Jan. 8, 2009

INDIANAPOLIS -- What is the most cost-effective way to manufacture a product and get it to market in an ever-changing global economy?

The Main Street Institute will present a workshop titled "Optimizing Your Supply Chain in an Ever-Changing World" from 8 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23, 2009, in Room 450 of the IUPUI Campus Center, 420 University Blvd.

IUPUI Campus Center

During the workshop, a panel of top-ranked supply chain experts from Kelley School of Business will present the latest in supply chain research. They will offer advice on how to build relationships at different levels of the supply chain and how to manage power relationships in the supply chain world.

"Today's challenging economic situation underscores how important it is to drive out unnecessary costs. "For most companies that means looking at the full supply chain and not simply their piece of it" says Roger W. Schmenner, Kelley professor of operations management and chief of staff, Office of the IUPUI Chancellor.

Workshop participants will also learn about efficiency techniques, including the latest strategies in deploying Six Sigma methodology.

"What it takes to manage the supply chain well is a moving target, and that's where research can help," Schmenner says."Across-the-board layoffs frequently don't work long-term. Other strategies are needed."

Panelist for the Main Street workshop include Schmenner; Barbara Flynn, director of the IU Center for International Business Education and Research, and the Richard M. and Myra Louise Buskirk Professor of Manufacturing Management, IU Kelley School of Business; Mark Frohlich, associate professor of operations management, IU Kelley School of Business; and Mohan V. Tatikonda, Dr. Leslie L. Waters Faculty Fellow and associate professor of operations management, IU Kelley School of Business.

Main Street Institute, presented by UPS, is a partnership between the Greater Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana University Kelley School of Business at IUPUI. The institute provides a series of seminars and other educational programming on topics such as sales and marketing, customer relations and managing growth.

Registration for "Optimizing Your Supply Chain in an Ever-changing World" is now open. Register online at indychamber.com or call Member Services at 317-464-2200.

Cost is $30 for Main Street Institute members; $40 non-members; and $275 for a table of 10.