U of A Offers Exam Preparation Course for Supply Chain Professionals

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Professionals can register online for a 13-week preparation course for a certification exam for supply chain professionals beginning Thursday, Mar. 3, at the University of Arkansas Global Campus in Rogers.

The Global Campus is partnering with the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of APICS, the leading professional association for supply chain and operations management, to offer the Certified Supply Chain Professional Learning System from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, March 3 through May 26, at 3300 Market St. in Rogers.

The deadline to register is Feb. 17. The cost is $1,999 for APICS members or $2,199 for non-members and includes the 13-week course in Rogers, certified instructor training, APICS membership (if applicable) and an exam voucher. U of A students, faculty, staff and Alumni Association members get a 10 percent discount.

“The APICS CSCP is well-respected within industry and an excellent credential,” said John L. Kent, director of the Supply Chain Management Research Center for the Sam M. Walton College of Business. “I recommend this CSCP Prep Course for anyone who desires continuing education in Supply Chain.”

The exam preparation course is designed for individuals looking to develop or enhance skills to create and execute a global supply chain management strategy that meets customer needs, reduces costs and increases profits.

“The Certified Supply Chain Professional designation is recognized worldwide as the standard of professional excellence,” said Joan M. Smith, the instructor for the course. “It prepares students to streamline operations strategically and provides tools to manage global supply chain activities.”

The course is divided into three modules:

• Supply Chain Design
• Supply Chain Planning and Execution
• Supply Chain Improvement and Best Practices

Smith, who holds APICS certification in the areas of supply chain and production inventory management, will help participants navigate through the learning system and provide clarification of information and coaching. The APICS website offers details about the exam.

Smith, the materials manager for Rockline Industries in Springdale, is an experienced supply chain professional with more than 25 years in various roles, including warehousing, transportation, forecasting, inventory management and material planning.

Smith has served as the business subject matter expert for a large SAP implementation representing the forecasting, planning and inventory areas. She has worked for companies including Dow Chemical Co., SC Johnson and 3M and also spent time assisting in the development of an inventory optimization product for a start-up company.

Learn more about this class and other workforce development opportunities by visiting the Global Campus Rogers website or calling 855-402-3300.

About the Global Campus: The Global Campus supports U of A colleges and schools in the development and delivery of online, distance and workforce education programs and courses. It provides instructional design services, technology services and assistance with marketing, recruiting and strategic academic development.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.