Supply Chain Professional Manager

Supply Chain Professional Manager Exam Guide

Occupational Code:  22-04-07-01

(2022 Edition)

Formulated by Hong Kong Supply Chain Management Certification Association

Supply Chain Professional Manager Training Focus

Occupational Code: 22-04-07-01

(2022 Edition)

Formulated by Hong Kong Supply Chain Management Certification Association

Occupational Skills Standards

Occupation Code: 22-04-07-01

Supply Chain Professional Manager

(2022 Edition)

Formulated by Hong Kong Supply Chain Management Certification Association

Explanation

In the new environment of coexisting globalization, digitalization, and uncertainty, supply chain management is facing unprecedented challenges and changes. To adapt to the new trend of supply chain digital transformation, cultivate a high-level supply chain management talent team with global competitiveness, standardize the professional behavior of practitioners, comprehensively improve the professional quality and practical skills of practitioners, and lead the high-quality and sustainable development of the industry, the Hong Kong Supply Chain Management Certification Association, in conjunction with industry, academia, and research, through extensive research and expert argumentation, based on international advanced standards, has carefully compiled the "International Occupational Skills Standards for Supply Chain Professional Managers (2022 Edition)" (hereinafter referred to as the "Standards") over two years.

1.The "Standards" adhere to demand orientation and standards first, with the goal of cultivating compound, innovative, and international high-end supply chain management talents. They fully benchmark against international advanced standards, integrate new technologies, new models, and new business trends, highlight the cultivation of digital application capabilities and innovation and change capabilities, and lead supply chain management to a new stage of high-quality development.

2.Based on the key business processes and core business scenarios of supply chain operations, the "Standards" systematically depict the professional competence that supply chain professional managers should possess from three dimensions: professional theoretical quality, practical operation skills, and comprehensive professional quality, forming a standard system oriented by professional activities and based on professional competence.

3.The "Standards" focus on the cutting-edge trends and common needs in the field of supply chain management, and take the digital supply chain as the main line running through all aspects of the entire supply chain management process. They highlight the innovative application of emerging technologies such as big data analysis, artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Things in the field of supply chain, guiding supply chain professional managers to establish digital and intelligent thinking, master digital management tools, and drive the digital, intelligent, and visual transformation of the supply chain.

4.The "Standards" emphasize "two orientations", namely innovation-driven orientation and global vision orientation. They focus on examining the application of innovative thinking and methods in supply chain optimization, and strengthen the cultivation of practical capabilities such as supply chain process reengineering, model innovation, and business upgrade. They emphasize global resource allocation capabilities and focus on international trade practices, cross-cultural management and other international perspectives and experiences.

5.The "Standards" consist of three major parts: basic requirements, professional functions, and work content:

The basic requirements focus on the professional quality, professional basic knowledge, and general capabilities that supply chain professional managers should possess, clarifying the requirements for rigorous professional conduct, solid theoretical foundation, proficient digital application, and outstanding leadership.

The professional functions are developed from the five core functional modules of supply chain planning, procurement, manufacturing, distribution, and after-sales service, covering the complete business chain of supply chain management. Each functional module further breaks down key work tasks, professional skills, and knowledge requirements.

The work content adopts a four-dimensional framework of "work task-action example-professional skill-related knowledge". Combined with real work scenarios, it provides specific and detailed capability requirements for each key work task.

6. The "Standards" innovatively construct a "dual" assessment system of theoretical knowledge + practical skills. Theoretical exams evaluate the mastery of professional knowledge, while practical exams evaluate actual work ability. Scientific weight settings are used to highlight the practical characteristics of supply chain management, guiding practitioners to strengthen practical training and improve actual work performance.

7.The "Standards" take a forward-looking perspective, balance the present and the future, and scientifically set up a dynamic adjustment mechanism for knowledge update, capability upgrade, and continuous improvement. According to the speed of knowledge updates, occupational environment and job requirements research is conducted every 2 years, and new versions of the standards are updated and released in a timely manner to ensure the advancement and applicability of the standards.

