The Supply Chain & Logistics Institute, a unit of the Stewart School of Industrial & Systems Engineering, will launch a new course in July. The course, titled "Developing Supply Chain Strategies for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses* is designed specifically for executives in these organizations. CEOs, COOs, VPs/Operations Directors, general managers, and those with logistics, distribution, and transportation responsibilities are encouraged to attend.

The appeal of the program lies in its practical applications for smaller companies. Many of the traditional supply chain concepts employed successfully by large corporations have to be tailored to fit small and medium-sized business needs. In addition, some concepts simply do not apply to smaller firms. Other executive development programs in supply chain management tend to focus their topics and participant solicitation on Fortune 500 corporations; the SCL Institute recognizes that small to medium-sized businesses can also benefit greatly from supply chain principles.

Some of the principles covered in the course include:
* World-class supply chain knowledge and implementation tips, including how to diagnose and redefine your operations/logistics/supply chain organization to gain the most benefit.
* Unique supply chain management issues facing small to medium-sized businesses.
* Key obstacles for SMB organization progress because of entrenched operational procedures and how to get beyond these obstacles for SMB organization progress because of entrenched operational procedures and how to get beyond these obstacles.
* How to ensure future supply chain organization and procedures are capable of handling double digit revenue growth or even enable significant revenue growth.
* How to use supply chain strategies/tools to enhance your company's strategic plan/business model.

After completion of the course, participants should be able to effectively communicate the value of investing in supply chain management, adapt their company's processes to enable supply chain strategies, and learn to align supply chain resources with customers and suppliers, among other things.

The lead instructor for the course is Dr. Christopher Norek, founding senior partner with Chain Connectors Inc., an Atlanta-based supply chain consulting firm specializing in strategy, transportation operations, technology, returns management and training. Dr. Norek has significant experience in many areas of supply chain management for both small to medium-sized businesses and larger enterprises including overall supply chain strategy, supply chain organizational development, supply chain technology/software, distribution network design, inventory strategy, and returns management.

For more information on dates and times of this course visit: http://www.scl.gatech.edu/.

More about Professional Education opportunities at SCL:
SCL's professional education program provides a comprehensive curriculum in Supply Chain & Logistics Operations Management and Technology. The program is a highly regarded and visible part of Georgia Tech's educational outreach. You can choose from two-day to five-day courses for in-depth knowledge in specific topics or opt for the online version of the courses which provides flexibility of covering the material at your own time and pace.

SCL is a unit of the Georgia Tech H. Milton Stewart School of Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISyE) and many ISyE faculty and alumni teach the SCL courses.

SCL's professional education courses are offered through the Georgia Tech Distance Learning and Professional Education organization which is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Universities, and frequently recognized for excellence by the University Continuing Education Association.

Participants who complete SCL courses receive Georgia Tech continuing education credits, which are permanently recorded and are recognized by most professional organizations and employers. Participants also receive a course completion certificate for each SCL course completed from Georgia Tech Distance Learning and Professional Education. Each certificate indicates the course name, date of completion and number of units awarded.