Provides an introduction and overview of the demand planning function as part of the broader supply chain. Topics covered include objectives of the function, the benefits of effective demand planning in an organization, the process of forecasting demand, the various types of demand, rules for ordering and optimizing of orders, the concept of economic order quantity and mitigating stock out risks, differences in demand distribution, sales and operations planning (S&OP), MRP and JIT.

Prerequisite: SCM 101 or consent of program coordinator.

Class Schedule:  Fall 2024 | Spring 2025

Related programs

Students interested in supply chain management may also be interested in:

Resources

Next steps

For more information about supply chain management training, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.

Last Updated: 12/19/24