Master in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Practice Exam

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is the comprehensive coordination and management of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics management activities. It encompasses the planning and management of all processes involved in the seamless flow of goods, services, and information from suppliers to the final customer. This includes the strategic oversight of supply chain functions such as supplier relationships, product development, manufacturing, and the logistics required for delivery. Logistics, a critical component of SCM, specifically refers to the transportation and storage of goods. It involves the efficient planning, execution, and control of the movement and storage of goods, services, and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption to meet customer requirements. Both SCM and logistics aim to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure timely delivery to enhance customer satisfaction and achieve competitive advantage.
Why is Master in Supply Chain Management and Logistics important?

• Efficiency Optimization: SCM and logistics streamline operations to reduce waste and enhance efficiency across the entire supply chain.
• Cost Reduction: Effective management helps in minimizing costs through better inventory management, transportation optimization, and reduced overheads.
• Customer Satisfaction: Ensures timely delivery of products and services, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.
• Competitive Advantage: Provides businesses with a strategic advantage by optimizing supply chain processes and improving service delivery.
• Risk Management: Helps in identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks related to supply chain disruptions and uncertainties.
• Flexibility and Responsiveness: Enables businesses to adapt quickly to changes in market demand, supply conditions, and other external factors.
• Sustainability: Promotes sustainable practices by optimizing resource use, reducing carbon footprint, and improving environmental impact.
• Collaboration and Relationships: Fosters better collaboration and stronger relationships with suppliers, partners, and customers.
• Global Reach: Facilitates the management of complex global supply chains, allowing businesses to expand and operate on an international scale.
• Innovation and Improvement: Encourages continuous improvement and innovation in supply chain processes and technologies.

Who should take the Master in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Exam?

• Supply Chain Manager
• Logistics Manager
• Procurement Manager
• Inventory Manager
• Operations Manager
• Warehouse Manager
• Transportation Manager
• Demand Planner
• Purchasing Agent
• Materials Manager
• Supply Chain Analyst
• Logistics Coordinator
• Distribution Manager
• Supply Chain Consultant
• Production Planner

Skills Evaluated

Candidates taking the certification exam on the Master in Supply Chain Management and Logistics is evaluated for the following skills:

• aSupply Chain Planning and Strategy: Understanding of supply chain design, strategic planning, and aligning supply chain strategies with business goals.
• Procurement and Supplier Management: Skills in sourcing, negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, and ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Logistics and Distribution Management: Competence in managing transportation, warehousing, and distribution networks to ensure timely and efficient delivery of goods.
• Inventory Management: Ability to manage inventory levels, optimize stock, and implement inventory control systems to balance supply and demand.
• Demand Forecasting and Planning: Proficiency in forecasting demand, analyzing market trends, and planning for future inventory and production needs.
• Risk Management: Identifying potential risks in the supply chain and developing strategies to mitigate and manage these risks.
• Process Improvement: Knowledge of continuous improvement methodologies like Lean, Six Sigma, and their application in optimizing supply chain processes.
• Technology and Data Analytics: Familiarity with supply chain management software, data analysis tools, and the use of technology to enhance supply chain visibility and decision-making.
• Financial Acumen: Understanding the financial aspects of supply chain management, including cost analysis, budgeting, and financial performance metrics.
• Sustainability and Ethical Practices: Awareness of sustainable practices, environmental impact, and ethical considerations in supply chain operations.
• Customer Relationship Management: Skills in managing customer expectations, ensuring high service levels, and building long-term customer relationships.
• Communication and Collaboration: Effective communication and collaboration skills to work with various stakeholders, including suppliers, customers, and internal teams.

Master in Supply Chain Management and Logistics Certification Course Outline

Logistics and SCM Management

1. Introduction to Logistics
   • Concepts of Logistics
   • Evolution of Logistics
   • Objectives of Logistics
   • Elements of Logistics
   • Forms of Logistics Management
   • Logistics Processes
   • Issues and Challenges
   • Logistics Intermediaries
   • Integrated Logistics
   • Logistics Sector in India

 

2. Supply Chain Management
   • Supply Chain Basics
   • SCM Evolution
   • SCM as Competitive Advantage
   • Modern SCM Concepts
   • Supply Chain Strategy
   • Demand Management
   • Demand Forecasting
   • The Bullwhip Effect
   • Supply Chain Outsourcing
   • Global Supply Chain Management
   • SCOR Model

