The topics addressed within the PLS (Professional Designation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management) from AST&L (American Society of Transportation and Logistics) include those confronting logistics and supply chain managers on a global basis: competitive strategy, customer value and service, logistics costs and performance, responsiveness, lead-time management, collaboration across multiple enterprises, globalization, risk management, integration of supply chain processes, and transforming the logistics organization. The knowledge base contained within the PLS provides the foundation for understanding logistics and supply chain management and prepares the individual for a career in this challenging profession.

The knowledge base for the PLS consists of principles, issues, and practices universally accepted as important in logistics and supply chain management. The content is derived from subject matter covered by leading universities in their courses. This material continually changes as the business community apprises universities depending on the current situation. Needless to say, some areas change more rapidly than others.

Target Group

Professionals in the area of supply chain, distribution, logistics and transportation require an overview on supply chain management and logistics in order to understand the global impact of their decisions. Operations management and supply chain planning is not the focus here, but rather activities and dependencies in global supply chain and distribution networks.

Content

• Logistics and Competitive Strategy
• Logistics and Customer Value
• Logistics Cost and Performance
• Creating the Responsive Supply Chain
• Strategic Lead-Time Management
• Supply Chain Synchronization
• Managing the Global “Pipeline”
• Managing Supply Chain Risk
• Supply Chain Integration
• The Era of Network Competition

Entrance Requirements

• Interest in strategic basics in Supply Chain and Logistics Management
• Advanced level of English  (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Minimum Level B1)

Instructor

Prof. Douglas Hales, University of Rhodes Island

Methods

The seminars are a mix of case studies and movies, quiz questions, interactive role plays and computer simulations, and knowledge transfer via presentation. 

The trainings are held in English; therefore the pace of training will be adjusted to the needs of the group. Revising content, knowledge tests and other exercises at the end of each chapter, will ensure, that the trainer receives an immediate feedback on the success of the knowledge transfer.

Certification

The examination is designed to cover different facets of logistics and supply chain management. The material represents the common base of knowledge that should be familiar to all logistics and supply chain professionals working in the field.

The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions. The exam is scheduled to last up to four hours. Candidates may not refer to their study materials during the exam (i.e., the exam is a “closed book, closed notes” exam).

After having passed the candidate will receive a personalized cerificate "Professional Designation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management".

In Germany and Austria the administration of the certification exams is done by GSCP (Gesellschaft der Supply Chain Professionals e.V.).