SCM industry in need of influencers to close knowledge gaps

The impact of disruption, one of the biggest buzzwords of 2014, isn’t limited to only the technology industry. The breakneck pace of disruptive innovation has one of the biggest ripple effects since the industrial revolution, forcing many industries and businesses to re-evaluate direction and growth potential. 

This re-evaluation leads to the identification of knowledge and skills gaps, some of which are easily bridged by reassigning existing resources, and others that appear to be chasms of impossibility. For industries to move with the ever-increasing pulse of business, it is necessary to fill those gaps as a matter of great urgency.

While formal education is traditionally used to address knowledge and skills gaps, a more informal approach might yield results quicker, albeit not as comprehensive. Informal education events such as workshops and conferences are a proven way of sharing maximum knowledge in minimum time. An additional benefit is that attendees receive input from multiple sources, thereby increasing the range of knowledge transfer.

“With so many changes in technologies, techniques and experience it is necessary to regularly participate in industry events; whether it be to increase your knowledge, or confirm that you are on the right track,” says Jenny Froome, General Manager of SAPICS, the industry association for supply chain professionals.

“Supply chain management is a discipline that is influenced immensely by developments and changes in a variety of industries,” says Froome. “For the good of the profession it is imperative that influencers with diverse expertise and background share their knowledge and expertise with those involved in the day-to-day shaping of supply chains.”

During an industry conference attendees have the opportunity to learn from many experts at once, and the benefits for speakers are sometimes even more valuable. “In sharing your knowledge with conference attendees you not only help others achieve their personal and professional goals, but also enable the growth of the industries represented by the attendees,” says Froome.

A spin-off benefit for speakers at industry events is of course the market awareness they create for themselves in their professional capacity, as well as the company or organisation they represent.

Sharing knowledge and experiences isn’t only beneficial for the recipients but also for the individual speaker and the company or organisation they represent. Conference speakers also usually have the benefit of attending sessions by other speakers, exposing them to ideas that might either strengthen or challenge their own.

“We usually advise prospective speakers to evaluate opportunities based on location, timing, whether the topic or theme of the event suits their expertise and passion,” says Froome. “One of the leading platforms for supply chain professionals in Africa to share their stories is the annual SAPICS Conference & Exhibition, of which the 37rd edition will take place in South Africa from 31 May to 2 June 2015, themed ‘The Pulse of Africa’s Supply Chains’.”

Details of speaker submissions for the conference are available online at www.sapics.org.za

Several popular speakers from this year’s SAPICS Conference have already been confirmed for the 2015 line-up, including 2014 Best Speaker award winner Sean Culey, 

“There are so many passionate local and global supply chain experts,” concludes Froome. “SAPICS 2015 provides the perfect platform share their hard-earned expertise with fellow industry professionals and keep their fingers on the pulse of Africa’s supply chains.”
ENDS


MEDIA CONTACT: Juanita Vorster, 079 523 8374, juanita@thatpoint.co.za 

For more information on SAPICS please visit:
Website: www.sapics.org.za 
Twitter: @SAPICS01
LinkedIn: SAPICS group
Facebook: OperationsManagement

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