Training course on supply chain management

Training has no alternative. Training helps attain efficiency in any discipline -- be it sports, business, science or astronomy. Though basic training programmes in conventional areas are conducted by various institutions, training in specialised fields are rarely held mainly because of lack of expert resource persons.  The DCCI Business Institute (DBI), an organisation under the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI)  has taken a laudable initiative by undertaking a training programme of specialised nature -- an international diploma on 'Supply Chain Management'. DBI is implementing this programme under a joint initiative with the Geneva-based International Trade Centre ITC-UNCTAD/WTO.
DBI was set up in 1999 with the objective of conducting need-based training that will meet the growing demand of business community for development of entrepreneurs and improve managerial skills of business executives. As per a cooperation agreement between DCCI and ITC, DBI has been offering specialised courses and holding examinations regularly since 2004. DBI is the only authorised body of the ITC-UNCTAD/WTO in Bangladesh. For successful implementation of the MLS-SCM(P) programme, DCCI won two international awards: World Chambers Competition Award, 2007 held by ICC, Paris in Istanbul, Turkey and "MLS-SCM(P) Best Network Partner Institution Award 2010" of ITC, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2011.
The Modular Learning System in Supply Chain Management (MLS-SCM(P)) of the International Trade Centre (ITC) is a global programme covering all aspects of the supply chain management. The training programme aims at capacity building of businesses of the developing countries, enable the participants to develop innovative new approaches to supply chain management, excel in global competitiveness and face the challenges of globalisation.
The MLS-SCM(P) is a complete and up-to-date modern training package covering the total purchasing and supply process of a business organisations. The symbol(P) signifies the power of purchasing which is the key element of this programme. The training package has 18 modules, developed by internationally reputed consultants of ITC for trade capacity building of the developing and least developed countries. Eighteen Modules of MLS-SCM(P) programme are divided into three courses.
First six modules are offered for a six-month Certificate course. These are: understanding corporate environment, specifying requirements and planning supply, analysing supply markets, developing supply strategies, appraising and short listing suppliers; and obtaining and selecting offers.
Along with the modules for Certificate course, a 12-month Advanced Certificate Course is offered for six more modules. These are: negotiating, preparing the contract, managing the supply contract and supplier relationships, managing international logistics, managing inventory, and measuring and evaluating performance.
All the modules of the Advanced Certificate Course are taught in the 18-month-long Diploma Course.
In addition the remaining six modules-- environmental procurement, group purchasing, e-procurement, customer relationship management, operations management, and managing finance along the supply chain are taught in the Certificate course. The course will be conducted by well-experienced and highly qualified resource persons trained and recognised by ITC, Geneva.
The user-friendly, practical and impacting modules, covering all aspects of the supply chain, help enterprises, professionals and individuals to develop innovative new approaches to supply chain management, excel in global competition, reduce total supply cost and make optimum use of available resources.
The concept of supply chain management has become popular among the business community and others concerned in Bangladesh and consequently demand for supply chain professionals has increased remarkably in the country. Many diploma holders of DBI have already been appointed as heads of several reputed organisations in the private and public sectors of  the country. The MLS-SCM(P) courses are particularly suited for present and future executives in purchase, supply, inventory, transportation and logistics departments of business organisations.
The training programme opens up wide opportunities to the participants, such as enhanced competitiveness by cutting cost; savings on supply and purchase expenditure; improved performance and better relationship with suppliers; better logistics and inventory management; increased ability to take advantage in international market; membership of a global network of institutions under ITC. The Diploma holders can get admitted into Masters and MBA courses in the European Institute of Purchasing Management (EPIM), France. Participants may join on-the-job-training and acquire advanced knowledge to run their day-to-day supply chain management activities more efficiently and make their concerns competitive.
DBI provides free handouts, refreshment and lunch. Examinations are held in DBI in March and September each year; certificates are jointly issued by ITC, Geneva and DCCI. Minimum educational qualification for the training programme is bachelor's degree. DBI offers special discount on course fees for the DCCI members, students and women candidates.
DBI sources said, since seats are limited, admission will be offered on first-come-first-served basis. The last date for admission is June 15, 2014. For registration and admission inquiries, interested candidates may contact  DCCI Business Institute, Dhaka Chamber Building 65-66 Motijheel, Dhaka, Tel: 9552562, Mobile: 01716748460, 01913745062, Fax: 9560830, E-mail: [email protected]. One may also visit Website: www.dhakachamber.com/dbi.
The writer is Executive Director of the DCCI Business Institute DBI. [email protected]