 

3. Integration with Business Processes
   • Relationships with other corporate functions
   • Business Process Integration
   • Logistics and Customer Service.
   • Logistics and Marketing
   • Critical Success Factors
   • Metrics for Integration

 

4. Logistics Planning
   • Logistics Strategy
   • Logistics Design
   • Logistics Planning

5. Logistics Modeling
   • What is modeling?
   • What is Logistics Modeling?
   • Modeling Techniques
   • The Modeling Process
   • Computer Simulation in Logistics

6. Theories of Logistics and Supply Chain Management
   • Systems Approach
   • Resource-Based View Theory
   • Knowledge-based view (KBV)
   • Strategic Choice theory (SCT)
   • Principle Agency theory (PAT)
   • Systems theory (ST)
   • Transaction Cost Economics
   • Game Theory
   • Available-to-promise (ATP)
   • Theory of Constraints

7. Supply Chain Modeling
   • Deterministic Analytical Models
   • Stochastic Analytical Models
   • Economic Models
   • Simulation Models

8. Tools and Techniques for Logistics and SCM
   • CPM/PERT
   • Operations Research
   • Linear Programming
   • MRP and MRP II
   • ERP
   • JIT
   • Reports
   • Barcoding and Mobile Systems

9. Quality Management
   • Quality Basics
   • Product vs Service Quality
   • Quality Management
   • Quality Principles
   • Quality Management Methods
   • Base Lining
   • Benchmarking
   • Value Analysis (VA/NVA)
   • TQM
   • PDCA
   • Six Sigma
   • Lean
   • 5S
   • Cause-and-Effect Diagram
   • Quality Metrics

 

10. Sustainability
    • What is Sustainability
    • Pillars of Sustainability
    • Sustainable SCM
    • Sustainability Models

 

11. Future Developments
    • E-Commerce
    • E-procurement
    • Big Data
    • Internet of Things (IoT)
    • Automation and AI
    • Warehouse Automation

Freight Forwarder

1. Freight Planning
   • P’s and R’s of Fulfillment
   • Change Triggers
   • Strategic Planning
   • Central Place Theory
   • Freight Logistics Strategy
   • Product Characteristics
   • Packaging
   • Unit Load Concept
   • Reducing Freight Costs

 

2. Freight Transportation
   • Importance of Transportation
   • Modes of Transport
   • Transportation Management
   • Freight Rate or Transportation Pricing
   • Communication and Transport
   • Energy Consumption

 

3. Surface Transport
   • Road Freight Transport
   • International Road Freight
   • Types of Road Freight Transport
   • Vehicle Selection and Acquisition
   • Freight Costing
   • Freight Routing and Scheduling
   • Vehicle Fleets Assessments
   • Factors Affecting Vehicle Utilization
   • Motor Vehicles Act 1988
   • Central Motor Vehicle Rules 1989
   • Carriers Act 1865
   • Rail Transport
   • Railways Act 1989
   • Intermodal Transport

 

4. Containerisation
   • Classification of Containers
   • Arrangement of Containers
   • Container Sizes
   • Packaging of Cargo in Container
   • Precaution and Safety of Cargo on Container
   • Movement of Containers
   • Container Handling
   • Safety Measures of Container ships
   • Container Leasing
   • Markings on Containers
   • Recent Trends – Coltainer and Cargosprinter

 

5. Inland Container Depots (ICD) and Container Freight Stations (CFS)
   • Role and Functions of ICD
   • Prerequisite for Successful ICD/CFS
   • Procedure for Approval and Implementation
   • Export and Import Clearance at ICD
   • CONCOR – Container Corporation of India

 

6. Sea Transport
   • Ocean Shipping Methods
   • Formalities of Shipping
   • Stowage
   • Types of Ships
   • Shipping Intermediaries
   • Important Sea Routes
   • Major Ports of India
   • Shipping Corporation of India
   • Ocean Freight Rates
   • Ocean Freight Documentation
   • International Chamber of Shipping
   • Indian National Ship Owners’ Association
   • The Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act
   • The Major Port Trusts Act, 1963
7. Airline Transport
   • Infrastructure for Air Transportation
   • International Air Transport
   • Benefits of Airfreight
   • Classifications of Airports
   • Types of Aircraft
   • Unit Load Devices
   • Air Freight Documentation
   • Air Cargo Industry
   • Role of the TIACA (The International Air Cargo Association)
   • Methods of Air Freight Calculations
   • The Carriage by Air Act, 1972

