Supply Chain Management

Post-Secondary Programs
Credential Earned: Ontario College Graduate Certificate (2 Year)
Campus: Timmins
Program Length: 4 Semesters
CIP Code: 52.0203

Program Code: B307

Program availability varies by academic year. Refer to the Ontario College Application Service (OCAS) for the most up-to-date availability. Applications for Fall intake open in October prior to the next academic year.


Supply Chain Management is a two-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program (completed in four semesters). It is designed for individuals looking at a career or who are currently employed in the area of supply chain and logistics management.

Students will learn to research and analyze the marketplace; develop demand forecasts; evaluate suppliers’ capabilities to deliver; utilize logistics technology tools and resources to assist in decision making; develop aggregate and master production plans/ schedules; and analyze business processes.

Industry-standard theories, methods, and techniques (Six Sigma, Total Quality Management, Just-in-Time, Lean Theory of Constraints) and how they apply to supply chain management strategies and problem solving will also be covered.

This program will provide students with valuable and relevant work experience, transferable skills sought by employers, and an opportunity to explore career interests before graduation.

Through the work placement experience, students will enhance the understanding of Supply Chain and Logistics learned in class and practice the business skills in the real-world.

Contact Information

For questions about being admitted into the program, please contact Northern College Admissions at admissions@northern.on.ca or by phone at 705-235-3211 ext. 7222.

For questions about the content of the program, contact the Program Coordinator.

Ashley Wojtus
Program Coordinator
Tel: 705-235-3211 ext. 2700
Email: wojtusas@northern.on.ca

Student Success & The Northern Experience

Our Supply Chain Management is a two-year Ontario College Graduate Certificate program designed for individuals pursuing a career or already employed in the area of supply chain and logistics management.

Acheive the skills and applied knowledge for a fulfilling career in supply chain management within a global economy – from planning, sourcing, producing and delivering the product or service – and gain valuable experience through work placement opportunities.

This program is currently open to international students only. International student can apply online through the OCAS International Application Service (IAS) Applicant Portal.

Apply on OCAS International

Course Information

Course descriptions can be found below.

Please note, course information is based on our current offering and is subject to change. Current students can find more information on courses in their student account.

If you have questions or require program information for previous academic years, please contact the Program Coordinator.

More information can be found in the Program Outline [PDF, 179 KB]. Program Outlines can also be found in the archives.

Program Outline [PDF, 179 KB]

2024-2025 Academic Year

Semester 1

Students examine the core business processes that are integral to the activities of a business. Students study Enterprise Resource Planning systems, the integration of transaction level processes and the “Order-to-Cash”, “Procure-to-Pay”, and the “Production” processes. Financial and Controlling processes as well as Human Resource processes are also examined. Business processes define the steps involved in completing various business activities, such as order taking, purchasing, materials management, financial accounting and planning. Understanding these processes and how they cross department and organizational boundaries is critical to assessing real world business operations. Students enhance their knowledge of how computer systems support business processes through extensive hands-on experience using commercial based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software simulation.

42 Hours

An introduction to the study of Supply Chain and Logistics Management, this course will encompass the planning and management of all activities involved in sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics management activities. It spans all movement and storage of raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods from point of origin to point of consumption. Important elements of logistics will also be covered: forecasting and demand management, procurement, transportation, production planning, inventory management, materials handling, warehousing and distribution functions associated with the movement, production and storage of goods as well as benchmarking supply chain performance and the role of information technology in making supply chain decisions.

42 Hours

In this course, students will learn effective communication skills needed to be successful in the workplace. This course will allow students to learn and develop comprehensive writing and communication structures. Using communication techniques, business writing processes, and the development of cohesive business reports and proposals, students will get the foundational elements required to be effective communicators in a professional business setting.

42 Hours

This course provides an in-depth analysis of human resources and organizational management, focusing on strategic applications in the Canadian organizational management context. Students will engage with complex organizational challenges and opportunities, including legal frameworks, talent management, diversity initiatives, performance management, and leadership strategies, to develop critical skills for managing human capital.

42 Hours

This subject introduces the major aspects of international business in today’s dynamic global economy. International marketing is emphasized. Applications of theories are embedded in discussions and case studies on how corporate practices are adapting to the ever-changing marketplace.

