Supply-chain professionals seeking to enhance their careers can register online for a 12-week preparation course for a certification exam beginning Thursday, October 1, at the University of Arkansas Global Campus in Rogers.

The Global Campus is partnering with the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of APICS, a professional association for supply chain and operations management, to offer the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Learning System Thursday evenings, October 1 through December 17.

The deadline to register online is Sept. 24. The cost is $2,800, which includes the 12-week course, certified instructor training, APICS membership, if applicable, and an exam voucher.

“The APICS CSCP is well respected within industry and an excellent credential,” said John L. Kent, director of the Supply Chain Management Research Center for the Sam M. Walton College of Business. “I recommend this CSCP Prep Course for anyone who desires continuing education in supply-chain management.”

The exam preparation course is designed for individuals looking to develop or enhance skills to create and execute a global supply chain management strategy that meets customer needs, reduces costs and increases profits.

“The Certified Supply Chain Professional designation is recognized worldwide as the standard of professional excellence,” said Joan M. Smith, the instructor for the course. “It prepares students to streamline operations strategically and provides tools to manage global supply chain activities.”

The course is divided into three modules: APICS fundamentals of supply chain management; APICS supply chain strategy, design and compliance; APICS implementation and operations.

Smith, who holds APICS certification in the areas of supply chain and production inventory management, will help participants navigate through the learning system and provide clarification of information and coaching.

Smith, the materials manager for Rockline Industries in Springdale, Arkansas, is an experienced supply chain professional with more than 25 years in various roles, including warehousing, transportation, forecasting, inventory management and material planning.

Smith has served as the business subject matter expert for a large SAP implementation representing the forecasting, planning and inventory areas. She has worked for companies including Dow Chemical Co., SC Johnson and 3M. Joan also spent time assisting in the development of an inventory optimization product for a start-up company.

“The APICS CSCP program addresses best practices across the global supply chain,” said Judith Tavano, director of professional development programs. “From suppliers to the end customer, CSCP covers globalization, logistics, IT enablement, and supplier and customer relations.”