 

8. International Freight Transport
   • What is International Logistics
   • International Freight Mode Selection
   • International Distribution Channel
   • International Trade Operations
   • International Commercial Terms (Incoterm)
   • Transportation of Hazardous Materials
   • Documentation for Export
   • Reverse Supply Chain

 

9. Integrated Logistics
   • What is Integrated Logistics
   • Need for Integrated Logistics
   • Direct Product Profitability
   • Distribution Requirements Planning
   • Just-in-time (JIT)

 

10. Future Developments
    • Future Freight Transportation
    • Freight Transport and Big Data
    • Freight Transport Automation

 

Procurement Management

1. Procurement Management
   • What is Procurement Management
   • The Procurement Process
   • Make or Buy Analysis
   • Supplier Management
   • Contract Basics
   • Global Sourcing
   • E-procurement

 

2. Cost and Value Analysis System
   • Value Analysis
   • Tools for Value Analysis
   • Cost Analysis
   • Cost Analysis Techniques

 

3. Negotiation Skills
   • Basic Approaches for Negotiation
   • Strategy and Planning for Negotiation
   • Tactics of Effective Negotiation

 

4. Purchase Management System
   • What is Purchasing
   • Purchase Department
   • Methods of Purchasing
   • Purchasing Performance
   • JIT Purchasing

 

5. Vendor Management
   • System of Vendor Evaluation
   • Parameters for Evaluation of Vendors Performance
   • Social Audit
   • Tender and Negotiation Guidelines
   • Purchase Review

 

6. Materials Planning
   • Materials Planning Need
   • Factors Affecting Materials Planning
   • Tools of Materials Planning
   • Principles and Procedure for Materials Planning
   • MRP (Material Requirements Planning)
   • MRP Processing
   • Other Planning Techniques

 

7. Materials Budgeting
   • Materials Budgeting Concepts
   • Materials Budgeting and Accounting

 

8. Material Classification, Standardization and Codification
   • Material Classification
   • Value Analysis and Material Classification
   • Material Codification Concepts
   • Material Codification Systems
   • Material Standardization
   • Material Simplification
   • Levels of Standardization

 

9. Material Handling
   • Material Handling Basics
   • Material Handling Systems
   • Containerization
   • Waste Management - Surplus and Obsolete
   • Damage and Pilferage
   • Cost Analysis

 

10. Stores Management and Warehousing
    • Stores Functions and Objectives
    • Types of Stores
    • Stores Layout and Storage
    • Successful Store-Keeping Factors
    • Warehousing
    • Warehouse Management System (WMS)
    • Warehouse Operating Principles
    • Warehouse Strategy
    • Planning Warehouse Distribution
    • Warehouse Layout
    • Automatic Warehousing
    • Schemes of Automatic Warehousing
    • Stock Keeping and Accounting

 

11. Quality Management
    • Quality Basics
    • Product vs Service Quality
    • Quality Management
    • Quality Management Methods
    • TQM
    • Six Sigma
    • Statistical Quality Control
    • Double and Multiple Sampling

 

12. Legal Framework
    • The Indian Contract Act, 1872
    • The Sales of Goods Act, 1930

 

13. Future Developments
    • Procurement Future Trends
    • Sustainable Procurement
    • Procurement Automation
    • Big Data and Procurement
    • Material Management Trends
    • RFID and Material Management
    • Material Management and Big Data

 

Store and  Inventory Management

1. Warehousing
   • Introduction
   • Benefits of Warehousing
   • Functions of Warehouses
   • Need for Holding Stock
   • Characteristics of Warehouses
   • Warehousing Efficiency and Effectiveness
   • Information Technology Requirements
   • Measuring Performance

 

2. Warehouse Processes
   • Introduction
   • Receiving
   • Pre-Receipt
   • In-handling
   • Preparation
   • Offloading
   • Checking
   • Cross Docking
   • Recording
   • Quality control
   • Put-away

 

3. Warehouse Operating Principles
   • Operating Principles
   • Warehouse Design
   • Types of Warehouses
   • Warehouse Location
   • Planning the Distribution Warehouse
   • Warehouse Layout
   • Qualitative Factor Rating Method

 

