39th Annual Supply Management Program
March 6-10, 2006
Tempe, Arizona

Presented by the Institute for Supply Management™

The Supply Management Program is a Complete Leadership and Education Package

• Develop and execute supply strategies during our hands-on computer simulation
• Learn how to deliver the best value through supply base segmentation
• Explore demand management as a critical component of success
• Learn to align strategies, goals and activities both horizontally and vertically
• Discover how to leverage the full benefits of a socially responsible supply chain

During this intensive week, you will think, evaluate, analyze, decide, discuss, debate and act.

Rich History

Now in its 39th year, the Supply Management Program continues to be an essential ingredient in developing strong and effective supply managers. This program will expand your thinking, enhance your skills and explore value-adding opportunities.

Apply What You Learn

Developing and executing supply strategies is the heart of the game for supply managers. But, an excellent strategy poorly executed reaps the same sub-par results as a well executed yet weak strategy. Dr. Anna Flynn, C.P.M., facilitates a computer simulation, P-Strat, that bridges the gap between development and execution. The simulation includes information, budget and time constraints as well as decisions that follow the hectic pace of your real-world supply chain. Working for competing organizations, teams analyze financial information, spend data and supplier performance along with market intelligence on customers and suppliers all contributing to a series of supply decisions. P-Strat offers hands-on experience resulting in the opportunities and challenges of making and living with the consequences of your supply strategies.

Supply base segmentation enables the appropriate allocation of resources so that the supply organization delivers best value. Supplier relationship management is a critical aspect of effective supply base management. Optimizing the contribution of suppliers often means going beyond standard approaches to create and develop suppliers. Dr. Mike Leenders leads this session on supplier creation and development and the impact on the bottomline. The focus is on business situations that offer strategic opportunities for supply beyond the typical price and volume negotiations.

Whether you work in a service or manufacturing organization, demand management is a critical component of success. Look for a purchasing game where teams forecast demand and commit to order quantities for a commodity. Discussions include the role of probability and decision-trees when making buying decisions based on uncertain forecasts.

Strategies, goals and activities must be aligned both horizontally and vertically. Effective internal alignment reduces the risks of conflicting objectives and activities. The lack of internal alignment often derails either the development or the execution of supply strategies. One of the key aspects of effective internal alignment is linking strategy with performance measurement and management systems. Dr. Angelo Kinicki presents a lively program including developing a supply strategy map using the balanced scorecard approach, writing SMART goals and executing the balanced scorecard approach.

All supply decisions affect and are affected by the wider community in which they are made. Ethics are the root of socially responsible behavior. How can supply managers mitigate the risks associated with irresponsible behavior while enjoying the full benefits of socially responsible management of the supply chain? Dr. Marianne Jennings leads this session on the ethical roots of social responsibility.

Value-Packed Program Schedule

This program is designed to leverage the power of the individual and the group through efficient and effective use of time. This four-and-a-half-day program includes individual work, small-group discussion and strategy development, presentations, facilitated large-group discussions and networking events. Each day is devoted to an intensive focus on selected critical areas of supply's contribution. Our instructors are carefully selected for their content expertise as well as their skills in presenting concepts, leading discussions and facilitating analysis and decisionmaking. We have limited the number of sessions to allow more time for hands-on activities, facilitated discussion and peer interaction. Using small-group discussions, case analyses, presentations and interactive exercises, the instructors share ideas, concepts and examples designed to stimulate thought and creative problem solving. Plan on fresh-air breaks throughout the day. Group luncheons and two group dinners allow networking and downtime. Don't come to this program expecting talking heads. Each session is designed to make the subject matter come alive. Roll up your sleeves and get ready to work on real-world challenges.

Who Should Attend?

This program is designed for leaders of change in supply management. Those in decisionmaking positions related to purchasing, procurement, suppliers, supply management or supply chain management will most benefit from this program. Typically, participants have responsibilities for planning, managing or directing supply functions or processes in alignment with organizational goals and objectives. Historically, this program has benefited participants with titles such as vice president or director of purchasing or supply management, supply or supply chain manager, commodity or materials manager, sourcing team leader and the like.

Learning Environment and Program Locations

Monday through Thursday, sessions take place at the national headquarters of the Institute for Supply Management™. Participants stay at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Tempe (www.embassysuites.com), located six miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and four miles from the Institute for Supply Management™ headquarters. A scheduled shuttle is provided to the classroom at the ISM headquarters for the program on Monday through Thursday. The half-day session on Friday is at the Embassy Suites to accommodate varying travel schedules.

The ISM facility is located in the beautiful Arizona State University Research Park, which includes several lakes and walking/jogging paths. Sessions take place in the ISM classroom away from the usual distractions at hotels. This location allows participants to meet some of the key staff members of ISM and CAPS: Center for Strategic Supply Research, as well as a chance to tour the facility. Each day begins with a continental breakfast in the seminar room. Lunch is provided and allows time to enjoy a stroll around the lakes or relax on the patio before the afternoon sessions. Evening events are scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday.

Here are just some of the organizations that have participated in past Supply Management Programs:

• Putting Knowledge Into Action - Main Page
• Sessions
• Faculty
• Registration Information
• Download the Conference Brochure  (PDF format)