Open Awards Level 3 Diploma in International Supply Chain Logistics (RQF)

What you'll be able to do

• Identify at least three methods of communication used in a business environment.
• Explain the purpose and use of each form of communication.
• Compare the language and tone required when using informal and formal business communications.
• Identify key components of a business report.
• Explain why terms of reference are necessary in a business report.
• Identify the range of secondary information and data for incorporation into a report.
• Produce a report plan with appropriate section headings.
• Explain how to acknowledge data sources and/or opinion quoted or paraphrased in the report.
• Use an established system of in-text referencing in a business report.
• Produce a bibliography for a business report.
• Produce a business report on an identified business topic.
• Identify the aims and purpose of the presentation.
• Produce a presentation plan.
• Give a presentation on a chosen topic.
• Evaluate the presentation.

What you'll be able to do

• Communicate socially and professionally with technology.
• Communicate effectively in a business context using email.
• Communicate and collaborate using online meeting technology.
• Communicate and collaborate using digital networks to grow own professional networks.
• Demonstrate the use of blogging to engage with clients/audiences to keep them informed.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the rules governing offer and acceptance in relation to the formation of a contract within supply chain logistics.
• Understand what constitutes valid consideration in contract law.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how to identify both internal and external customers within a supply chain logistics context.
• Differentiate between the needs and expectations of internal and external customers.
• Understand the process of customer service in supply chain logistics, including order processing, delivery, and after-sales support.
• Apply effective communication techniques to address customer inquiries and resolve issues.
• Evaluate customer service performance and identify areas for improvement.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the importance of developing productive working relationships with colleagues.
• Explain the role of effective communications in developing productive working relationships.
• Identify the causes and effects of conflict on productive working relationships.
• Understand the principles and techniques of conflict management resolution.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain why organisations in the logistics sector use business plans.
• Identify the key components and features of a business plan.
• Explain the key strategies that might be included in a business plan.
• Identify sources of data that businesses in the logistics sector use to inform business planning.
• Analyse how business decision making is informed by data to ensure business objectives are met.
• Explain how businesses use financial forecasting in the business planning process.
• Analyse information about a department or an organisation.
• Develop a clear and concise business plan using accurate facts and figures.
• Present a completed business plan in an acceptable business format.

What you'll be able to do

• Demonstrate how to manage a digital reputation and online identity professionally
• Demonstrate how to promote a digital reputation and online identity effectively
• Use social media and the internet to search for voluntary employment opportunities
• Use social media and the internet to search for paid employment opportunities
• Use social media and the internet to prepare for voluntary and paid employment applications
• Use social media and the internet to apply for voluntary and paid employment
• Understand how to participate effectively in online interviews
• Understand how to participate effectively in phone interviews
• Use social media to build professional networks
• Use technology to facilitate personal learning
• Use technology to facilitate professional learning
• Use technology to facilitate career progression

What you'll be able to do

• Identify the range of goods that are commonly exported, considering different industries and sectors.
• Understand the regulations and requirements associated with exporting specific types of goods.
• Explain the role of Customs authorities in relation to exporting goods, including import and export controls.
• Describe the processes involved in customs clearance and documentation for exported goods.
• Understand how to calculate duty (taxation) on exported goods, considering different tariff classifications and trade agreements.
• Apply methods for calculating duty and taxes accurately.
• Understand how to manage the risks associated with exporting goods, including financial, logistical, and political risks.
• Implement strategies for mitigating risks in the export process.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the need for Standard Operating Procedures (SOP).
• Explain why Value-Added Service is important to Freight Forwarding and Supply Chain Logistics International Trade.
• Explain why the correct Shipping Terms of Contract and Insurance are important in International Trade.
• Understand the value of a Safety and Quality Assessment System (SQAS).
• Understand the procedures for the safety and security of goods imported into via airports and seaports.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand international capital cities, logistics hubs and their related trade routes.
• Understand trade agreements and trading blocs associated with world trade.
• Understand the global institutions that facilitate international trade.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the procedures for carrying out health and safety risk assessments in the workplace
• Understand the legal requirements for health and safety risk assessments
• Understand how to record workplace health and safety risk assessments accurately
• Understand how to communicate workplace health and safety risk assessments effectively to relevant personnel
• Understand how to review workplace health and safety risk assessments regularly
• Understand how to update workplace health and safety risk assessments in response to changes in the workplace

