Upcoming Events, Courses, and Talks

In today’s interconnected economy, supply chain management has become one of the most critical drivers of business success. From procurement and production to distribution and customer delivery, companies must manage complex networks of suppliers, logistics providers, and inventory systems.

This workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to the key principles that govern modern supply chains. Participants will explore the end-to-end flow of goods, data, and finances across supply networks while gaining practical insight into how businesses plan demand, manage inventory, and coordinate production.The workshop introduces core competencies including demand forecasting, supplier sourcing strategies, inventory management, logistics coordination, and risk mitigation. Participants will also learn how data analytics and modern technology tools support forecasting, operational planning, and supply chain optimization. 

By the end of the session, participants will have a clearer understanding of how supply chain strategy connects directly to overall business performance and how organizations can align operations with long-term growth goals.

Who Should Attend

• New managers and supervisors responsible for supply chain operations

• Small business owners scaling production and distribution

• Entrepreneurs building supply chain capabilities for the first time

• Students and career changers exploring supply chain careers

About the Instructor

Dr. Tricia Kerns is Associate Director of the Supply Chain Innovation Center and Business Incubator (SCICBI) at Governors State University and a senior lecturer in the College of Business. She brings over 20 years of experience in operations and supply chain management across manufacturing, logistics, and distribution. Dr. Kerns holds an Ed.D. in Ethical Leadership and an MBA in Leadership, and is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certified through Purdue University. She also holds multiple industry certifications including APICS CPIM, CLTD, and SCPro, and works closely with industry partners to advance supply chain education and workforce development.

About the Organization

The Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) is a statewide collaborative that brings together universities, industry partners, and communities to drive innovation, economic development, and workforce advancement across Illinois. Through initiatives like the Supply Chain Innovation Center and Business Incubator (SCICBI) at Governors State University, the network supports entrepreneurs, businesses, and students with research, training, and industry partnerships that strengthen supply chain capabilities and foster regional economic growth.