The Modular Learning System in Supply Chain Management (MLS-SCM℗) began in 2001, with the aim of promoting enterprise competitiveness through improved purchasing and supply chain management knowledge and skills. The MLS-SCM℗ programme consists of a series of complete and up to date training packs on supply chain management and a professional certification programme available in English, Spanish and Chinese. The symbol signifies the power of purchasing which is one key element of this programme.

The programme network covers over 50 countries. More than 1,500 trainers attached to these institutions are involved in teaching the programme and more than 20,000 professionals have benefited from this training since the programme started.

These user-friendly, practical and impacting modules cover all aspects of the supply chain, and will help enterprises, professionals and individuals to develop innovative new approaches to supply chain management, excel in an environment of global competition, reduce total supply chain costs and make optimum use of available resources.

The MLS-SCM℗ programme was singled out as a model for sustainable training capacity development in the ITC programme evaluation in 2007. It offers an interesting business model for local institutions where these institutions are given access to internationally validated materials, to trainers trained on modern training techniques as well as to an internationally recognised professional certification programme which these institutions can offer to their local markets.

This programme has tended to be particularly successful with institutions that are keen to develop high quality training services and that are willing to make initial investments in terms of staff time, marketing and other preparatory activities while expecting to recover these investments and generate good income from the programme.

The MLS-SCM℗ programme is based on the following three pillars:

1. High quality training materials provided by ITC

The MLS-SCM℗ materials consists of a series of complete training modules covering all key aspects of purchasing and supply chain management in a practical and structured manner.

2. A professional certification programme provided by ITC

International Exams leading to an International Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma in Supply Chain Management based on the MLS-SCM have been organised every 6 months since 2002 in English, since 2005 in Spanish and since 2006 in Chinese.

3. ITC support to the network (training of trainers, course design, marketing of the courses, etc)

The support given by ITC to network member institutions is in the form of training of trainers, assistance in course design, development of local materials and cases, etc but all local costs related to preparatory workshops, marketing and getting ready to start offering the programme in a particular country are also covered entirely by the local network member institution.