Inventory Management Demystified

Despite the widespread use of computer based inventory control systems, most companies are aware that they often cannot meet their customer demand, while still suspecting that their stock levels are higher than they should be.

Inventory Management isn't easy. If it were, more companies would be good at it. But being competent at managing your inventory isn't all that difficult either. Inventory Management Explained helps readers build a solid understanding of the key planning aspects of inventory management. It does this by clearly explaining what inventory management is, but then goes well beyond typical inventory management books by tearing apart the calculations and logic we use in inventory management and exposing the hidden (or not so hidden) flaws and limitations. It then builds on this by showing readers how they can use their understanding of inventory management and their specific business needs to modify these calculations or develop their own calculations to more effectively manage their inventory. The emphasis on practical solutions means readers can actually use what they've learned.For those new to inventory management, the author includes highly detailed explanations and numerous examples. Instead of archaic mathematical syntax, the author explains the calculations in plain English and uses Excel formulas and spreadsheet examples for many of them.For the experienced practitioner, the author provides insights and a level of detail they likely have not previously experienced. Overall, Inventory Management Explained does actually explain inventory management, and in doing so, exposes the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of it. But more importantly, it leaves the readers knowing enough to be able to start making smart decisions about how they manage their inventory.

Your SOURCE for supply chain management fundamentals Optimize your understanding of the essential supply chain management practices used by the best firms to gain competitive advantage. Written in an easy-to-follow style, Supply Chain Management DeMYSTiFieD is filled with best practices and proven techniques for success. This practical guide covers supply chain collaboration, planning, strategic sourcing, manufacturing, production, logistics, risk management, and performance metrics. Corporate social responsibility is also addressed. Detailed examples and concise explanations make it easy to understand the material, and end-of-chapter quizzes and a final exam help reinforce key concepts. It's a no-brainer! You'll learn about: Creating a customer-focused strategy Buyer-supplier negotiations New product development Just in time (JIT), Lean manufacturing, and Six Sigma Transportation Global supply chains Simple enough for a beginner, but challenging enough for an advanced student, Supply Chain Management DeMYSTiFieD helps you master this essential business and quality management topic.

THE MCGRAW-HILL EXECUTIVE MBA SERIES "Executive education is suddenly every CEO's favorite strategic weapon." --BusinessWeek Now repackaged in easily transportable paperback editions, these informative titles--written by frontline executive education professors and modeled after the programs of the nation's top business schools--will find new popularity with today's on-the-go, every-second-counts executive.

This book explains the many techniques which have been developed to help you manage projects successfully using very clear objectives within a commercial environment. Examples are drawn from construction, civil engineering, product launches, publishing, computer hardware and software, scientific projects and aerospace.

LEARN PROJECT MANAGEMENT ON TIME AND UNDER BUDGET! Project Management Demystified is valuable for both the novice project manager and the experienced. For the novice, it is a great way to understand PM basics in an easy-to-understand and practical way. Personalized stories demonstrate both what to do and what not to do. Experienced project managers will find 'gems' spread throughout the text to take away to improve their results. -- Lee Krevat, IT Director, Business Strategic Alignment, Sempra Energy (A Fortune 500 company) Mr. Kemp truly demystifies project management, connecting the how and the why. Students and managers alike will gain both skills and confidence. -- Malcolm Ryder, Principal and Chief Strategy Officer, Renovance, L.L.P. (An IT management consulting firm) Written in straightforward language, Project Management Demystified will help you gain "instant expertise" in project management -- even if you have no previous formal training in executive skills. The author, who has trained thousands of first-time managers and team leaders, uses a host of powerful techniques to help you soak up what you really need to know. With Project Management Demystified, you master the subject one simple step at a time -- at your own speed. Unlike most books on project management, general principles are presented first—and the details follow. In order to make the learning process clear, simple, and useful, Project Management Demystified offers questions at the end of each chapter to pinpoint weaknesses, and case studies throughout the book to reinforce the entire process of project management. This unique, self-teaching guide shows you how to: * Transform a good idea into a smooth-flowing project * Ensure project delivery with the "Six Keys to Success" * Turn disorganized "to-do" lists into effective action plans * Master people-management and team-building skills * Analyze design, development, budgeting, and scheduling * Calm the "storm period" -- the transition to production * Bring your project in on time and under budget * Gain practical management skills you can use again and again * Build your "Project for Learning" and use reviews to retain information * And much, much more! If you're looking for mastery of essential PM skills, let Project Management Demystified be your shortcut!

Good management of inventory enables companies to improve their customer service, cash flow and profitability. 'Best Practice in Inventory Management' outlines the basic techniques, how and where to apply them, and provides advice to ensure they work to produce the desired effect in practice. The book shows how inventory management techniques can be used in a wide variety of situations, particularly in stores where the inventory can be anything from fast moving products to slow moving spares. The discussion extends across distribution warehousing and manufacturers' operations. The text is based on best theory and practice, which has been gradually developed by the inventory management profession over the years. It covers the inventory control aspects included in the courses for the DPIM, COM, DLM, CPIM and other professional and academic qualifications. Readers develop their understanding of stock control by seeing the techniques explained logically and learn how inventory structuring, individual item control, forecasting and co-ordination provide the base for logistics management. This new edition has been up-dated throughout and the final chapter, The Future - Inventory and Logistics, has been re-written to reflect the developing applications of technology and changes in focus.