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MLS SCM Introduction en 2013.10.11
MLS SCM Introduction en 2013.10.11
MLS SCM Introduction en 2013.10.11
1. Introduction
The MLS-SCM programme consists of a series of complete and up to date training packs on supply chain
management and a professional certification programme. The symbol signifies the power of purchasing
which is one key element of this programme.
This programme prepares enterprises to connect with global supply chains by offering high quality training
which is at the same time easily accessible (in terms of learning approach) and affordable. It responds to
enterprises’ rapidly growing need to develop skills in Supply Chain Management, a key area for
competitiveness and export performance. The MLS-SCM is aimed specifically at staff responsible for
managing purchasing and supply chain operations in enterprises.
The programme network covers more than 50 countries. Over 1,500 trainers attached to these institutions
are involved in teaching the programme and more than 30,000 professionals have benefited from this
training since the programme started in 2001.
The MLS-SCM programme offers an interesting business model for local institutions where these
institutions are given access to internationally validated materials, to trainers trained on modern training
techniques as well as to an internationally recognised professional certification programme which these
institutions can offer to their local markets.
This programme is particularly successful with institutions that are keen to develop high quality training
services and that are willing to make initial investments in terms of staff time, marketing and other
preparatory activities while expecting to recover these investments later on. Many current network member
institutions today generate good income from the programme and it is estimated that the programme has
generated total revenue of more than 10 million US$ for the participating institutions to date.
The support given by ITC to network member institutions is in the form of training of trainers and assistance
in course design, etc. but all local costs related to preparatory workshops, marketing and getting ready to
start offering the programme in a particular country are covered entirely by the local network member
institutions.
The MLS-SCM is currently available in English, Spanish and Chinese and partly in French and Arabic.
The MLS-SCM materials consist of a series of complete training modules covering all key aspects of
purchasing and supply chain management in a practical and structured manner.
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New Module on SCM for SMEs
We are very pleased to announce the launch of a new Module on SCM for SMEs in 2013 as part of our new
initiative to help SMEs connect with global supply chains.
KEY CONTENTS
MANAGING OPERATIONS
MANAGING LOGISTICS
The new SCM for SMEs Module will be available to institutions already having a license for the MLS-SCM
programme as well as to new users under separate agreements.
Institutions wishing to offer this programme in their home countries sign license agreements with ITC. The
license and other fees as indicated below will apply:
Country category
1 2 3
LDCs DCs & ETs Industrialised
1. Initial license fee covering the full set of MLS-SCM
materials (including the SCM for SMEs pack) to be paid US$ 2,500 US$ 3,500 US$ 10,000
upon signature of the agreement
2. Initial license fee for the SCM for SMEs pack to be paid
upon signature of the agreement (for institutions wishing to US$ 250 US$ 500 US$ 1,000
acquire a license only for the SME pack)
3. Yearly license renewal fee (full programme) to be paid at
the end of each calendar year starting from the second year US$ 200 US$ 500 US$ 800
of joining the network
1
LDCs = Least Developed Countries, as per the UN definition: ANGOLA, AFGHANISTAN, BANGLADESH, BENIN, BHUTAN, BURKINA FASO, BURUNDI, CAMBODIA, CENTRAL
AFRICAN REPUBLIC, CHAD, COMOROS, DJIBOUTI, TIMOR LESTE, EQUATORIAL GUINEA, ETHIOPIA, ERITREA, GAMBIA, GUINEA, GUINEA BISSAU, HAITI, KIRIBATI, LAO
PDR, LESOTHO, LIBERIA, MADAGASCAR, MALAWI, MALI, MAURITANIA, MOZAMBIQUE, MYANMAR, NEPAL, NIGER, RWANDA, SAMOA, SAO TOME, AND PRINCIPE,
SENEGAL, SIERRA LEONE, SOLOMON ISLANDS, SOMALIA, SUDAN, TANZANIA, TOGO, TUVALU, UGANDA, VANUATU, YEMEN, DEM. REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO and
ZAMBIA. South Sudan is also included although it has not yet been officially given LDC status.
2
DCs & ETs = other developing countries and economies in transition.
3
Industrialised = Industrialised countries.
