Course Outline: Logistics & Supply Chain Management (LSCM)

1. Course Overview

This course equips learners with practical skills in Logistics and Supply Chain Management to enhance business efficiency, NGO operations, and government service delivery. It combines theory, real-world case studies, and digital tools for professional growth.

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2. Target Audience

• Business professionals
• Procurement & Logistics Officers
• NGO, Government & Donor staff
• Students & graduates in business, economics, or development
• Entrepreneurs running retail or wholesale businesses

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3. Course Duration

• Total Duration: 2 Weeks (self-paced online)
• Total Hours: ~45 hours
  • 3 hours lessons + practice tasks
  • 3 hours assessment

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4. Course Structure (Modules & Lessons)

1 Introduction to Logistics & Supply Chain

• 1.1 What is Logistics? What is Supply Chain Management?
• 1.2 Importance of LSCM in Business, NGOs, and Government
• 1.3 Key Differences: Procurement, Logistics, and Supply Chain
• 1.4 Supply Chain in Malawi: From farm to supermarket
  Practical: Map a maize supply chain

2 Procurement & Sourcing

• 2.1 Principles of Procurement
• 2.2 Supplier Selection & Evaluation
• 2.3 Tendering, Bidding, and Contracting
• 2.4 Ethics & Transparency in Procurement
  Practical: Draft a supplier evaluation form

3 Inventory & Warehouse Management

• 3.1 Types of Inventory (raw materials, finished goods, spare parts)
• 3.2 Inventory Control Methods (FIFO, LIFO, JIT)
• 3.3 Warehousing Principles: Layout, safety, and storage
• 3.4 Technology in Inventory (barcoding, stock cards, ERP basics)
  Practical: Create a stock card

4 Transportation & Distribution

• 4.1 Modes of Transport (road, rail, air, water)
• 4.2 Last-Mile Delivery Challenges
• 4.3 Fleet Management & Route Planning
• 4.4 Risk & Cost Management in Transport
  Practical: Plan mosquito net distribution

5 Supply Chain Strategy & Integration

• 5.1 Supply Chain Planning & Coordination
• 5.2 Building Strong Supplier Relationships
• 5.3 Global vs Local Supply Chains
• 5.4 Sustainable & Green Supply Chains
  Practical: Compare local vs imported sourcing

6 Risk Management in Supply Chains

• 6.1 Common Risks (delays, theft, inflation, disasters)
• 6.2 Risk Mitigation Strategies
• 6.3 Contingency Planning
• 6.4 Case Study: Fuel shortage in Malawi
  Practical: Risk plan for vaccine transport

7 Technology & Future Trends in LSCM

• 7.1 Role of ICT in Logistics (tracking, apps, ERP)
• 7.2 E-commerce & Digital Supply Chains
• 7.3 Data Analytics in Supply Chain
• 7.4 Future Skills in Logistics
  Practical: Research an African logistics app

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5. Certification

• Learners scoring 50% and above will earn a Certificate of Achievement in Logistics & Supply Chain Management from SkillBridge Institute.
• Learners who complete without exams will get a Certificate of Completion.
• The certificate highlights practical skills with inventory tools, procurement forms, and digital supply chain systems.

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6. Additional Benefits

• Lifetime access to course materials
• Free updates as logistics practices evolve
• Networking with fellow learners
• Access to job & consultancy opportunities