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the range of goods that are commonly imported within supply chain logistics.
• Understand the role of Customs and Excise in relation to the importing of goods.
• Understand how to calculate duty (taxation) applicable to imported goods.
• Understand how to manage the risks associated with importing goods, including legal and financial considerations.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how to improve performance in Supply Chain Logistics (SCL) operations, considering key performance indicators and efficiency measures.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand what is meant by the term supply chain logistics.
• Understand the key functions of supply chain logistics.
• Understand the specialist sectors that interact with the supply chain.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the purpose of marketing and why it is important to logistics organisations.
• Outline the customer base for an organisation in the logistics sector.
• Explain how marketing can inform business strategies and plans.
• Evaluate sources of data commonly used in marketing.
• Explain how to collect primary data used in marketing and business planning.
• Collect primary data.
• Analyse the data collected to identify market trends within the logistics and transport sector.
• Explain the produce lifecycle model and its relevance to a logistics organisation’s services.
• Apply the marketing mix model to a logistics organisation’s services giving consideration to at least two types of logistics operations.
• Analyse the consumer buying behaviour for a logistics organisation’s services.
• Evaluate appropriate tools used for marketing analysis.
• Carry out strategic marketing analysis for a logistics organisation.
• Develop a marketing plan for a logistics organisation.
• Present a marketing plan for a logistics organisation.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the role that shipping transport plays in the supply chain logistics process.
• Understand the role that air transport plays in the supply chain logistics process.
• Understand the role road transport plays in the supply chain logistics process.
• Understand the functions of a port operation.
• Understand the role of trade associations that support and represent different modes of transport operations.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the development and role of ports
• Understand port services and operation
• Understand the role and duties of port agents
• Understand safe and professional working practice in the port environment
• Understand port communications and vessel planning

What you'll be able to do

• Explain critical information about the project that must be included
• Create, store and retrieve project management files in line with local guidelines where applicable
• Define the project file properties and project options
• Create master and sub-projects
• Create links across projects and manage changes to linked tasks
• Identify the critical tasks and milestones to be completed
• Explain how to set up any deadlines and constraints which apply to the projects
• Enter and edit information about project tasks
• Explain how to resolve issues of resource availability and utilisation
• Enter and edit information about resources to be used in the project
• Create and apply a task calendar for scheduling tasks
• Identify issues of resource allocation
• Resolve issues of resource allocation as appropriate
• Define resource dependencies between tasks
• Set up dependencies between tasks
• Explain the methods available to track project progress and review against plans
• Use editing and formatting techniques to update project elements
• Update task status in line with progress
• Update information about resources as required
• Compare actual progress with project baseline and reschedule uncompleted tasks
• Assess the impact of identified risks and issues on the project
• Manage information on project risks and issues
• Identify current software packages and applications (apps) that enable project management
• Create project reports to meet identified needs
• Customise project reports to meet requirements
• Use filtering and formatting techniques to display project information to meet needs
• Share project information with other applications

