Integrating complex networks of suppliers is the focus of a CSIRO and Logistics Association of Australia (LAA) course next month which gives a US and Australian perspective on the science of logistics.The course, ‘Integrated Logistics and Supply Chain Management’, will be held in Sydney on 28-30 May and brings world-leading researchers in logistics to ‘deliver the goods’ to supply chain and logistics executives in Australia.

International speakers include Lew Roberts and Professor John Bartholdi, from the Georgia Institute of Technology (US), giving training courses in Australia for the first time. Local experts are from the University of Wollongong and CSIRO.

Dr Simon Dunstall, leader of CSIRO’s Adaptive Supply Networks team, said managing logistics in any industry is largely about choosing between a vast array of supply chain options in a way that is sound, quantitative and exhaustive.

“A significant part of the course will focus on innovations in supply chain and logistics and how to manage supply networks in an integrated way,” Dr Dunstall said.

Dunstall’s work in wine supply chains, for example, involves planning systems that span hundreds of stakeholders working together across time and distance to get quality wine to our tables.

“Collaboration is a major component in getting step changes or transformations in the performance of a network. These courses will help senior managers choose and manage the supply chain configurations that give them best value for their businesses,” he said.

The Logistics Association of Australia, for logistics and supply chain professionals, is looking to attract to the course a broader range of professionals including those in business development, procurement, marketing and engineering.

Mr Brad Harrison, President of the LAA, said while Logistics and Supply Chain specialists are custodians of the supply pipeline, everyone in a firm contributes to its daily workings.

“We’re pleased to offer, with CSIRO, an international programme enhanced with local knowledge and research,” Mr Harrison said.

This event is part of the Australian Innovation Festival and more information can be found at http://www.csiro.au/events/pe8x.html

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