Introduction to Supply Chain Management & Global Trade
- Supply chain fundamentals & value chains
- Flow of physical goods, funds, and information
- International trade channels and incoterms
About
About the program
The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Diploma prepares students for dynamic careers in procurement, inventory management, freight forwarding, warehousing, and transportation coordination.
The 56-week program combines instructor-led learning with a structured industry practicum, allowing students to apply practical skills in real-world supply chain environments.
Outlook
Salary & employment outlook
Supply chain and logistics specialists manage critical goods, inventory, and procurement networks across Alberta's expanding distribution hubs.
$19.00Low / h
$27.95Median / h
$48.08High / h
Wage information is provided for general informational purposes only and is based on labour market data published by the Government of Canada. Salary estimates may vary depending on education, experience, employer, geographic location, and current labour market conditions. Program completion does not guarantee employment or a specific salary. Source: Government of Canada Job Bank, Supervisors, supply chain, tracking and scheduling co-ordination occupations (NOC 12013), Alberta, checked October 1, 2026.
Curriculum
Course information
The program areas below build your knowledge from fundamental principles to advanced strategies.
Inventory Control & Warehouse Management
- Inventory accounting & valuation methods
- Stock replenishment systems (EOQ, JIT, Kanban)
- Warehouse safety, storage design, and layout optimization
Procurement & Strategic Sourcing
- Supplier identification and qualification criteria
- Commercial contract negotiation & RFP generation
- Purchase order lifecycles and vendor performance scorecards
Transportation Systems & Freight Operations
- Intermodal freight networks (Road, Rail, Sea, Air)
- Customs regulations, import/export compliance, and tariff codes
- Carrier rate calculation and load dispatching
Supply Chain Analytics & Enterprise ERP Software
- Enterprise ERP data workflows (SAP/Oracle concepts)
- Advanced spreadsheet modeling for demand forecasting
- Supply chain KPI dashboards and performance tracking
Industry Practicum Placement & Case Studies
- Supervised hands-on workplace practicum
- Practical application of procurement and inventory tools
- Professional workplace reflection and capstone review
Program Highlights
- 56-week diploma program (1,282 total hours: 962 instructional and 320 practicum)
- Online delivery with dedicated instructor support, plus a supervised practicum
- Hands-on training in inventory control, purchasing, warehouse management, and freight forwarding
- Integrated industry practicum placement for practical career experience
- Prepares graduates for roles aligned with NOC 12013 across Alberta and Western Canada
Learning Objectives
- Manage procurement lifecycles, purchase orders, and supplier relationships
- Analyze inventory levels, safety stock requirements, and warehouse layouts
- Coordinate domestic and international freight, customs clearance, and documentation
- Utilize industry-standard supply chain software and spreadsheet analytics
- Apply professional business communication and contract negotiation strategies
English-Language Assessment & College Interview
Applicants must successfully complete the institution's admissions process, which may include an entrance assessment and an admissions interview. Where English is not the applicant's first language or prior education was completed outside Canada, proof of English-language proficiency may be required. The interview may be used to confirm the applicant's communication ability and readiness for the program. Final requirements must be confirmed before enrolment.
Admission requirements
Admission is decided by the partner college.
- Alberta High School Diploma or equivalent (or mature student status where applicable)
- Proficiency in English communication (oral and written)
- Basic computer literacy and internet access for digital coursework
- Successful entrance assessment and admissions interview
- Additional documentation may be requested during admissions
Outline
Course outline
| Course | Hours / Focus |
|---|---|
| Operations Management | 80 h · process, quality, capacity, inventory and supply-chain decisions |
| Organizational Behaviour | 60 h · workplace behaviour, leadership and teamwork |
| Business English & Communication | 90 h · professional writing and presentations |
| Computer Applications | 80 h · keyboarding, Word, Excel and PowerPoint |
| Warehouse Management | 60 h · warehouse operations and project-based workplace skills |
| Demand Forecasting | 20 h · qualitative and quantitative forecasting |
| Management Information Systems | 60 h · business information systems and performance |
| Inventory Management | 40 h · reorder points, inventory systems and control |
| Business Mathematics | 40 h · practical business calculations |
| Economics | 40 h · supply, demand, competition and costs |
| Business Logistics - Transportation | 80 h · modes, 3PL, global transport and risk |
| Project Management | 60 h · planning, budgets, risk and delivery |
| Marketing | 40 h · customer value and market fundamentals |
| Procurement | 80 h · sourcing, purchasing and performance |
| Business Law | 40 h · Canadian legal principles for business |
| Competitive Contracting & Negotiation | 40 h · contracts, partnerships and negotiation |
| Career Management | 44 h · job search and interview preparation |
| Academic Reviews | 4 h · progress review and mock interview |
| Practicum | 320 h · supervised workplace application |
Career opportunities
- Logistics Coordinator
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Procurement Specialist
- Inventory Control Supervisor
- Freight Forwarding Agent
- Warehouse Operations Coordinator
Employment opportunities
- Distribution & Fulfillment Centers
- Transportation & Freight Companies
- Manufacturing & Production Facilities
- Wholesale & Retail Supply Networks
- Government & Municipal Procurement Offices
Costs
Tuition, fees and funding
Tuition, fees, payment options and refund rules are set by the partner college. Your advisor will share its fee and refund details before you apply.
Our service is free to you. Alpha Community Outreach is a private student-recruitment agency. Partner colleges pay Alpha when a student we have helped enrolls.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need prior experience?
No prior experience is necessary. The program is designed to take you from a beginner level to job-ready, covering all foundational concepts before moving to advanced strategies.
Can I work while taking the program?
The published schedule is 20 hours per week, online, plus a 320-hour supervised practicum. Many students plan study around part-time or full-time work; confirm the practicum schedule with the partner college before enrolling.
What career support is offered?
The partner college provides the program's career management course (44 hours), covering job search and interview preparation. Program completion does not guarantee employment.
Who is Alpha Community Outreach?
Alpha is a private student-recruitment agency. We are not a college and not a government agency. [Approved program title] is offered by one of our partner colleges, which sets admission, tuition and graduation requirements.
Does Alpha get paid if I enrol?
Yes. The college pays Alpha when a student we have helped enrolls. You never pay Alpha anything.
Can you help with immigration or study permits?
No. We can't give immigration advice. For questions about permits or status, please speak to a licensed immigration consultant or lawyer.
Contact
Alberta team
Alpha Community Outreach – Edmonton Office (head office)11717 42 Street NW, Suite 250, Edmonton, Alberta T5W 4V8+1 (780) 784-8000 · admin.ab@acoonline.ca
Alpha Community Outreach – Calgary Office (appointments only)1830 52 Street SE, Suite 222, Calgary, Alberta T2B 1N1+1 587-329-2061 · alpha.cal@acoonline.ca