What you'll be able to do

• Explain what project management is and how it differs from an organisation’s ongoing activities.
• Evaluate the role of project management in delivering a quality solution to a problem.
• Describe the logistics contexts in which project management has a role including supply chain management.
• Describe the logistics contexts in which project management has a role including distribution and material movement.
• Describe the logistics contexts in which project management has a role including production logistics.
• Describe the logistics contexts in which project management has a role including reverse logistics and product return.
• Describe the logistics contexts in which project management has a role including distribution networks.
• Identify the various roles involved in a project.
• Explain the responsibilities of the various roles involved in a project.
• Explain the stages of project management.
• Identify at least four tools that could be used to assist in project management.
• Critically compare at least two different project management models.
• Summarise how projects are concluded and assist in the ongoing work of an organisation.
• Prepare project initialisation documentation appropriate to a project.
• Produce a project plan including a project schedule, budget, risk management, issue register and KPIs.
• Carry out a project including tracking and recording resolution of issues.
• Evaluate the project in a final project report.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the methods used to quality assure the work of a team
• Understand the importance of quality assurance in team work
• Understand the processes involved in quality assuring team performance

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how to protect a range of devices and data.
• Protect own devices and personal data.
• Protect organisational data and transactions.
• Use visual display screen equipment in line with health and safety legislation and procedures.
• Understand how to manage own digital wellbeing.

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the importance of security in the logistics sector.
• Describe how areas of implementing security contribute to overall protection.
• Summarise who has the responsibilities for each area of implementing security.
• Investigate methods of protecting cargoes in transit.
• Evaluate the Code of Practise for protecting cargoes in transit.
• Explain extra protection for high value cargoes.
• Explain legislation governing security systems.
• Describe perimeter boundary protection arrangements.
• Explain the benefits of robust check in/out procedures.
• Summarise the extent of criminal activities and how they impact on security of cargoes.
• Evaluate the impact on personnel who are victims.
• Summarise Data Protection legislation and the need to adhere to it.
• Detail how and why information should be kept secure and the potential damage from information leaks.
• Explain data storage and protection methods.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the environmental impact of logistics operations, including carbon emissions, waste generation, and resource consumption.
• Analyse the impact of transportation, warehousing, and packaging on the environment.
• Understand a range of initiatives that could assist in reducing the environmental impact of logistics, such as sustainable transportation, green warehousing, and waste reduction strategies.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of different sustainability initiatives in logistics operations.
• Understand how effective route planning can reduce the environmental impact of logistics operations, including optimising routes, reducing mileage, and minimising fuel consumption.
• Apply route planning techniques to minimise the environmental footprint of logistics activities.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the fundamental concepts of leadership
• Understand how different leadership styles can affect a team's performance
• Understand how different leadership styles can affect team dynamics
• Understand how to work effectively as a Team Leader in the Supply Chain Logistics Sector

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the evolving role of robotics in logistics operations.
• Analyse how robotics is shaping the supply chain logistics sector.
• Define the term 'disruptive technologies'.
• Evaluate how disruptive technologies could feature in the supply chain logistics sector in the future.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the role of freight forwarding within the international supply chain, including its key functions and responsibilities.
• Recognise the importance of freight forwarding in facilitating international trade and commerce.
• Identify the different modes of transport used in freight forwarding and their respective advantages and disadvantages.
• Explain the documentation and procedures involved in international freight forwarding.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how to obtain information required in the movement of goods

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the importance of compliance with legal requirements in supply chain logistic operations, including health and safety regulations, transportation laws, and environmental regulations.
• Understand the importance of compliance with regulatory requirements in supply chain logistic operations, including industry standards, quality control procedures, and data protection regulations.
• Understand the importance of compliance with ethical requirements in supply chain logistic operations, including fair labour practices, anti-corruption measures, and responsible sourcing.
• Understand the importance of compliance with social requirements in supply chain logistic operations, including community engagement, diversity and inclusion, and human rights.
• Analyse the consequences of non-compliance with legal, regulatory, ethical, and social requirements in supply chain logistics.

