Training on supply chain management

The Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), jointly with the ITC-UNCTAD/ WTO, Geneva, offers opportunities for getting international diploma on Supply Chain Management.
The MLS-SCM(P) of the ITC, an UN-based global programme of user-friendly, practical and impacting training modules, covering all aspects of the supply chain,  aims at capacity building of enterprises, professionals and individuals to develop innovative new approaches to supply chain management, to excel in global competitiveness and to face the challenges of globalisation.
The Business Institute (DBI) of the DCCI, the only Authorised Examination Body (AEB) in Bangladesh of the Geneva-based International Trade Centre (ITC)-UNCTAD/WTO, has been conducting international certificate/diploma training courses and examinations on Modular Learning System in Supply Chain Management (MLS-SCM(P)) of the ITC. It was initiated by the ITC for promoting competitiveness of business organisations/ enterprises through improved purchasing and supply chain management knowledge and skills. The MLS-SCM(P) is one of the most modern areas of knowledge in purchase and supply chain management. It is a complete and up-to-date training pack covering the total purchasing and supply process of an organisation. The symbol(P) signifies the power of purchasing which is the key element of this programme. The training pack has 18 modules, developed by internationally reputed consultants of the ITC for trade capacity building of the developing and least developed countries (LDCs). 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.
DCCI - ITC COOPERATION AGREEMENT: As per a cooperation agreement between the DCCI and the ITC, the DBI has been offering such courses and holding examinations since 2004 and gathered commendable experience.
Meanwhile, 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. Many diploma-holders of the DBI have already been appointed as heads of several reputed organisations in private and public sectors of Bangladesh.
TARGET BENEFICIARIES: The MLS-SCM(P) courses are particularly suited for present and future managers, executives and specialists in purchase, supply, inventory, transportation and logistics departments of business organisations. These cover large corporations to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), government corporations, NGOs and SME entrepreneurs.
 Well-experienced and highly qualified resource persons, trained and recognised by the ITC, Geneva, conduct the training sessions. A number of trainers of MLS-SCM(P) were trained through 7 ToT workshops, conducted by master trainers from the ITC. Out of them, 20 best trainers were selected who are currently conducting the courses. On account of successful implementation of the MLS-SCM(P) programme, the DCCI won two international awards: World Chambers' Competition Award, 2007 for 'Best Skill Development Programme', held by the ICC, Paris in Istanbul, Turkey and another 'MLS-SCM(P) Best Network Partner Institution Award 2010' of the ITC, among its 120 partner institutions in 69 countries. This award was received by the then President of DCCI at the MLS-SCM(P) Global Network Roundtable, held at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on April 6-8, 2011. Some lead trainers of the DBI also received the 'Best Success Story Winner Award' from the ITC.
 A unique and practical UN-based global programme for capacity building of developing countries and LDCs offer the following:
*  Enhancing competitiveness by cutting cost,
*  Saving about 25 per cent on supply and purchase expenditure of companies/ organisations,
*  Reducing about 75 per cent supply lead time,
*  Improving performance and better relationship with suppliers,
* Providing better logistics and inventory management,
*  Enhancing ability to take advantage of emerging opportunities in international market,
"    Providing career development, promotion, improved job possibilities for participants,
* Offering membership of a truly global network of 69 countries' institutions under the ITC, Geneva. (www.ipscm-learningnet.net);
* Issuing Diploma/ Certificates recognised in 69 countries with facilities of credit transfer; and
* Getting 'MLS-SCM(P) Diploma'-holders  admitted into Master's and MBA courses in the European Institute of Purchasing Management (EPIM), France (www.eipm.org). One Diploma holder of the DBI has got scholarship and admitted in this university.
Participation in the training courses and the examinations has a double benefit. On one hand, the 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. On the other hand, they may sit for the examination, held twice in a year by the DBI, and get international certificate diploma on MLS-SCM(P) from the ITC, Geneva from the home country, recognised in 69 countries.
The Faculty is trained and recognised by ITC-WTO UNCTAD, Geneva. Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma courses are of 6, 12 and 18-month duration respectively. The three day-long course for each module is held on 2 Fridays and 1 Saturday each month. Weekend classes are arranged specially for on-the-job executives and graduate students. Free handouts, refreshment and lunch a re given. Examinations are held in the DBI in March and September each year. There are flexible options for exams available. Certificates are jointly issued by the ITC, Geneva and the DCCI and credit transfers to institutions in 69 countries including EPIM, France can be arranged.
The 18 Modules of MLS-SCM(P) are divided into three courses : (i) Certificate Modules 1. Understanding the Corporate Environment, 2. Specifying Requirements and Planning Supply, 3. Analysing Supply Markets, 4. Developing Supply Strategies, 5. Appraising & Short listing Suppliers and 6. Obtaining and Selecting Offers; (ii) Advanced Certificate: Modules 7. Negotiating, 8. Preparing the contract, 9. Managing the Supply Contract & Supplier Relationships, 10. Managing International Logistics, 11. Managing Inventory and 12. Measuring and Evaluating Performance (Plus modules for Certificate course) and
(iii) Diploma: Modules 13, Environmental Procurement, 14, Group Purchasing, 15,  E-Procurement, 16. Customer Relationship Management, 17. Operations Management and 18. Managing Finance along the Supply Chain (plus modules for Advanced Certificate course).
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: The candidates should preferably be graduate and above with proficiency in English. The present  students for graduation are also eligible to apply.  Special discount is available for students and women candidates.
The admission deadline is December 31, 2013. Seats are limited and offered on first-come, first- served basis.
Interested persons may contact for registration: the DBI, Dhaka Chamber Building (11th floor), 65-66 Motijheel C/A, Dhaka - 1000. Tel: 9552562 (Hunting) Ext. 137/123, Mobile: 01716748460, 01711079721 Fax: 9560830, E-mail: [email protected], Website: www.dcci.org.bd/dbi.
The writer is Executive                         Director of the DBI.                [email protected]