GLOBALISATION HAS brought in many challenges, one of which is the free flow of goods and services across boundaries. Managing these, in a cost-effective manner is the key to growth in business. In this context, logistics, supply chain management (SCM) and materials management have come into sharp focus in the industry, to get an edge in the market. The need to keep the chain lean and responsive is priority.

Yes, we are talking about the changing face of the materials manager who no longer is just a purchase officer, but has to manage inventories in such a way that the cost to the company is the least. Companies, having this, has started placing the best people in their purchasing functions.
The SCM concept, though nascent in India, is getting importance in companies which have started addressing global competitiveness. Increased competition has thrown open many options to the consumer/ customer and to understand their needs and to ensure that they are met, the supply chain has to be worked out. And there is technology to help one keep abreast with the market trends, movement of goods and services, etc.

Strong demand 

The demand for materials managers is very strong right now, says the Bangalore Chairman of the Indian Institute of Materials Management (IIMM), G.M. Govind. “You may not see many advertisements in the newspapers seeking logistics/ supply chain managers, as the head-hunters are after them. It is a niche market.” The challenge before the materials/logistics managers is that of optimising price and quality and making a product or service available at the right time.

States Mr. Govind: The auto industry is doing extremely well, thanks to the efficient sourcing practices. Newer products are coming into the market and are competitive for the simple reason that they are of better quality and the cost of input material is cheaper. Logistics is not confined to manufacturing operations, but to all enterprises including government institutions, hospitals, retailers, banks – and financial services etc.

Management of logistics is an art and this professionalism can be gained through training.
In a booming economy, the requirement for a vast human resources pool for logistics and materials management is urgent.

In this background, the need to prepare the managers with key inputs has been recognised and there are various institutes offering management courses with specialisation in materials/supply chain/logistics etc. One such premier institute is the IIMM, which is a non-profit organisation spread across the country with 36 branches and 19 chapters and headquarters in Mumbai.

The institute represents a wide spectrum of professionals engaged in the various facets of materials management and responsible for the planning of acquisition, control and distribution of materials and services.

Courses

The IIMM has the distinction of providing substantive courses for those looking for career growth in the area of materials management. The graduate diploma course in materials management (GDMM), recognised by the Central Government, has come inhandy for the Government to make appointments to higher posts.

The IIMM also conducts a three-year post-graduate diploma course in materials management (PGDMM) by correspondence, which is approved by the

All-India Council for Technical Education, and diploma/postgraduate diploma in logistics management (one year by distance mode). It also offers Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (APP) courses from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), U.S. and International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management (IPSM) of the International Trade Centre, Geneva. Importantly, it conducts MBA in materials management in association with Bhoj Open University, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. The other educational programmes include: post-graduate diploma in logistics management; stores management; international trade (export-import management) and central excise laws and procedures.

The certificates and diploma in international purchasing and supply chain management, an initiative of the International Trade Centre and a global network of training institution, is based on the modular learning system,

The programmes are for current and future purchasing and supply specialists. The courses provide tools and techniques to develop innovative approaches to supply chain management.

Core modules

The modular learning system comprises 12 core modules such as understanding the corporate environment; specifying requirements and planning supply; analysing supply markets; developing supply strategies; appraising and shortlisting suppliers; obtaining and selecting offers; negotiating; preparing the contract; managing the supply contract and supplier relationships; managing international logistics; managing inventory; and measuring and evaluating performance. The supplementary modules include environmental procurement; group purchasing; e-procurement and more.

The GDMM is two years in the regular mode and three years by distance mode and the eligibility is graduation or diploma in engineering, The PGDMM is a three-year course taught through distance mode and the eligibility is graduation or GDMM with above 50 per cent marks, besides two years experience in materials management-related areas. The PGDLM is a one-year course through distance mode and the requirement is graduation plus three years experience in materials management/logistics related areas.
All admissions are done through an aptitude test. The last date for submission of application forms is July 20.

MBA option

The MBA in materials management is for three years through distance learning and the requirement is graduation. Lateral entry in the third year is given for GDMM/PGDMM holders. The annual fee for MBA Materials Management is Rs. 10,000.

The courses are controlled at the national level by a Board of Studies consisting of leading personalities from academic and professional fields and the faculty is from industry, educational institutions, etc.
The professional development activities include round table deliberations, study group meetings, lectures, young Materials Managers competition etc. Training programmes are held for executives.