42 Hours

This course will cover the following concepts related to Operations Management: Illustrate the importance of operations management in the context of an organization’s strategic plan. Assess the role of supply chain management, logistics, and inventory strategies to support operational requirements. Determine the layout for goods and service producers to maximize efficiency and support organizational goals. Assess the impact of product/service design processes and benchmarking on productivity to support the organization’s goals. Assess strategies for the scheduling of production and staff which support the most productive operations of a facility. Assess the impact of quality control and quality assurance systems and programs to support the organization’s goals. Apply qualitative considerations and quantitative methods to the management decision making involved in the day to day operations of a business. Appreciate the scope of subjects and knowledge necessary for effective and efficient management of business operations, and to optimize the customer value created. Understand the connection between the different types of decisions made by operations managers, and the different types of mathematical models available to support management decision making. Communicate clearly the results of analysis and the application of quantitative methods to operational decisions to the managers involved.

56 Hours

Semester 2

This course focuses on both strategic and tactical issues in international operations management, including capacity planning, materials management, modes of transportation, Incoterms, supply chain management and global sourcing and manufacturing.

42 Hours

This course introduces the student to Purchasing and Supply Management. The term “Purchasing” describes the process of buying: learning of a need, locating and selecting a supplier, negotiating a price and other pertinent terms, and following up to ensure delivery. “Supply Management” refers to an organizational structure where there is a single manager responsible for the planning, organizing, motivating, and controlling of all those activities principally concerned with the flow of materials into an organization.

42 Hours

This course is designed to provide an introduction to the fundamental nature of inventory from a financial, physical, forecasting, and operational standpoint. The instructor will guide the student to the areas of forecasting, physical control and layout, and problem recognition and resolution. Students will also gain general knowledge of the ERP software for material management.

42 Hours

In this course, students will develop managerial skills to propose, plan, secure resources, budget, and lead project teams to successful completions of projects. Students will also learn why organizations have developed a formal project management process supported by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and its Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) to gain a competitive advantage. The case study approach will be used along with an investigation of software and collaboration tools that aid in carrying out activities of project planning and project execution.

42 Hours

This course introduces students to e-commerce concepts within the framework of e-business. Students will examine how businesses can benefit from using e-commerce, the strategies used to conduct business online, the technologies utilized, and the importance of e-commerce integration within an organization. Legal, ethical, taxation and security issues will be examined from the viewpoint of recognizing and controlling areas of risk in e-commerce. All concepts examined will be put into context through the creation of a working “shopping chart” application for use on a website.

42 Hours

This course equips students with foundational knowledge and practical insights into the role of Management Information Systems (MIS) in modern organizations. Students will analyze how data, information, and business intelligence support strategic decision-making and explore the components of MIS infrastructure, including hardware, software, and networking systems. Students will examine the impact of disruptive technologies, digital business models, and emerging innovations such as blockchain and artificial intelligence on enterprise systems and supply chains. Students will also investigate ethical, legal, and security concerns in the digital environment, applying best practices in information governance. Through critical thinking, comparison, and application of MIS principles, students will develop the ability to contribute to effective, ethical, and technology-driven business solutions.

56 Hours

Semester 3

This course demonstrates a practical approach to the design, implementation and management of a number of financial strategies to mitigate the unique risks in financing trade internationally. Students will gain an understanding of the processes used by the financial industry to examine differing markets and environments. Advanced case studies and related topics will be analyzed based on real-life situations. Students will learn how to develop a major financial proposal.

42 Hours

A continuation of the Supply Chain Management course, Distribution Management focuses on the physical distribution or outbound process of a global corporate operation. Aspects of sales force management, territory management, the distribution system and distribution management will be explained through case studies, diagrams, flowcharts and numerous examples. Total Quality Management, forecasting and distributing planning will also be covered.

42 Hours

This course introduces the intricate international legal framework that enables individuals, businesses and governments to successfully and legally exchange goods and services across borders. Students will evaluate the legal principles applicable to any business or corporation activity involving a Canadian business venture abroad. An analysis of foreign laws that are of particular interest for Canadian businesses will also be an important part of the course. Students will also learn how to interpret public trade law encompassing inter-government agreements of international trade and international treaties and conventions.

42 Hours

This subject focuses on the operational, financial and managerial aspects of transportation. In a global manufacturing corporation’s supply chain, all of the facilities are identified by nodes while transportation is represented by all of the links between these nodes. Transportation is one function that spreads across the supply chain. Students will learn how to quickly adapt to changing conditions, manage the transportation of raw materials and goods to or from international destinations as well as across Canada’s complex geography. They will also know how to choose the safest and most cost-effective and time-appropriate mode or combinations of modes.

42 Hours

Supply Chains and Logistics are always changing, creating a necessity for organizations to be flexible. Creating a comprehensive Logistics strategy for specific markets, regions and clients can help move an organization forward while still working within its most effective framework. Cost analysis, optimization and product lines will be explored in this class.