8.As an authoritative standard for global supply chain talent training, the "Standards" are the "touchstone" for testing the effectiveness of supply chain talent training, the "ruler" for standardizing the professional behavior of practitioners, and the "compass" for leading the development direction of industry talents. The implementation of the "Standards" will deliver a large number of high-level supply chain management talents who understand management, are good at innovation, and dare to change, for various industries, providing strong talent support for reshaping global supply chain competitiveness and promoting high-quality supply chain development.

Supply Chain Professional Manager

International Occupational Skills Standards

(2022 Edition)

1 Occupational Overview

1.1 Occupation Title

Supply Chain Professional Manager

1.2 Definition

Supply Chain Professional Managers are senior compound management talents with global vision and innovative thinking, who optimize the business processes of all aspects of the supply chain using advanced management concepts and information technology means, leading the digital transformation and value creation of the supply chain.

1.3 Occupational Level

Based on skill level and management responsibilities, this occupation is a single level.

1.4 Occupational Attributes

This occupation belongs to an emerging profession with strong comprehensiveness, involving the cross-integration of multiple fields such as supply chain management, information technology, and modern logistics. It is a key position to promote the deep integration of supply chain and digital economy.

1.5 Occupational Positioning

This occupation is positioned in the middle and high-level management positions of the supply chain in enterprises and institutions, and is the core role of organizing supply chain management functions. Through strategic planning, process optimization, model innovation and digital transformation, it is responsible for improving the overall efficiency and competitive advantage of the supply chain.

1.6 Occupational Environment

Practitioners of this occupation usually work in a modern office environment in the fields of manufacturing, logistics, retail, etc. They often participate in cross-departmental and cross-enterprise communication and coordination, with a high frequency of business trips. The work intensity is high, facing multiple tasks and time pressures, and requiring continuous learning of new knowledge and technologies.

1.7 Occupational Capability Characteristics

Strategic vision, systematic thinking, process optimization, digital application, risk control and change innovation are the core competence elements of this occupation. In addition, strong leadership, decision-making, execution, communication and stress resistance abilities are also required.

1.8 Basic Educational Level

Associate degree or above, preferably in related majors such as supply chain management, logistics management, business administration, and information management.

1.9 Reference Training Hours

Adopting a training model that combines online and offline, and equally emphasizes case teaching and practical training, the total training hours shall be no less than 120 hours. Among them, online hours shall be no less than 40 hours.

1.9.1 Occupational Skill Assessment Requirements

1.9.2 Application Conditions

-Have a high school education and have been engaged in this occupation for more than 7 consecutive years;

-Have an associate degree and have been engaged in this occupation for more than 3 consecutive years;

-Have a bachelor's degree in this major or related majors and have been engaged in this occupation for more than 2 consecutive years;

-Have a master's degree in this major or related majors.

1.9.3 Assessment Methods

A combination of theoretical knowledge examination and practical skill assessment is adopted. The theoretical examination is mainly computer-based, lasting 120 minutes, with 100 single-choice questions, comprehensively examining the professional theoretical literacy of supply chain management. The practical assessment focuses on project cases and role simulations, emphasizing the practical skills of using information technology to optimize the entire supply chain process, lasting no less than 90 minutes. Both the theoretical exam score and the practical assessment score must reach 70 points to pass.

1.9.4 Invigilator and Assessor Ratio

In the theoretical examination, each exam room is equipped with 2 invigilators, and the ratio of invigilators to candidates is not less than 1:20. In the practical assessment, there are no less than 3 odd-numbered assessors in each assessment room, and the ratio of senior assessors to assessors is not less than 1:2.

1.9.5 Assessment Site and Equipment Requirements

The theoretical examination is conducted in a standardized computer-based examination room, equipped with a digital examination system, intelligent video surveillance, etc. The practical assessment is carried out in the supply chain training center, equipped with supply chain management platform software, big data analysis tools, Internet of Things equipment, etc., to realize the digital simulation of key business links in the supply chain.

1.9.6 Occupational General Competencies

(1) Learning ability: Actively acquire cutting-edge knowledge, quickly master new technology applications, continuously optimize the knowledge structure, and keep up with industry development.

(2) Language expression ability: Express accurately, clearly, and logically in oral and written form, be good at listening, and effectively conduct cross-cultural communication.

(3) Analysis and reasoning skills: Collect data comprehensively, objectively analyze the causes of problems, predict the development of situations, and put forward practical solutions.