2
4
4. Royalties per Module Participant (person trained and
Module) for all participants except those employed by
5 5% 5% 5%
SMEs at the time of studying the programme.
(or a minimum (or a minimum (or a minimum
A percentage of the course fee charged by the network
of US$ 3) of US$ 7) of US$ 20)
member institution (excluding exam fees) or the minimum
rates will apply.
5. Royalties for participants employed by SMEs at the time
of studying the programme
3% 3% 3%
(or a minimum (or a minimum (or a minimum
A percentage of the course fee charged by the network of US$ 2) of US$ 5) of US$ 20)
member institution (excluding exam fees) or the minimum
rates will apply.
6. Fee per candidate: International Professional Certification US$ 20 per US$ 35 per US$ 100 per
programme (3 levels) individual exam individual exam individual exam
NB: ITC will launch a new exam structure in 2014 which will (or US$ 120 per (or US$ 210 per (or US$ 600 per
involve a reduced number of exams. level) level) level)
A yearly license renewal fee of US$ 200 will apply to institutions in all least developed countries and in
developing countries of a population of 3 million or below that train fewer than 200 Module participants
per year. For those training more than 200 Module participants, this fee will be waived.
Each network member institution has the full freedom to decide how to offer the programme (e.g. in terms of
duration of each course, frequency, profile of participants, etc.) but has to provide detailed reports in their
activities (including summary evaluations of all courses offered) to ITC. Member institutions decide on the
course & exam fees for the participants in their programmes.
4
Modules Participants = the number of participants multiplied by the number of modules they have studied. If for example 20 persons study 10 Modules,
this is equivalent to 200 Module Participants.
5
Evidence may be requested by ITC. Please note that the official definition of an SME in the country concerned will apply.
3
It is highly recommended that the trainers employed by member institutions to deliver the programme should
be practitioners with substantial supply chain management experience of their own. Many institutions, for
example, offer the courses during evenings or weekends in order to make it easy for both trainers (who are
often working professionals) and participants to attend.
Institutions interested in offering this programme should apply for a license to ITC. The completed license
application form (downloadable from www.scm-learningnet.org) should be sent by e-mail to
mls-scm@intracen.org. Any type of training institution is eligible to apply for an MLS-SCM license.
The Advanced International Certificate in Supply Chain Management, awarded after successful completion of
the exams for the above Modules plus Modules 7-12.
The International Diploma in Supply Chain Management, awarded upon successful completion of all the 12
Modules plus Modules 13-18
Exams are taken in the home country, with the local MLS-SCM network member institution being
responsible for handling all local arrangements.
The certificates & diplomas carry the logos of ITC and of the local network member institution. Certificates
are signed by (1) the Executive Director of ITC (2) the head of the local network member institution and (3)
by the Chairman of the MLS-SCM Advisory Board.
A certification programme for SME staff (based on the new SCM for SMEs Module) is also in the pipeline.
ITC can assist institutions having acquired the MLS-SCM license to get started as needed. This assistance
can take the form of advice and guidance in some or all of the following areas:
The network is also supported by a network website offering options such as viewing & contacting other
members; posting news & announcements; downloading materials; posting & publicising training events;
registration for exams & viewing exam results, etc.
4
5. List of MLS-SCM Modules
Module 1 - Understanding the Corporate Environment
The corporate environment, including ownership and size, corporate culture, mission, goals, policies and strategy directly
influence the way in which the purchasing & supply chain management function is organised and operates. The objectives,
policies and strategies of the purchasing & supply chain management function must be aligned with those of the rest of the
enterprise.
Module 7 - Negotiating
Negotiation starts with effective preparation, including setting realistic and achievable negotiation objectives and determining
the best possible strategy to be used. Conducting the negotiation itself involves applying the arts of active listening and o f
questioning, and using appropriate tactics and persuasion techniques.
5
Module 12 - Measuring and Evaluating Performance
Evaluating purchasing and supply performance requires identifying which measurements are best suited to a company's
needs. It involves collecting, analysing and interpreting evaluation data, and using this information to improve purchasing &
supply effectiveness and efficiency.
Module 15 – E-Procurement
This Module will allow readers to take full advantage of the opportunities and cost savings potentially offered by
e-procurement. It covers practical guidance to readers at the planning, preparation and implementation stages.