A broad overview of major supply chain activities is provided in the first module, which takes a look at the physical movements of goods as they pass through a typical supply chain. The fundamentals of effective supply chain management and the duties of supply chain managers are also discussed.

The functions and objectives of logistics in supply chain management are examined in the second module, along with a series of logistics activities and who takes responsibility for them. Learners also consider the importance of strategic planning and organisation in logistics management.

A step-by-step guide to the development and implementation of a logistics strategy follows in Module Three. Additional topics covered include the importance of strategic decision-making, how to analyse and assess consumer markets, guidelines for producing accurate forecasts in logistics operations and more.

Module Four presents and discusses a series of forecasting methods and related activities, while considering forward-planning as the cornerstone of an effective supply chain strategy. Candidates are also introduced to the functions and objectives of aggregate planning, along with how to accurately forecast future demand.

An overview of the procurement cycle is presented in Module Five, in which candidates are familiarised with the main differences between purchasing and procurement. The potential advantages and disadvantages of e-procurement are also examined, along with the main components of an effective procurement strategy.

The importance of carefully balancing supply with demand follows in the sixth module, which takes a look at a series of important manufacturing and delivery activities within the supply chain. Tips and guidelines for accurately estimating manufacturing costs are also presented, alongside an overview of returns processing activities.

Module Seven brings market distribution into discussion, focusing on distribution channel selection and the main elements of an efficient distribution strategy. Candidates learn how to objectively consider the pros and cons of all available distribution channels, in order to determine the most appropriate distribution method.

The physical movement of products and materials is further examined in Module Eight, in which candidates analyse the benefits and disadvantages of different transportation methods. The concept of intermodal transport is also brought into discussion, along with how to determine when third-party logistics providers should be used.

Module Nine takes a detailed look at the functions of HRM from a supply chain management perspective, with strong focus on high-performance team development. Key HRM personnel and associated responsibilities are presented and discussed, along with helpful guidelines for creating an ethical culture in the workplace.

Key factors in successful change are presented and analysed in Module 10, which also presents learners with a detailed breakdown of the change cycle. Time management tips and tricks for more confident change management are also provided, along with a fascinating look at the human response to change.

The art of effective time management is discussed at length in Module 11, which presents a series of practical pointers for making more efficient use of all available time. Helpful exercises are presented with the aim of avoiding procrastination and prioritising tasks more effectively, through strategic goal-setting with the SPIRIT methodology.

Module 12 brings the inevitability of workplace disputes into discussion, outlining the diplomatic way to deal with all types of conflicts. Candidates consider the primary causes of conflict at work, along with the main stages of conflict and the extent to which some disputes can be prevented entirely through open communication.

Warehouse operations follow in Module 13, presenting a series of key warehousing activities and how they fit in with a broader logistics strategy. The responsibilities of warehouse management personnel are also discussed, along with the importance of prioritising efficiency across all warehousing activities.

Additional warehousing activities and operations are presented in Module 14, focusing on the benefits and drawbacks of the most common warehouse storage systems. Points to consider when choosing between centralised and decentralised warehousing are also provided, with an outline of the pros and cons of both.

Module 15 provides a detailed overview of the various types of stock that may be held in a warehouse, emphasising the importance of effective inventory management. The functions and objectives of supply and demand buffers are also discussed, along with the cornerstones of a good inventory management strategy.

The warehouse inventory cycle is dissected and discussed in Module 16, which follows the journey of goods and materials through a typical warehouse. Candidates learn how goods are received and dispatched by a warehouse, how to validate inventory and the importance of keeping a close eye on demand.

Several common methods for tracking inventory as it passes through a warehouse are discussed in Module 17, which further emphasises the importance of carefully monitoring stock levels. The benefits of barcoding are discussed at length, along with the using of barcoding technology in a warehouse and the alternative inventory tracking systems available.

Module 18 takes a look at the physical handling of warehouse inventory, focusing on the importance of smooth and efficient movement of goods. The primary aims of warehousing are revisited, with further tips and guidelines for boosting the efficiency of key activities in a warehouse environment.

The advantages and disadvantages of information technology in contemporary supply chain management are analysed in Module 19. Additional topics covered include data communication, data capture, the information systems that support the supply chain and potential issues associated with IT reliance.

The fundamentals of effective supply chain system design are presented and discussed in Module 20, which focuses heavily on strategic location selection for supply chain facilities. Candidates also learn how to conduct feasibility studies, assess the appropriateness of a location for a proposed facility and more.

The course concludes with a look at the criticality of accurately and continuously measuring the performance of each link within the supply chain. Candidates are presented with a basic framework for performance management, alongside practical guidelines for boosting internal efficiency and achieving continuous improvement.