A few years back, I took a
role in retail, to implement an automatic replenishment system (JDA’s Demand
& Fulfilment), after 12 years doing analytics in telecoms. Assuming the
system was plug n play was a daydream we soon got over, but aligning people
& processes is a nightmare we still have. Wanting a better understanding of
supply chain design & implementation, the APICS Certified Supply
Chain Professional (CSCP) course was recommended. The content offers a
wide perspective on the supply chain as a whole, touching elements from source of supply, to final consumption, aligned to the APICS SCOR© model (Plan, Source, Make, Deliver,
Return & Enable).
I opted
for the self-study route. The material is relatively easy to understand and
included three modules, spread over five books (2015 edition). My studies
didn’t really take off until about three or four months before I had to write
the exam (Sep’16). I learnt quickly: "Just in time methods are an option for
inventory planning not exams". Here's how I went about it:
Wanting a complete picture, I skimmed through the written material (5 books). I made mind maps (MindManager) and flagged areas I needed to revisit. I then returned to the first module and began my detailed prep. *Self-study implies self teaching...the notes are easy to follow so for most part, I was a good teacher.I was happy with my progress until I took the post learning questions and mock tests online.
I scored horribly. I reviewed sections again, swotting this time, then re-took the tests. I had similar results. I was baffled. It then dawned on me. The trick was in selecting the best answer, not an answer.
I came up with a method of elimination and rules when faced with ambiguity. I created a matrix, plotting roles, systems, procedures & tools in the supply chain. I drew imaginary swim lanes between them, and applied the concepts. (Diagram below).
Wanting a complete picture, I skimmed through the written material (5 books). I made mind maps (MindManager) and flagged areas I needed to revisit. I then returned to the first module and began my detailed prep. *Self-study implies self teaching...the notes are easy to follow so for most part, I was a good teacher.I was happy with my progress until I took the post learning questions and mock tests online.
I scored horribly. I reviewed sections again, swotting this time, then re-took the tests. I had similar results. I was baffled. It then dawned on me. The trick was in selecting the best answer, not an answer. I came up with a method of elimination and rules when faced with ambiguity. I created a matrix, plotting roles, systems, procedures & tools in the supply chain. I drew imaginary swim lanes between them, and applied the concepts. (Diagram below).
Adapted from the systems map in the
Technology section of Module 2. Supply Chain Design & Compliance.
With this picture in mind, I reviewed
questions asking myself:
- Which role player/s in the supply chain are impacted?
- What System (ERP, APS, etc.) | Procedure (S&OP, SRM, CRM MS, etc.) | Tools (Lean, TQM, 6Sigma, etc.) or Structure is being addressed?
- Does the question require me to look up, or down the supply chain, bearing in mind the directional flow of information, cash and goods.
I then established what content I
needed to memorize, and what I could calculate or derive. There was not a
lot I needed to memorize. It was a relief. Looking at the questions, I
evaluated and ranked options based on best fit to:
- Supply chain principles
- Sustainability
- Financial Benefit.
Tip: review options in the order A, D, B, C. This avoids hasting to select the first option that looks correct.
In my first attempt at the exam, I achieved 98, 92, 92; [total of 341].
In my first attempt at the exam, I achieved 98, 92, 92; [total of 341].
Good fortune
must've been at play, but studying to understand rather than studying to pass, helped more. Having a CSCP can be just a designation lengthening your title, or a foundation
for all things in supply chain. I prefer the latter.
For more information on APICS courses visit their website: APICS Credentials
For more information on APICS courses visit their website: APICS Credentials