Supply Chain Management - Logistics SCM2

Holland Code: E (Enterprising)

What academic skills do I need to be successful in the program?

This list does not replace the admission requirements you must have for admission to the program. Please see website for details.

General requirements

• This is a graduate certificate program meaning applicants need to have a college diploma or bachelor’s degree or have years related work experience to enter the program.
• It is highly recommended that students be proficient in the following areas before entry into the program: Mathematics, Business Communication, and Computer applications, particularly Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• The course work involves a significant amount of group work; applicants should have the ability to work in teams.

What personal qualities should someone interested in this career have?

• Leadership skills
• Good analytical skills
• A commitment to customer satisfaction
• The ability to think logically and critically and solve problems
• The willingness to take responsibility
• The ability to make important decisions
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• The ability to diplomatically resolve conflicts or disputes
• The ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Self-directed, self-motivated, takes initiative
• The ability to work well under pressure and deal with unexpected situations calmly and effectively
• The ability to handle stressful situations and frequent deadlines

What kind of work could I do when I graduate?

Graduates of this program may go on to become a

Demand planner, master scheduler, production planner, material planner, junior buyer, assistant buyer, buyer, production scheduler, logistics coordinator, transportation coordinator, shipping and receiving clerk, supply chain analyst, supply chain manager, inventory manager, warehouse manager, logistics manager, material manager, operations manager, production supervisor. 

Typical working conditions for this kind of work

• Primarily office environments, but may also perform worksite or field visits to construction sites or similar locations, depending on the industry in which they work.
• Travel is sometimes required.
• May occasionally work long hours, weekends, and overtime in order to meet project deadlines.
• Some jobs may require physical lifting of material. 

Places you may find yourself employed include

Manufacturing, operations, retail, wholesaling, banking, government, and not-for-profit organizations.

Tasks a graduate may do in the workplace

• Confer with supply chain planners to forecast demand or create supply plans that ensure availability of materials or products.
• Monitor forecasts and quotas to identify changes or to determine their effect on supply chain activities.
• Define performance metrics for measurement, comparison, or evaluation of supply chain factors, such as product cost or quality.
• Analyze inventories to determine how to increase inventory turns, reduce waste, or optimize customer service.
• Develop procedures for coordination of supply chain management with other functional areas, such as sales, marketing, finance, production, or quality assurance.
• Negotiate prices and terms with suppliers, vendors, or freight forwarders.
• Meet with suppliers to discuss performance metrics, to provide performance feedback, or to discuss production forecasts or changes.
• Implement new or improved supply chain processes.
• Design or implement supply chains that support business strategies adapted to changing market conditions, new business opportunities, or cost reduction strategies.
• Manage activities related to strategic or tactical purchasing, material requirements planning, inventory control, warehousing, or receiving.

Helpful links for further research into this Fanshawe College program and career opportunity

• Fanshawe College has a student Chapter of APICS
• Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council
• Supply Chain Ontario
• Supply Chain Management Association Ontario (SCMA)

Fanshawe’s library has prepared a subject guide for current students in this program. You may find the links and information provided very useful in learning more about this career.

Last Modified: March 8, 2024