(4) Adaptability: Flexibly respond to the complex and changing supply chain environment, calmly handle various emergencies, and resolve conflicts.

(5) Collaboration ability: Promote efficient collaboration inside and outside the supply chain, create an atmosphere of mutual trust and win-win cooperation, and form a collaborative advantage in the supply chain.

2.Basic Requirements

2.1 Professional Ethics

(1) Rule of law concept: Strictly abide by national laws and regulations, conduct supply chain activities in compliance with laws and regulations, and consciously resist illegal acts such as counterfeiting and commercial bribery.

(2) Integrity awareness: Abide by commitments, be honest and trustworthy, and resolutely put an end to dishonest behaviors such as fraud and unfair competition.

(3) Responsibility: Be brave to take responsibility, have the courage to take on responsibilities, complete one's own work with high standards and strict requirements, and contribute to the development of enterprises and industries.

(4) Win-win cooperation: Adhere to openness and inclusiveness, carry out supply chain cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, and promote the common growth and progress of both supply and demand sides.

(5) Self-discipline: Be strict with oneself, be clean and upright, do not violate the bottom line of business ethics, and maintain a good reputation of individuals and enterprises.

2.2 Basic Knowledge

2.2.1 Economic Management Knowledge

(1) Microeconomics: Demand and supply theory, consumer behavior, firm theory, market equilibrium, etc.

(2) Principles of Management: Management functions such as planning, organizing, leading, and controlling; decision-making methods; motivation theory, etc.

(3) Operations Research: Linear programming, dynamic programming, inventory models, queuing theory, game theory, etc.

(4) Statistics: Data collection and processing, parameter estimation, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, time series analysis, etc.

(5) Accounting: Preparation and analysis of financial statements, cost-volume-profit analysis, job costing, target cost management, etc.

2.2.2 Supply Chain Professional Knowledge

(1) Introduction to Supply Chain Management: Concepts, structures and operations of supply chain, supply chain integration, supply chain strategies, etc.

(2) Procurement and Supply Management: Procurement organization and process, supplier development, evaluation and management, procurement negotiation and contract management, etc.

(3) Production and Operations Management: Demand forecasting, production planning and control, inventory management, lean production, quality management, etc.

(4) Logistics and Distribution Management: Selection and optimization of transportation modes, distribution center planning, distribution route optimization, reverse logistics, etc.

(5) Supply Chain Finance: Fund flow optimization, financing plan design, accounts receivable management, supply chain financial risk management and control, etc.

2.2.3 Information Technology Knowledge

(1) Big Data Analytics: Data collection, storage, cleaning, mining, visualization and other data processing and analysis techniques.

(2) Cloud Computing: Cloud service models (IaaS/PaaS/SaaS), cloud deployment modes (private/public/hybrid cloud), etc.

(3) Artificial Intelligence: Machine learning, deep learning, knowledge graph, natural language processing and other AI technologies and applications.

(4) Blockchain: Distributed ledger, consensus mechanism, smart contract, consortium chain, supply chain traceability and other blockchain application scenarios.

(5) Industrial Internet: Industrial Ethernet, edge computing, digital twin, 5G, industrial APP and other key technologies.

2.3 General Skills

(1) Office Automation: Proficient in using office software such as Office for document writing, data processing and information communication.

(2) Foreign Language Application: Have a certain level of English listening, speaking, reading and writing skills, able to read English professional literature and conduct international business communication.

(3) Information Retrieval: Use search engines, academic databases and other tools to effectively obtain needed information and materials.

(4) Business Negotiation: Master negotiation strategies, be able to skillfully use negotiation techniques to reach mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation.

(5) Organizational Coordination: Overall consideration, effectively coordinate various resources, and promote efficient collaboration within and outside the organization.

3.Occupational Functions

3.1 Supply Chain Strategic Planning (Weight 15%)

3.1.1 Supply Chain Status Diagnosis and Vision Planning

(1) Collect data from all aspects of the supply chain and assess the overall performance level of the supply chain.

(2) Diagnose internal and external environments and identify challenges and opportunities faced by the supply chain.

(3) Clarify the development vision and goals of the supply chain and formulate a strategic planning roadmap.

(4) Design the supply chain organizational structure and optimize the division of functional roles.

