Major fluctuations in supply and demand. Important changes in commodities availability and prices. Oscillations in exchange rates. Unexpected geopolitical incidents. These are just a few of the challenges companies face as they try to build robust supply chains that can achieve—and maintain—high performance in a turbulent economic environment.

That’s where the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification, offered by APICS–The Association for Operations Management, comes in.

“We offer the CSCP certification preparation program to help companies find ways to manage both a domestic and a global supply chain network—one vulnerable to shifting oil prices and the growth of international terrorism, among many factors,” said Walfried Lassar, director of the Ryder Center for Supply Chain Management in the College of Business Administration at Florida International University (FIU).

Supply chain management veteran of 30+ years to offer CSCP program in the Ryder Center.

And that’s where Mark Williams comes in.

“To give companies the edge they’re looking for, not only do we offer the CSCP certification preparation program, but also the Ryder Center engaged Williams, a highly experienced supply chain management professional and an APICS national instructor since 1997, to teach it,” Lassar said.

Currently a consultant, Williams previously worked in manufacturing, distribution, demand management, purchasing, inventory management and computerized systems. This fall, he will conduct the CSCP certification program, which will run for six Saturdays.

While acquiring the certification will add value to the companies whose employees participate, the participants also can reap a significant personal reward, according to Lassar.

“The last APICS salary survey indicates that those with a certification earn between 10-20% more than a colleague without one,” he said.