University of Cape Town
Supply Chain Management
Comprehend the significance of proficient supply chain management and how it leads to a competitive edge.
Start date
28 July 2025
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Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
6–8 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
The percentage of companies that have felt a negative business impact as a result of supply chain disruption.
Accenture (Nd). Accessed 5 July, 2022.
The percentage of companies that have a proactive supply chain network, which means the end-user is able to address shifts in supply or demand before they become critical.
Procurement Tactics (2022).
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
In today's globalised economy, supply chains function as the arteries that support the flow of goods and services. As our world grows increasingly intricate and interconnected, supply chains have emerged as a critical source of competitive advantage. They offer opportunities to innovate, optimise profits, and enhance the customer experience of your brand or business.
The University of Cape Town's (UCT) Supply Chain Management online short course introduces the fundamental concepts of goods and services production, inventory, storage, transportation, and the principles necessary to effectively manage your supply chains. Focusing on attaining a competitive edge, the course delves into the four functional areas of supply chain management and how they can be utilised to differentiate your business. Students will be guided by faculty to comprehend the concept of an integrated supply chain, determine when to implement a supply chain management system, and keep up with industry trends. By employing their individual circumstances as a case study, they will design an integrated supply chain plan and assess its potential for gaining a competitive advantage.
The UCT Supply Chain Management online short course is accredited by the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA). ISCEA is the global leader in supply chain education, certification, and recognition programmes. By completing this course, students will receive globally recognised skills in supply chain management, networking opportunities with like-minded individuals, and discounted fees for Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM) certification. For more information on the benefits of taking this ISCEA-accredited course, click here.
Please note that GetSmarter and UCT bear no responsibility for the claiming of these benefits with ISCEA. The onus, therefore, falls on you to do so.
Is this course for you?
Designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of those who seek to remain relevant in supply chain management and unlock new career prospects, this course caters to a wide range of individuals. It is particularly well-suited for professionals already employed in logistics, warehousing, transportation, inventory control, purchasing, marketing, sales, customer service, and retail. Additionally, business owners or entrepreneurs interested in improving the efficiency of their supply chain functions will benefit from this course.
Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
In today's globalised economy, supply chains function as the arteries that support the flow of goods and services. As our world grows increasingly intricate and interconnected, supply chains have emerged as a critical source of competitive advantage. They offer opportunities to innovate, optimise profits, and enhance the customer experience of your brand or business.
The University of Cape Town's (UCT) Supply Chain Management online short course introduces the fundamental concepts of goods and services production, inventory, storage, transportation, and the principles necessary to effectively manage your supply chains. Focusing on attaining a competitive edge, the course delves into the four functional areas of supply chain management and how they can be utilised to differentiate your business. Students will be guided by faculty to comprehend the concept of an integrated supply chain, determine when to implement a supply chain management system, and keep up with industry trends. By employing their individual circumstances as a case study, they will design an integrated supply chain plan and assess its potential for gaining a competitive advantage.
The UCT Supply Chain Management online short course is accredited by the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA). ISCEA is the global leader in supply chain education, certification, and recognition programmes. By completing this course, students will receive globally recognised skills in supply chain management, networking opportunities with like-minded individuals, and discounted fees for Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM) certification. For more information on the benefits of taking this ISCEA-accredited course, click here.
Please note that GetSmarter and UCT bear no responsibility for the claiming of these benefits with ISCEA. The onus, therefore, falls on you to do so.
Is this course for you?
Designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of those who seek to remain relevant in supply chain management and unlock new career prospects, this course caters to a wide range of individuals. It is particularly well-suited for professionals already employed in logistics, warehousing, transportation, inventory control, purchasing, marketing, sales, customer service, and retail. Additionally, business owners or entrepreneurs interested in improving the efficiency of their supply chain functions will benefit from this course.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
A thorough understanding of the four key organisational functions in the supply chain.
Practical knowledge of warehouse performance, reverse logistics, investment recovery, transportation, and packaging.
The ability to design an integrated supply chain plan and measure its performance.
The confidence to move into or progress in a supply chain management role.
Unlimited access to edX's Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Understanding general management in the supply chain
Module 2
Procurement management
Module 3
Local and international inventory
Module 4
Warehouse and storage management
Module 5
Transportation management, packing, and containers
Module 6
Forecasting and demand management
Module 7
Reverse logistics and investment recovery
Module 8
Creating a competitive advantage
What past students
think
Asataluli Khorombi
Transport Manager, Nyati Cross Border Pty Ltd
“This has been an awesome first-time experience with online learning and it really helped in broadening my understanding of supply chain management. The classmates were great. I even had the opportunity to meet one of them in person. Overall, this was a great learning experience which I will look into again in the near future.”
Course Convenor
Nkosivile Madinga
Marketing Lecturer, School of Management Studies, UCT
About the certificate
Maximise the efficiency of your supply chain and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter operates as edX's partner for premium online short course products from the world's leading universities and institutions. With edX, we leverage our people, technology, and resources to power your education and your potential.
We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing page, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please visit your Account page here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
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