Logistics and Operations Management Certificate

Supply chains continue to grow logistically and operationally, and the COVID-19 pandemic further magnified them. With these factors becoming fundamental components in any service industry, technology group, health care sector, office environment, or manufacturing business, proper training is vital to managing a supply chain effectively and efficiently.

Program Overview

Our three-course certificate will familiarize students with the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model — a standard tool to plan, source, make, deliver, return, and enable business activities — through classroom instruction and hands-on, real-world applications. Participants will gain a holistic introduction to supply chain and understand the concepts that connect manufacturers, markets, suppliers, warehouses, retailers, and customers, while creating net value and avoiding risk. All classes are taught by practicing professionals who have prestigious certifications, subject expertise, and a wealth of real-world experience, ensuring you’ll learn important, hands-on lessons.

Program Objectives

Upon completion of the program, students will:

  • Know the key concepts and terminology
  • Be able to define and apply the SCOR model
  • Outline processes and tools to manage warehousing, distribution, and transportation
  • Describe the alignment of supply chain practices and priorities to overall goals and objectives
  • Deliver a value proposition that aligns with corporate mission and values
  • Determine a total cost of ownership
  • Understand purchasing, distribution, inventory management, and vendor management
  • Know how to impact non-inventory engagements
  • Develop and execute a sound negotiation strategy

Who Should Attend

The certificate program is designed for current or aspiring supply chain professionals who are looking to familiarize themselves with supply chain standards and terminology, fine-tune their negotiation strategies, and learn new skills to increase their value and potential. Anyone who manages or works with outside suppliers or vendors will also benefit.

Program Scope and Sequence

The Logistics and Operations Management program consists of three required 21-hour courses, offered in succession. Each course consists of 7 sessions of 3 hours each and is delivered via Zoom videoconferencing technology. Upon completion of all three courses, the student will be awarded a certificate. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded based on a standard of one unit per ten (10) hours of classroom contact.

The three courses that make up the program are, in order:

  • BUSAD 5837: Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management
  • BUSAD 5838: Lean Supply Chain Modeling
  • BUSAD 5839: Operations Research in Supply Chain Management

Participants who do not want to take the entire sequence are welcome to take course(s) that interest them pending prerequisite knowledge.

Course Descriptions

BUSAD 5837: Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management

(formerly SCM 5050)
This course provides students with an introduction to the processes and the tools required to manage an efficient supply chain and develop reliable supply. It was developed and designed to provide both a baseline for beginners and enhance the skills of seasoned Supply Chain or Procurement Professionals. Through the lens of the SCOR® (Supply-Chain Operations Reference) Model, participants will become familiar with ways to implement process improvement to the major functions within and across the supply chain.

BUSAD 5838: Lean Supply Chain Modeling

(formerly SCM 5051)
This course provides students with an introduction to the Lean Six Sigma processes and the tools required to manage an efficient supply chain. Again looking through the lens of the SCOR® (Supply-Chain Operations Reference) Model, participants will become even more familiar with tools, techniques, and approaches to define, measure, analyze, and implement process improvements for major functions within the supply chain.

BUSAD 5839: Operations Research in Supply Chain Management

(formerly SCM 5053)
This course provides students with an introduction to the analytical methodology of problem-solving and decision-making required to effective supply chain management. Through the lens of forecasting and inventory management, this course strengthens the understanding of foundational concepts and the contextual knowledge to drive improvements. The applications of this course deal with a wide range of problems, ranging from long-term strategic problems related to demand management to very short-term operational problems, such as planning for Just-In-Time logistics.

Customized Programs

Companies and organizations can arrange to have this program conducted at Penn State Wilkes-Barre or elsewhere. Program content can be customized to meet the needs of the company. Call 570-675-9253 for information.

Schedule and Registration

All three courses take place on Tuesdays and are delivered via Zoom videoconferencing.

Fall –Spring Course Schedule
Course Title Times Dates Cost Register
BUSAD 5837: Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management 6:00‑9:00 p.m. TBD $635 570-675-9253
BUSAD 5838: Lean Supply
Chain Modeling
6:00‑9:00 p.m. TBD $635 570-675-9253
BUSAD 5839: Operations Research in Supply Chain Management 6:00‑9:00 p.m. TBD $635 570-675-9253

Please note: The University reserves the right to cancel courses due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances.