Frequently Asked Questions
Center for Supply Chain Research
Frequently Asked Questions
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Where can I get information on education courses?
CSCR works with companies to tailor and deliver logistics education programs. Public courses are available through Penn State's Executive Programs at 800-311-6364. -
Who do I talk to about getting information on the Hadly Waters Symposium?
If you are interested in obtaining information on the Hadly Waters Symposium you should contact Judy Hall at 814-863-5131. -
How can I get information on current research?
The Center has a series of working papers that can be obtained by the public through our web page, http://www.smeal.psu.edu/cscr/paper.html . These papers can be ordered for $3.50 per paper (domestic) or $4.00 per paper (international). -
Information on MBA program.
If you are interested in finding out more information on the MBA program then you should contact the Smeal MBA Office at 814-863-0474 or email them at smealmba@psu.edu . -
Information on Certificate Program - World Campus
To find out more information about courses going online, admission requirements, tuition and fees, student services, policies, and procedures and regulations, contact Penn State's World Campus at http://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/pub/index.shtml . -
Do you have supply chain benchmarking information we can use to help us judge how well our organization is performing on cost, service and asset management metrics in comparison to other organizations?
Benchmarking data which is accurate, timely, understandable and comparable is extremely difficult to obtain. Some source suggestions which might help are as follows: -
Benchmarking Consortiums
Sometimes organizations form small groups to compare performance and track best practices. CSCR facilitates several such organizations: Customer Service , Import , Sales and Operations Planning , and Transportation . -
Consulting Companies
Many consulting companies maintain performance databases based on prior consulting experiences or ongoing surveys with clients. -
Industry Associations
Many industry trade associations gather and publish performance statistics for members. One source of public info is The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) . Another such organization is the Grocery Manufacturers of America (GMA) . -
Annual Surveys
A comprehensive annual, multi-industry logistics survey is conducted by the Herbert W. Davis Company. -
Supply Chain Council
This organization provides members The Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) Model which facilitates benchmarking through mapping standard supply chain processes. PRTM and The Performance Measurement Group, LLC (PMG), its benchmarking subsidiary, are pleased to make the SCOR Level 1 benchmarks available to members of the Supply Chain Council. These benchmarks represent data collected on hundreds of supply chains around the world presented by industry category—discrete and process. Combined data by industry category may not accurately reflect industry-specific performance levels. SCC members can receive industry-specific performance levels. SCC members can receive industry-specific and geographic breakdowns including best-in-class data, as well as Level 2 and 3 benchmarks. -
If you have a question that we did not address please e-mail us at cscr@smeal.psu.edu .
To find out more information about courses going online, admission requirements, tuition and fees, student services, policies, and procedures and regulations, contact Penn State's World Campus .