3.1.2 Supply Chain Network Design

(1) Layout the supply chain network based on market demand, and determine the number and location of suppliers, factories, warehouses, and transportation nodes.

(2) Optimize multi-level inventory allocation and balance service levels and costs.

(3) Apply optimization algorithms for supply chain network simulation and evaluate the feasibility of the plan.

(4) Develop supply chain disaster recovery plans to improve supply chain resilience.

3.1.3 Supply Chain Process Reengineering

(1) Benchmark industry best practices and diagnose pain points and difficulties in supply chain processes.

(2) Use process reengineering methodology to optimize key business processes.

(3) Promote supply chain standardization and improve end-to-end process collaboration efficiency.

(4) Strengthen the digitalization and automation transformation of supply chain processes.

3.2 Procurement Management (Weight 20%)

3.2.1 Procurement Demand Analysis

(1) Collect and analyze material demand forecasts from various business departments.

(2) Perform material management according to ABC classification method and formulate differentiated procurement strategies.

(3) Optimize material purchase frequency and purchase batch to minimize total procurement cost.

(4) Monitor supply risks of key materials and develop emergency procurement plans.

3.2.2 Supplier Development and Evaluation

(1) Expand global procurement channels and explore high-quality supplier resources.

(2) Establish a supplier evaluation index system and organize on-site audits of suppliers.

(3) Use big data analysis methods to quantitatively evaluate suppliers' delivery, quality, cost and other performance.

(4) Classify and manage suppliers to build strategic partnerships.

3.2.3 Procurement Negotiation and Contract Management

(1) Formulate negotiation strategies and form diversified negotiation teams.

(2) Master psychological techniques of negotiation and skillfully use negotiation strategies to achieve mutual benefit and win-win.

(3) Strictly review procurement contract terms and control legal and financial risks.

(4) Track the contract execution process, promptly deal with unexpected problems, and ensure the fulfillment rate.

3.3 Production Operations Management (Weight 15%)

3.3.1 Production Planning Management

(1) Develop a master production plan based on demand forecasts and optimize capacity allocation.

(2) Use tools such as MRP and APS to break down material requirements and form executable production operation plans.

(3) Implement lean production concepts, continuously optimize production processes, and improve production efficiency.

(4) Formulate reasonable inventory policies to reduce the risk of obsolete materials and improve the efficiency of capital utilization.

3.3.2 Production Process Management

(1) Standardize production operation processes and establish key control points and operating procedures.

(2) Introduce automation, informatization, and intelligent technologies to achieve transparent management of production processes.

(3) Strictly implement product lifecycle management and carry out product quality improvement projects.

(4) Implement TPM management to improve overall equipment effectiveness and reduce failure rates.

3.3.3 Safety and Environmental Protection Management

(1) Identify safety risk points in the production process and formulate safety management systems and emergency plans.

(2) Conduct regular safety education and training to strengthen employees' safety awareness.

(3) Strengthen environmental protection management and control in the production process, improve the comprehensive utilization efficiency of resources, and achieve cleaner production.

(4) Introduce the ISO14000 environmental management system to establish a green corporate image.

3.4 Logistics and Distribution Management (Weight 15%)

3.4.1 Warehouse Management

(1) Optimize warehouse layout to improve storage space utilization.

(2) Use WMS systems to achieve informatized and automated management of warehousing operations.

(3) Standardize warehousing operation processes and improve the efficiency of inbound, outbound, and inventory counting operations.

(4) Strengthen inventory early warning management to prevent risks of inventory accumulation and shortages.

3.4.2 Transportation and Distribution Management

(1) Choose appropriate transportation modes to reduce transportation costs.

(2) Optimize distribution routes and frequencies to improve distribution timeliness.

(3) Establish a transportation management information system to achieve end-to-end visual tracking.

(4) Establish strategic cooperation with third-party logistics providers to improve logistics and distribution service levels.

3.4.3 Reverse Logistics Management

(1) Establish reverse logistics management processes for customer returns, repairs, recalls, etc.

(2) Strengthen defective product management to prevent quality risks.

(3) Establish remanufacturing bases to improve the recycling utilization rate of scrapped and defective products.

(4) Establish reverse logistics cooperation with suppliers to reduce reverse logistics costs.