The National Association of Purchasing Management's 83rd annual International Purchasing Conference and Educational Exhibit in 1998 is expected to attract more than 2,000 purchasing and supply-management professionals. The conference will offer more than 100 educational sessions addressing both traditional and leading-edge issues in purchasing and supply management.

Sessions will focus on a wide variety of topics, including cost-reduction strategies, negotiation techniques, global supply-chain management, and outsourcing strategies.

NAPM's 83rd Annual International Purchasing Conference and Educational Exhibit

Sponsor: The National Association of Purchasing Management

Date: May 3–6, 1998

Venue: Dallas, Texas

Cost: $870 NAPM members/$970 non-members

Contact: NAPM at (800) 888-6276 ext. 401

University of Tennessee's well-known Logistics Executive Development Program is designed to help senior-level managers achieve competitive advantage through logistics. The course emphasizes creating value for partners throughout the supply chain and integrating logistics activities and strategies with other corporate areas.

The Tennessee program emphasizes four critical business processes: the creation of customer value, supply chain logistics, strategic use of information, and systems management. Participants will learn how to identify critical issues affecting users and providers of logistics services, design a global logistics strategy, and evaluate the trend toward logistics partnerships.

The program promises a balance of theory and practical application through lectures, case studies, small group discussions, and question/answer sessions.

Logistics Executive Development Program

Sponsor: Management Development Center, University of Tennessee and the Council of Logistics Management

Date: April 26–May 1, 1998

Venue: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Cost: $3,500, includes tuition, materials, meals, and accommodations

Contact: UT Management Development Center at (423) 974-5001

Michigan State's annual executive seminar on logistics in supply chain management incorporates the following instructional units: logistics in supply chain management; operational planning and functional dynamics; process integration and measurement; and managerial perspectives. Lecture sessions examine key supply chain management theories, while the workshops emphasize best practices.

One key aspect of the program involves the hands-on management of an integrated logistics system using a computer simulation. Participants are assigned to competitive firms and industries, giving them the opportunity to design and operate a logistics system in week-long competition.

The seminar is designed for executives involved with supply chain operations or planning activities.

Logistics in Supply Chain Management Annual Executive Seminar

Sponsor: The Broad Graduate School of Management, Michigan State University

Date: May 3–8, 1998

Venue: Michigan State University, East Lansing

Cost: $3,500, includes tuition, materials, lodging, and meals

Contact: Tricia Walters at (517) 353-4367

This two-week program, offered by the Transportation Center at Northwestern University, addresses demands placed on corporate management to move materials and products through the supply chain, focusing specifically on the role that management skills play in that process. Participants will examine how inventory and capital management, customer service, cost containment, and strategic alliances all enter into the logistics equation. In addition, they will discuss the importance of coordinating logistics activities with finance, manufacturing, marketing, transportation, accounting, and information technology.

Workshops will teach participants how to apply activity-based costing, benchmark to improve operations, identify new trends in all carrier modes, leverage logistics to compete in the global marketplace, create cross-channel strategic alliances, and use information technology in the supply chain.

The course is designed for shippers, carriers, consultants, and third-party logistics suppliers.

Advanced Transportation/Logistics Management

Sponsor: Transportation Center, Northwestern University

Date: May 11–22, 1998

Venue: Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.

Costs: $5,980, includes tuition, materials, and meals

Contact: Transportation/Logistics Executive Programs at (847) 491-3226

Columbia University's program for non-financial executives blends broad financial principles with practical necessities, giving participants a better understanding of the key concepts in finance and finance reporting. This intensive, one-week course will help attendees interpret financial statements, understand costs and cost allocations, examine the shareholders' view of the business, and communicate more effectively with financial managers and accountants.

In addition to attending lectures and discussion groups, participants work in small group sessions, where they share experiences and work through financial problems.

The program also offers evening sessions. These optional workshops focus on addressing unique needs of the financial services industry, learning computer spreadsheet applications, and understanding the net present value for project investment decisions.

Finance and Accounting for the Non-Financial Executive

Sponsor: Columbia Business School, Columbia University Graduate School of Business

Date: June 14–19, 1998

Venue: Columbia University, New York, N.Y.

Cost: $5,200, includes tuition, materials, lodging, and meals

Contact: Columbia School of Business at (800) 692-3932

This three-day program emphasizes how information technology, electronic communications, and business process reengineering can be used to dramatically reduce business and operational costs. The seminar addresses such fundamental issues as what statistical computer techniques are available; how to improve overall demand planning and sales forecasting processes; and how customer sales activities and inventory levels are used in forecasting sales.

Among the topics covered include the critical role of change management, the importance of teams and relationship management within and between companies, what is required to hold teams accountable, and how to give feedback to top management.

