Strategic Supply Chain Planning Course

Introduction

The Strategic Supply Chain Planning Course is designed to equip professionals with the skills and frameworks needed to build, align, and optimize supply chain strategies that support long-term organizational goals. This course offers a comprehensive overview of supply chain planning from a strategic perspective, emphasizing how foresight, flexibility, and data-driven decision-making contribute to competitive advantage.

Participants will delve into core areas of strategic supply chain planning, including demand forecasting, network design, inventory optimization, procurement strategy, and risk management. Through case studies, real-world simulations, and expert insights, learners will explore how integrated planning connects supply chain operations with corporate strategy, finance, sustainability, and customer value creation. Special attention will be given to aligning supply and demand under uncertainty, improving service levels, and reducing operational costs.

The course also explores the role of emerging technologies such as AI, predictive analytics, digital twins, and integrated planning platforms in enhancing visibility and responsiveness. Learners will understand how digital transformation enables real-time collaboration across functions and partners, paving the way for agile and resilient supply chain ecosystems. Global trends, such as reshoring, supply chain decarbonization, and geopolitical risk, will also be considered as part of future-ready strategic planning.

An important focus is placed on cross-functional integration, stakeholder alignment, and performance measurement. Participants will learn how to manage trade-offs between cost, service, risk, and sustainability, while also navigating internal priorities and external pressures. The course introduces key tools such as Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), scenario planning, and advanced inventory modeling to support effective strategic decision-making.

Ideal for supply chain managers, planners, procurement professionals, operations leaders, and policy-makers, this course provides a critical foundation for designing proactive and resilient supply chain strategies. By the end of the course, participants will be empowered to drive value, efficiency, and adaptability through strategic supply chain planning in both private and public sector contexts.

Duration

5 days

Who should Attend?

This course is ideal for

·       Supply Chain Managers and Directors seeking to enhance strategic alignment, improve forecasting accuracy, and build resilient supply chain networks.

·       Operations and Logistics Professionals responsible for integrating planning with execution and driving efficiencies across sourcing, production, and distribution.

·       Procurement and Sourcing Specialists looking to align procurement strategies with long-term business goals and supplier risk management.

·       Business and Strategy Analysts involved in data-driven decision-making, performance monitoring, and strategic scenario planning.

·       Finance and Planning Executives aiming to link supply chain decisions with budgeting, cost optimization, and investment planning.

·       Policy Makers and Development Practitioners working on supply chain strategies in public sector, humanitarian, or infrastructure programs.

·       Technology and Systems Specialists implementing ERP, supply chain planning tools, or digital transformation projects.

·       Entrepreneurs and Startups operating in manufacturing, distribution, or retail sectors requiring scalable and agile supply chain strategies.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course the learners should be able to:

·       Understand the strategic role of supply chain planning in achieving organizational goals, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability.

·       Analyze and design end-to-end supply chain strategies, including demand forecasting, supply planning, inventory optimization, and distribution network design.

·       Integrate supply chain planning with corporate strategy, finance, and operations, ensuring alignment across business functions and stakeholders.

·       Apply key planning tools and methodologies, such as Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), scenario planning, and capacity planning for improved decision-making.

·       Evaluate and mitigate risks associated with supply and demand uncertainty, geopolitical disruption, and sustainability challenges in supply chain systems.

·       Leverage data analytics and digital technologies, including AI, digital twins, and cloud-based platforms to enhance visibility, collaboration, and responsiveness.

·       Develop strategic sourcing and procurement plans that balance cost, quality, risk, and supplier relationships across global and local networks.

·       Assess the impact of emerging global trends, such as nearshoring, ESG compliance, supply chain decarbonization, and circular economy models.

·       Design performance metrics and KPIs to track strategic supply chain effectiveness and continuously improve planning processes.

·       Build resilient, flexible, and future-ready supply chains through proactive planning, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic foresight.

Course Outline

Module 1: Foundations of Strategic Supply Chain Planning

• Introduction to supply chain strategy and planning
• Evolution from operational to strategic planning
• Alignment of supply chain strategy with business goals
• Types of supply chain models and frameworks
• Key planning horizons: long-term, mid-term, short-term

Module 2: Demand Forecasting and Planning

• Principles of demand forecasting and demand sensing
• Quantitative and qualitative forecasting techniques
• Collaborative forecasting and demand planning processes
• Forecast accuracy metrics and continuous improvement
• Leveraging AI and machine learning in demand forecasting

Module 3: Supply and Inventory Planning

• Strategic supply planning and capacity management
• Inventory classification, optimization, and safety stock planning
• Multi-echelon inventory management
• Balancing inventory cost and service levels
• Advanced tools for inventory visibility and analytics

Module 4: Network Design and Optimization

• Designing supply chain networks for efficiency and resilience
• Location and allocation decisions
• Transportation network design and modal choices
• Cost-to-serve analysis and network simulation
• Infrastructure, policy, and geopolitical risk considerations

Module 5: Integrated Business Planning (IBP) and S&OP

• Overview of Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP)
• Strategic role of Integrated Business Planning (IBP)
• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement
• Governance structures and S&OP maturity models
• Digital S&OP platforms and automation

Module 6: Procurement and Sourcing Strategy

• Strategic sourcing models and supplier segmentation
• Total cost of ownership (TCO) and value-based procurement
• Supplier risk management and partnership development
• Sustainability and ethical sourcing considerations
• E-sourcing tools and digital procurement transformation

Module 7: Risk, Resilience, and Agility

• Identifying and assessing supply chain risks
• Scenario planning and disruption modeling
• Building resilient and agile supply chain structures
• Lessons from global disruptions (e.g., COVID-19, geopolitical conflicts)
• Cybersecurity and digital risk in the supply chain

Module 8: Sustainability and Circular Supply Chains

• Green supply chain strategies and carbon footprint tracking
• Circular economy principles and reverse logistics
• ESG compliance, reporting, and stakeholder expectations
• Sustainable packaging, transportation, and procurement
• Climate-resilient supply chain design

Module 9: Technology and Digital Supply Chain Transformation

• Emerging technologies: AI, IoT, blockchain, digital twins
• Advanced planning systems (APS) and ERP integration
• Real-time data, dashboards, and control towers
• Role of cloud platforms in collaborative planning
• Data governance and analytics for decision support

Module 10: Performance Management and Strategic KPIs

• Designing performance metrics and balanced scorecards
• Cost, quality, service, and sustainability indicators
• Monitoring supply chain health and maturity assessments
• Benchmarking and continuous improvement
• Strategic alignment reviews and feedback loops

Module 11: Future Trends and Global Issues in Supply Chain Planning

• Reshoring, nearshoring, and regionalization
• Supply chain decarbonization and net-zero targets
• Geopolitical shifts, trade policies, and regulatory changes
• Talent development and workforce transformation
• AI-driven autonomous planning and decision-making

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com Tel: +254 721 331 808

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Upskill Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Upskill certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: training@upskilldevelopment.com, +254 721 331 808

Terms of Payment

Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties payment of the course fee should be done 3 working days before commencement of the training so as to enable us to prepare better.