U of A Offers an Exam Preparation Class for Supply Chain Professionals

ROGERS, Ark. – Professionals can register online for a 13-week preparation course for a certification exam for supply chain professionals beginning Tuesday, March 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 to May 26, at 3300 Market St., Rogers. An orientation is set for Feb. 25.

The deadline to register online is Feb. 17. The cost is $1,999 for APICS members and $2,199 for non-members. The cost includes the 13-week course in Rogers, the CSCP Learning System, certified instructor training and an APICS membership (if applicable). U of A students, faculty, staff and Alumni Association members who are also APICS 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:

1. APICS fundamentals of supply chain management
2. APICS supply chain strategy, design and compliance
3. APICS implementation and operations

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 planning and scheduling 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. Joan also spent time assisting in the development of an inventory optimization product for a start-up company.

“The APICS CSCP program addresses best practices across the global supply chain,” said Judith Tavano, director of professional development programs. “From suppliers to the end customer, CSCP covers globalization, logistics, IT enablement and supplier and customer relations.”

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.