Supply Chain Management Customer Comments
“I feel the ‘Supply Chain Leadership’ course was an excellent blend of theory, real-world examples of supply chain successes and catastrophes, and hands-on experience in supply chain dynamics through the use of computer-based simulations.
The theory portion, consisting of six laws of supply chain physics, constructed a solid foundation so my classmates and I could recognize key factors, become aware of the dangers of trying to optimize too many parts of the supply chain, and understand the nature and impact of supply chain uncertainty. Through videos, case studies and story-telling, we were exposed to real-world examples of what happened when companies either violated or observed these supply chain principles.
The combination of theoretical principles and empirical evidence appropriately prepared us to get the most out of the role-playing scenarios that used the simulation models. The scenarios exposed us to a variety of situations, and strongly reinforced the significance of the non-linear, interlinked and uncertain nature of supply chains.
One measure of the effectiveness of instructors in a concentrated course like this is the lack of boredom and clock-watching. I felt like the three days flew by and I attribute that to the effective and entertaining style of the presenters, led by Dr. Rappold, who is one of the best instructors I’ve had in a 40-year career. He mixed a variety of media technology along with information, humor and critiques in a seamless, effective manner that kept the class focused and motivated.
The information was presented so clearly, and in such a well-organized fashion, that the participants didn’t have to be mathematicians or statisticians to understand and apply the principles. I’d definitely recommend this course for anyone involved in their company’s supply chain.”
Pete Havanac, Sales/Marketing Analyst, United Sugars Corporation, Edina, MN
“We selected the UW Supply Chain Leadership certification offered by Dr. James Rappold to educate and train our Lean Six Sigma champions to define and optimize a materials planning process across our entire corporation that leverages and complements our global SAP implementation.”
Pedro Rodriguez, Supply Chain Lean Six Sigma Champion, Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, WI
“My goal in taking the ‘Supply Chain Inventory Planning’ course through the University of Wisconsin-Madison Executive Education was to gain a better understanding of business unit material requirements, planning, forecasting and scheduling activities that are complemented by the inventory management activities I am responsible for.
The course certainly delivered! I left the class ready to apply the valuable inventory management and warehousing policies and procedures I’d learned in order to better integrate and optimize my company’s individual warehouse and total inventory management strategies.
I feel the course curriculum incorporated marketing, product development, sourcing, planning, production and logistics exceptionally well. The relevant game play and practical model experimentation allowed me and the other students to apply core curriculum concepts in a fun and easy-to-understand way.
Since attending this course, I have been able to successfully establish and monitor inventory and all associated logistics performance measures within my company. Thank you!”
Elisa Bjork, Inventory Procurement Planning Analyst, Alliant Energy, Madison, WI
