Supply chains are the arteries of today’s globalized economy. In an increasingly complex and connected world, the supply chain has become a key source of competitive advantage. It offers opportunities to spearhead innovation, maximize profits, and positively impact your customers’ experience of your business or brand.

The Supply Chain Management online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT) introduces the basic concepts of production, inventory, storage, and transportation of goods and services, and what is needed to manage your supply chains efficiently and effectively. With a focus on competitive gain, you’ll explore the four functional areas of supply chain management and how they can work to set your business apart. Guided by faculty, you’ll understand what an integrated supply chain is, when to implement a supply chain management system, and how to ensure you stay up-to-date with trends. Using your own context as a case study, you’ll design an integrated supply chain plan and assess the potential competitive advantage of its implementation.

This course is aimed at anyone seeking to grow their supply chain management knowledge and skills to remain relevant and unlock new career opportunities. It’s particularly suited to individuals already working in the areas of logistics, warehousing, transportation, inventory control, purchasing, marketing, sales, customer service, and retail. It’s also applicable to business owners or entrepreneurs who want to increase the efficiency of their supply chain functions.