What you'll be able to do

• Describe the roles of book-keeping, financial accounting and management accounting
• Identify primary financial statements
• Explain the various components of at least two financial statements
• Describe the difference between 'cash' and 'profit'
• Identify components relating to working capital
• Use ratios to help interpret the financial health of a business
• Describe at least two budgetary control concepts
• Identify costing techniques relating to budgeting
• Analyse a budget and identify variances
• Identify the break-even point
• Explain at least two sources of long-term finance
• Explain at least two sources of short-term finance

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the concept of Just in Time manufacturing
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of Just in Time Manufacturing
• Explain the conditions required to achieve Just in Time manufacturing
• Summarise the principles of lean management techniques
• Evaluate the advantages of a lean manufacturing or organisational environment
• Summarise the principles of the Six Sigma lean management system
• Explain how lean management impacts the logistics sector
• Summarise the principles of Kaizen business improvement techniques
• Explain how “waste” can be identified and eliminated
• Explain the role of business improvement in the logistics sector

What you'll be able to do

• Explain the differences between purchasing and procurement
• Explain how procurement relates to the logistics function of a business
• Explain the stages in an organisation’s procurement process and its role in supply chain management
• Explain the different job roles involved in the procurement process
• Explain the types of documentation involved in the procurement process
• Identify sustainable sourcing of goods and services and their impact on the environment
• Explain ethical issues related to procurement of goods and services
• Explain the legislation affecting the procurement of goods and services
• Identify what is meant by pricing arrangements
• Explain the use and benefits of commercial pricing arrangements
• Explain the importance of developing and maintaining effective relationships with suppliers
• Explain the different types of supplier relationship commonly used in logistics including partnerships and strategic alliances

What you'll be able to do

• Interpret statistical diagrams, including bar charts, cumulative frequency diagrams, scatter diagrams, pie charts, histograms and line graphs.
• Calculate averages, including mean, median and mode.
• Calculate standard deviation, using mean and standard deviation to compare data sets.
• Describe methods for data collection.
• Describe the main methods by which data is sampled.
• Explain the difference between biased and unbiased data and suggest reasons for bias.
• Determine the mean, median and modal values for a set of data.
• Determine whether data has positive, negative or zero skew.
• Organise types of data as qualitative, quantitative, discrete and continuous.
• Construct suitable charts/diagrams for presenting data to others.
• Calculate probabilities, including single, independent, mutually exclusive and conditional probability.
• Interpret probabilities using diagrams including Venn, Tree and two way tables.
• Draw box plots to determine inter-quartile range.
• Interpret box plots to comment on skew in data.
• Calculate the standard deviation of a data set.
• Use the standard deviation to determine the standard error.
• Use tables to determine the 95% confidence interval of a data set.
• Draw conclusions from standard deviation, referring to the original problem.

What you'll be able to do

• Identify what numerical and other information is needed in the spreadsheet and how it should be structured.
• Enter numerical and other data accurately.
• Edit numerical and other data to meet needs.
• Combine data across worksheets.
• Create links in data across worksheets.
• Store spreadsheet files effectively, in line with local guidelines and conventions where available.
• Retrieve spreadsheet files effectively, in line with local guidelines and conventions where available.
• Identify tools and techniques to analyse and manipulate data to meet requirements.
• Use a range of appropriate functions and formulas to meet calculation requirements.
• Use a range of tools and techniques to analyse and manipulate data to meet requirements.
• Plan how to present and format spreadsheet information effectively to meet needs.
• Use appropriate tools and techniques to format spreadsheet cells, row, columns and worksheets.
• Format an appropriate chart or graph type to display selected information.
• Use appropriate page layout to present and print spreadsheet information.
• Check information meets needs, using spreadsheet tools.
• Make correction to information in the spreadsheet as appropriate.
• Describe how to find errors in spreadsheet formulas.
• Respond appropriately to any problems with spreadsheets.

What you'll be able to do

• Understand how to locate credible information online
• Understand the criteria for evaluating the credibility of online sources
• Understand how to gather online information effectively
• Understand how to use online information when making informed decisions
• Understand how to use online information when solving problems
• Store information safely and securely online
• Retrieve information safely and securely online

What you'll be able to do

• Understand the role of warehousing in the supply chain logistics operation
• Understand the role of automation in a warehouse operation and how critical this is to an effective operation
• Understand a range of warehouse data and interpret this in terms of operational performance