42 Hours

The purpose of this course is for students to enhance their career planning skills and apply these skills to effectively prepare for Co-op Work Terms. Skills such as cover letter and resume development, job search, researching, networking, letter writing and interviewing will be developed and practiced. Additionally, students will focus on ‘‘soft” skills such as self-awareness, goal setting, interpersonal communication, personal presentation and business etiquette. Active participation will be required as students will be learning experientially, collaboratively and cooperatively in class and online.

42 Hours

Semester 4

This course allows students the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills learned in class to the real world technology environment. It provides them the opportunity to create and develop Supply Chain Management projects and to be able to test the results of their work in a field placement (real world) situation. Students also practice interpersonal communication skills, organizational skills, and standard performance goals and modify their skills to meet employer/workplace expectations. This course will provide students with valuable and relevant work experience, transferable skills sought by employers, and an opportunity to explore career interests before graduation.

560 Hours

 

Career Ready Graduates

Articulation Agreements

A number of articulation agreements have been negotiated with universities and other institutions across Canada, North America and internationally. These agreements are assessed, revised and updated on a regular basis. Please contact the program coordinator for specific details if you are interested in pursuing such an option.

 

Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List

CIP Code: 52.0203

International students: check the Canadian Field of Study/CIP Code List to see if your program is eligible for the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP).

 

  1. Examine the connections between strategic objectives, stakeholder expectations, and supply chain design, functions, processes and roles, to guide decision-making, problem-solving and coordination of tasks.
  2. Determine the value added and financial implications of supply chain decisions and design on overall business profitability, efficiency and stakeholder satisfaction.
  3. Ensure supply chain activities and transactions are compliant with relevant legal, regulatory and contractual obligations, and industry and organization standards and policies for quality, health, safety, accountability, social and environmental responsibility.
  4. Use risk mitigation tools and strategies to inform supply chain management decisions.
  5. Contribute to the acquisition and sale of goods, service and materials in accordance with best practices and public and private sector stakeholder expectations across a variety of industries.
  6. Contribute to the strategic planning and scheduling of material requirements, resource allocation and inventory for efficient production and fulfillment of customer orders and returns.
  7. Coordinate the efficient handling and movement of goods, services, materials and related information within and between supply chains.
  8. Contribute to the identification and management of continuous improvements to functions and processes within and between supply chains.
  9. Use available technologies to enhance work performance and support supply chain functions, processes, transactions and communications.
  10. Monitor relevant trends, emerging technologies, and local and global economic, political and environmental issues to enhance work performance and guide management decisions.
  11. Use leadership and communication skills to establish and manage strategic relationships with a diversity of stakeholders and support the achievement of business goals.
  12. Develop and apply ongoing strategies for personal, career and professional development.

 

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will have applied knowledge in the field of supply chain management within a global economy, from planning, sourcing, producing and delivering the product or service.

  • Supply chain coordinator
  • Warehouse and distribution coordinator
  • Buyer, purchasing agent or officer
  • Operations coordinator
  • Employed in various workplaces in the private and public sectors

Explore labour market information for related careers and employment trend data from the Government of Canada Job Bank.

Admissions Information & Requirements

International Admission Requirements

1. Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or Equivalent in a related field of study (e.g. Business, Commerce, Supply Chain, Logistics, Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering).

2. Proof of English Proficiency (we will require one of the following):

Applicants possessing degrees/diplomas from institutions where the language of instruction was not English will be required to provide test scores as evidence of their English language proficiency.

  • IELTS Academic International English Language Testing System: a minimum overall score of 6.0 must be achieved with no individual band score under 6.0.
  • TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) – Internet Based Test (iBT) overall minimum score of 80+
  • PTE (Pearson Test of English) Academic – Graduate Diploma: 60+
  • Duolingo: 110+

All educational documents must be submitted in English and will be dependent on the country of citizenship.

For more information, please contact admissions@northern.on.ca.

Tuition, Fees & Payments

The tuition and fees information is typically updated yearly for the upcoming Academic Year in May. The amounts are for the full academic year.

Amounts may be based on last years tuition and fees and are subject to change.

If you are a current student, please refer to your Student Account or see a Student Services Clerk for the most up-to-date information.

Tuition

Domestic: $2,720.56

International: $15,257.86



Program Specific Fees

Fee for Co-Op: $300 or $1,200 for Simulation in 2026

Students beginning the program in September 2025, can expect the fee for the January 2027 term to be:
Co-Op: $1,200 or $2,400 for Simulation

Ancillary Fees

Ancillary fees vary by campus and support aspects of your experience as a Northern College student, such as Student Associations, Athletic Facilities, and Health Benefits.

Ancillary fees are paid in full for the entire academic year in the first semester.

Please see Detailed Ancillary Fees for more information.

Ancillary Fees by Campus (2024-25) Domestic International
Timmins (PC) $945.50 $1,558.00

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