4. Picking Strategies and Equipment
   • Introduction
   • Picker to Goods
   • Goods to Picker
   • Automated Picking
   • Material Handling Equipment
   • Storage Equipment

 

 

 

5. Order Picking Methods
   • Introduction
   • Industry Trends Affecting Order Picking
   • Modern Order Picking Systems
   • Stock Profiling
   • Order Picking Alternatives
   • Order Picking Strategies
   • Pick-To-Light Systems
   • Paper Pick Lists
   • Pick by Label
   • Pick by Voice
   • Barcode Scanning
   • Radio Frequency Identification
   • Pick by Light/Pick to Light
   • Put to Light
   • Type of Picking System and Equipment

 

6. Warehouse Processes from Replenishment to Dispatch
   • Replenishment
   • Other Activities
   • Value Adding Services
   • Stock Management
   • Stock or Inventory counting
   • The Annual Count
   • Safety and Security
   • Returns Processing
   • Dispatch
   • Role of Driver in Transportation

 

7. Storage and Handling equipment
   • Storage Systems
   • Pallets
   • Automated storage and retrieval Systems (AS/RS)
   • Temperature-Controlled Storage
   • Storage of Packaged Dangerous Substances

 

8. Warehouse Costs
   • Types of costs
   • Return on investment (ROI)
   • Traditional versus Activity Based Costing Systems
   • Activity based Costing for Multi-Principals
   • Calculating Warehouse Storage Costs
   • Logistics Charging Methods

 

 

 

9. Inventory Management
   • Inventory Basics
   • Inventory Management Basics
   • Types of Inventory
   • Classification of Inventory Systems
   • Inventory Management Models
   • Inventory Control and Replenishment Techniques
   • Inventory Accuracy and Cycle Counting
   • Demand Forecasting
   • Inventory Performance Measurement
   • Selective Inventory Management
   • Aggregate Inventory Planning
   • Exchange Curve
   • Deterministic Inventory Models
   • Probabilistic Inventory Models
   • Economic Order Quantity( EOQ)
   • ABC Inventory Planning
   • XYZ Analysis
   • Inventory Control of Slow Moving Items
   • Recent Developments in Inventory Management

 

10. Inventory Costing
    • Inventory Cost Types and Affecting Factors
    • Activity-Based Costing
    • Acceptance Sampling Plans
    • Accounting System
    • Advance Payment

 

11. Facilities Location
    • Introduction
    • When Does A Location Decision Arise?
    • Steps In The Facility Location Study
    • Subjective, Qualitative And Semi-Quantitative Techniques
    • Locational Break-Even Analysis
    • Some Quantitative Models For Facility
    • Some Case Examples

 

12. Facilities Layout And Materials Handling
    • Introduction
    • Basic Types Of Plant Layouts
    • Plant Layout Factors
    • Layout Design Procedure
    • Flow And Activity Analysis
    • Space Determination And 'Area Allocation
    • Computerised Layout Planning
    • Evaluation, Specification, Presentation And Implementation
    • Materials Handling Systems
    • Materials Handling Equipment

 

13. Forecasting Demand
    • Methods of Forecasting
    • Judgmental Forecasts
    • Time Series
    • Casual Forecasting
    • Planning Forecasts

 

14. Just-in-Time
    • Principles of just-in-time
    • Achieving just-in-time operations
    • JIT Implementation Design
    • Benefits and Disadvantages
    • Extending JIT
    • Comparisons With Other Methods

 

15. Future Developments
    • Future Trends
    • Sustainability in Warehousing and Inventory Management
    • Automation in Warehousing and Inventory Management
    • Big Data in Warehousing and Inventory Management

 

Distribution Management

1. Distribution Management
   • What is Distribution
   • Role of Distribution Function
   • Channel and Distribution
   • Types of Distribution Channel
   • Distribution Intermediary
   • Direct Delivery
   • Distribution Channel Structure
   • Distribution Channel Structure in India
   • International Distribution Channels

 

2. Physical Distribution
   • Physical Distribution Basics
   • Physical Distribution Relevance
   • Physical Distribution Components
   • Transportation
   • Warehousing
   • Inventory Management
   • Production Control and Materials Requirement Planning
   • Distribution Requirements Planning (DRP)
3. Distribution Network Design
   • Distribution Planning
   • Distribution Strategies
   • Distribution Network Design Factors
   • Distribution Cost
   • Distribution Network Design Options
   • Distribution Network Design Selection
   • Online Sales

