This article is on short-duration Purchasing and Supply Chain Management programs which are the most sought after by working professionals in this field today. However, we would like to introduce you to the terms purchasing, supply chain and supply chain management, before we head into the subject. Terminologies Purchasing Certification or procurement refers to the process of getting the services and/or goods needed by a company for managing its working model. Developing quality standards, negotiating prices, financing purchases, inventory control, buying goods, and waste products disposal are all the aspects involved in procurement. A supply chain comprises of everyone involved in getting your product in the customers’ hands. Raw material collectors, transporters, manufacturers, wholesale warehouses, stock rooms, in-house staff, etc are involved in the supply chain.  The tasks and functions contributing to shifting that product, like sourcing, marketing, quality control, and procurement are also included in the supply chain. In short, procurement or purchasing is the process of getting the required goods, while supply chain is the infrastructure required to get those goods. And supply chain management refers to the act of supervising and managing a supply chain to make sure of that it is operating to its maximum level of efficiency. Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Programs Educational and certification programs in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management concentrate on the fundamental facets of the supply chain, including techniques to improve procurement, and manage all the tasks involved in procurement, sourcing, logistics, production, and customer relations. The vital components of coordination and collaboration with channel partners like customers, intermediaries, suppliers, and third-party service providers are also included in these programs. Short courses in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management

• CPP- Certified Purchasing Professional
• CPPM- Certified Professional Purchasing Manager
• CICCM- Certified International Commercial Contracts Manager
• Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations
• CISCP- Certified International Supply Chain Professional
• CISCM- Certified International Supply Chain Manager
• Overseas CISCP / CISCM: Certified International Supply Chain Professional & Manager - Fast Track
• Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations
• Diploma in Procurement and Supply
• Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply

Career Opportunities The demand for knowledgeable and skilled Supply Chain Management professionals is increasingly growing in government agencies and business organizations. The annual salaries of entry-level professionals range typically from $30,000 to 45,000. These professionals are employed in a variety of avenues including Wholesale, Services, Manufacturing and Construction Companies, Government Agencies (cities, counties, state, and federal), Retail Stores, Distribution Firms, Educational Institutions, and Public Utilities. With that said, we would like to suggest that you get enrolled in one of the short-duration courses in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management offered by the Blue Ocean Academy.