| Firstly a definition is important to begin with. Within | | | | and strategic manager. The Level 3 NVQ. |
| the Supply Chain Management (SCM) philosophy, | | | | This NVQ is an effective way to develop purchasing |
| businesses manage their source materials, information | | | | skills across a broad spectrum of activities. It is used, |
| and finances throughout the entirety of the S. C. | | | | in some instances, by organisations wishing their staff |
| Once a particular supply chain is established, the | | | | to demonstrate their level of purchasing skills. This |
| various businesses involved in the chain share | | | | can be in conjunction with the internal promotion or |
| information with one another in order to synchronize | | | | remuneration structure. The NVQ 3 will require a |
| their assets, coordinate their production techniques, | | | | broad understanding across the S. C. and will focus on |
| and ensure the continued synchronization of supply | | | | best practice. To cover the supply chain the NVQ |
| and demand throughout the chain. SCM traditionally | | | | also covers materials management and logistics. |
| dealt almost exclusively with the maintenance of the | | | | To be able to collect the evidence of competency, |
| flow of actual products within the supply chain, but | | | | each candidate must be operating within a purchasing |
| the emergence of the Internet has placed continually | | | | role, which is broad enough to encompass the |
| increasing importance on the flow of information | | | | selected optional units. An essential requirement is the |
| throughout the chain as well. | | | | knowledge and understanding associated with the |
| Who are the Supply Chain Management NVQ Levels | | | | chosen elements and students are expected to |
| for? | | | | demonstrate this at the time of assessment. |
| The types of candidates and their job roles for each | | | | Students are encouraged to join CIPS as a Student |
| level is indicated below: | | | | or Associate to support their development and |
| - Level 2: buying assistant, clerical/buying support. | | | | access the CIPS resources. |
| - Level 3: purchasing/administrative officer, junior | | | | There are a limited number of NVQ Providers |
| manager, supervisor, buyer. | | | | throughout the UK, offering the NVQ Level 3 in S.C.M. |
| - Level 4: analyst, consultant, head of department, | | | | These are all approved Edexcel centres and operate |
| purchasing manager, specialist manager, senior buyer. | | | | under stringent quality control procedures. |
| - Level 5: chief executive, director, senior manager, | | | | |