In today’s globalised economy, the ability to manage products, streamline Manufacturing processes, and coordinate supply chains is vital. This course is built around these foundational pillars: Product Management, Supply Chain Management, and Manufacturing. Participants will explore how modern merchandising roles have evolved to include responsibilities across these areas, making them integral to business outcomes.
Starting with the fundamentals of Product Management, learners will examine the lifecycle from ideation and planning through to launch and discontinuation. They’ll assess market needs, manage product portfolios, and align cross-functional teams towards shared goals.
The module on Supply Chain Management delves into procurement, logistics, distribution, and inventory control—highlighting how robust supply chain systems underpin successful Manufacturing and merchandising strategies. From vendor coordination to delivery metrics, this segment reinforces how Supply Chain Management ensures timely and cost-effective operations.
Manufacturing, the third core element, is presented through the lens of operational efficiency and quality assurance. Learners will explore how manufacturing schedules, lean methodologies, and resource allocation influence product readiness and profitability. Cross-functional team leadership principles are integrated to demonstrate how successful managers bridge Product Management and Supply Chain Management with frontline execution in Manufacturing environments.
Throughout the course, emphasis is placed on real-world integration: how Product Management sets the direction, Supply Chain Management ensures operational capacity, and Manufacturing delivers the final output. Together, these disciplines drive business competitiveness.
By the end, students will have encountered key terminology, systems, and workflows used in Manufacturing, Product Management, and Supply Chain Management—ensuring that they can confidently operate or collaborate across these strategic business areas.
Key topics include:
Product lifecycle strategies and Product Management frameworks
Supply Chain Management systems and tools
Manufacturing principles, process design, and quality control
Demand forecasting and inventory optimisation
Role of merchandising assistants in the end-to-end chain
Collaboration between Product Management, Manufacturing and Supply Chain Management
Team leadership in production and merchandising environments