The program targets mid- to senior-level business managers, materials manufacturing and logistics managers, information-technology specialists, and professional technicians.

Demand Planning and Sales Forecasting for Supply Chain Management

Sponsor: Management Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Date: April 20–22, 1998

Venue: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Cost: $945, includes materials and meals

Contact: Management Institute at (800) 348-8964

Integrated logistics systems that provide the critical linkages between suppliers and customers have changed logistics from a low-priority item on the corporate agenda to a competitive necessity. This program has been designed for logistics professionals who want to gain a competitive edge in this rapidly changing environment.

The program will cover these elements that form the building blocks of a successful logistics operation: customer service, transportation/traffic, warehousing, inventory control, network analysis and design, and sourcing.

Faculty for the Logistics Management Program include Kenneth B. Ackerman, president of K.B. Ackerman Co. and Bernard J. LaLonde, professor emeritus at Ohio State University.

The comprehensive program will focus on three dominant and interrelated themes: globalization, information technology, and supply chain management. The instructors will explain how each of these themes impacts the implementation of global logistics strategies in business organizations today.

Logistics Management Program

Sponsor: Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University

Date: June 8–12, 1998

Venue: Ohio State University, Columbus

Cost: $2,950

Contact: Program Administrator at (614) 292-2329

The VICS 98 Conference will provide a forum to discuss current business issues and examine how retailers, suppliers, and transportation companies develop and execute critical business methods. VICS stands for Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Standards Association.

Attendees also will learn about evolving standards for direct-to-consumer sales, logistics, synchronized movement of product and information, collaborative forecasting and replenishment, intercompany Internet standards, and floor-ready merchandising. Top executives will provide insight on best practices that can help reduce costs, improve product availability, shorten leadtimes, and develop profitable trading partnerships.

This conference is designed for senior executives from retail, supplier, and transportation companies.

The Retail Supply Chain Business Conference and Retail Systems 98 Conference and Exposition

Sponsor: Voluntary Interindustry Commerce Standards Association and Retail Systems Alert Group

Date: June 15–18, 1998

Venue: New Orleans

Cost: $895

Contact: VICS 98 at (617) 527-4626

In today's competitive arena, executives who are able to get their companies to share supply and demand information in real time enjoy a great advantage. This conference, sponsored by i2 Technologies, will address that competitive issue. Topics covered include replacing inventory with information, developing multi-enterprise or virtual supply chains, organizing your supply chain, assessing the costs and benefits of supply chain management, and managing change.

In addition, representatives of leading corporations will discuss how they are integrating supply chain management into their everyday business practices. Speakers also will discuss the tools and infrastructure needed for effective supply chain management.

The 1998 Supply Chain Management Conference: Replacing Inventory With Information

Sponsor: i2 Technologies

Date: May 5–6, 1998

Venue: Chicago

Cost: $1,075 Conference Board Associates/$1,300 Non-Associates

Contact: Customer Service at (212) 339-0345

The Grocery Manufacturers of America's Information Systems and Logistics Distribution Conference will provide executives with the opportunity to discuss a wide range of logistics and information systems issues. Characteristics and concerns of supply chain leaders, retailing trends, benchmarking results, customer/external alliances, and the perfect order are among the meeting's topics.

Featured speakers include Randy Mott, senior vice president and CEO at Wal-Mart Stores; Ralph Drayer, vice president at the Procter & Gamble Co.; and Tom Sullivan, director of supply chain logistics at Johnson & Johnson.

1998 Information Systems and Logistics/Distribution Conference: Innovation in Supply Chain Management

Sponsor: Grocery Manufacturers of America's Center for Education

Date: May 18–21, 1998

Venue: Indian Wells, Calif.

Cost: $945 GMA Members/$1,345 GMA Associate Members

Contact: GMA at (760) 341-1000

Stanford's Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, the Stanford Center for Professional Development, and the Professional Education Department of the Stanford Alumni Association offer a new supply chain program for executives.

During this six-day lecture/case study course led by Academic Director Hau Lee, participants will be exposed to the theory and practice of effective and efficient supply chain management. Faculty leaders at Stanford University's Department of Industrial Engineering/Engineering Management and Graduate School of Business have played active roles in global industries, working with many of the companies that exemplify the world's leading supply chain models.

The course will address the evolution of information technology and the impact of this development on supply chain management.

Managing Your Supply Chain for Global Competitiveness

Sponsor: Stanford School of Engineering's Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management Department, Stanford Center for Professional Development, and Stanford Alumni Association's department of Professional Education

Date: July 19–24, 1998

Venue: Stanford University, Stanford, Calif.

Cost: $5,300, includes tuition, materials, and campus accommodations

Contact: Professional Education Registrar at (650) 725-0691