 

4. Channel Design
   • Designing a Channel System
   • Network Models
   • Location Analysis Techniques
   • Channel and Market Segmentation
   • Channel and Market Positioning
   • Channel and Market Targeting
   • Channel Implementation

 

5. Channel Selection
   • Changing Business Environment
   • SWOT Analysis
   • Channel Selection
   • Creating and Administering the Channel

 

6. Channel Management
   • Managing The Channel Member
   • Trade Margin
   • Training and Development
   • Channel Vision, Mission and Objectives
   • Channel Motivation
   • Risk Management in Distribution

 

7. Supply Chain Management in Physical Distribution
   • What is Supply Chain Management?
   • Efficient Consumer Response
   • Rapid Response
   • Putting it All Together: What is the Right Supply Chain?
   • Manufacturing Flow Management
   • International Supply Chain and Logistics
   • Supply Chain Management in Rural Areas

 

8. Future Developments
   • Future Trends
   • Big Data
   • Internet of Things

 

Supply Chain and Logistics Strategy

1. Supply Chain Strategy
   • What is Strategy
   • What is Supply Chain Strategy
   • Business Strategy and SCM
   • Organizational Strategy and SCM
   • Competitive Advantage and SCM
   • Strategic Dimensions
   • Customer Focus and Alignment
   • Forecast-Driven Enterprise
   • Demand-Driven Enterprise
   • Number of Supply Chains
   • Strategy Audit

 

2. Supply Chain Strategic Management
   • Strategic Management Processes
   • Supply Chain Strategy
   • Environmental Analysis
   • Pestle Analysis
   • SWOT Analysis
   • Value Chain Analysis
   • Competitor Analysis

 

3. Strategic Decision Making
   • What is Decision Making
   • Decision Making Process
   • Decision Making Strategies
   • What is Strategic Decision Making
   • Strategic Decision Making Models

 

4. Supply Chain Design
   • Supply Chain Decision Phases
   • Supply Chain Process View
   • Achieving Strategic Fit
   • Supply Chain Segmentation
   • Aggregate Planning
   • Planning Strategies

 

5. Logistics Network Planning
   • What is Logistics Network Design
   • Design Issue and Data
   • Distribution Centres and Warehouses
   • Modeling Techniques
   • Logistics Network Design Process
   • International Logistics
   • International Transaction Channels
   • International Distribution Channel

 

6. Logistics and SCM Costing
   • What is Cost
   • Fixed and Variable Costs
   • Cost Analysis
   • SCM Costing
   • What are Logistics Costs
   • Logistics Costs Types
   • Logistics Cost Analysis and Approaches
   • Activity-based costing (ABC)
   • Target Costing
   • Logistics Cost Analysis Formulas

 

7. Logistics and SCM Optimization
   • What is optimization
   • Business Process Optimization
   • Modeling and Optimization
   • Logistics Problems
   • Logistics Optimization
   • Supply Chain Optimization
   • Time Compression
   • Outsourcing
   • Agile Supply Chain
   • Lean Supply Chain
   • Hybrid Supply Chain
   • Demand and Supply Side Alignment

 

8. Safety and Security
   • Supply Chain Safety
   • Supply Chain Security
   • Supply Chain Security Challenges and Solutions
   • International Supply Chain Security Programs
   • United States Supply Chain Security Programs
   • European Union Supply Chain Security Programs

 

9. Sustainability and Environment
   • What is Sustainability
   • Environmental Efficiency and Sustainability
   • Green Supply Chain Management
   • Life Cycle Assessment
   • Reverse Logistics
   • Sustainable Supply Chain Strategies

 

 

10. Risk Management
    • Risk Management Basics
    • Risk Management Process
    • Business Risk Assessment
    • Business Risk Mitigation Options
    • Business Risk Treatments
    • Supply Chain Vulnerability
    • Supply Chain Risk Factors
    • Supply Chain Risk Management
    • SCM Internal and External Environments
    • SCM Risk Assessment
    • SCM Risk Treatment
    • Supply Chain Resilence

 

11. Monitoring and Performance Measurement
    • Performance Management
    • Monitoring
    • SCOR Model
    • The Balanced Scorecard
    • KPI
    • Financial Measures
    • Benchmarking

 

12. Future Developments
    • Internationalization
    • Security
    • Ecological Sustainability
    • Future Trends