| The supply chain is the backbone of the modern | | | | structured framework for learning, but they are also |
| business. Good management is crucial in order to | | | | the ideal solution for measuring the effective |
| remain competitive and is ultimately the key to the | | | | implementation of that learning into the workplace. |
| success of the organisation. | | | | |
| Supply Chain Management is the process by which | | | | Overview of the Standards |
| materials, services, information and finances flow | | | | The NVQ Standards are designed to cover a wide |
| from supplier to consumer through the various | | | | range of Supply Chain Management roles and are |
| business networks. This includes planning, | | | | therefore available at levels 2, 3, 4 and 5 with each |
| manufacturing, wholesale and retail. The supply chain | | | | level having its own clearly defined list of core and |
| is the whole process of networks involved, and the | | | | optional units. |
| management of these stages is crucial to the | | | | The core units at each respective level of the NVQ |
| efficiency of the operation. | | | | standards focus on those competencies which are |
| So how do you become top of your game? How do | | | | deemed to be fundamental to any individual operating |
| you ensure that you are controlling the supply chain | | | | in a supply chain role at that level, and therefore |
| as efficiently as possible? | | | | must be completed by all students as part of their |
| Increasingly over the past 10 years the National | | | | qualification. |
| Vocational Qualification in Procurement / Supply Chain | | | | The optional units are contained within the specialist |
| Management has become recognised by both | | | | sections of the NVQ and cover supply chain activities |
| organisations and individuals, as a valid and robust | | | | such as Supplier and Contract Management, |
| alternative to the traditional examination based route | | | | Developing and Contributing to Strategies, Sourcing, |
| to full Corporate Membership of the Chartered | | | | Inventory and Materials Management Transport and |
| Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS). Not only | | | | Distribution, Warehousing and finally, Project |
| do Supply Chain Management NVQs provide a | | | | Management. |