Ming Li

“Extensive market research is needed before launching a new business”, that is one of the important lessons I have learned from operating my own business.  I did apply this principle to the credential and training program selection before I chose PMAC. After deciding to pursue supply chain management (SCM) as my future career last summer, I carefully researched the best way to implement my personal career development plan. The C.P.P. designation caught my eye because of noticing the high requirement rate for a C.P.P. when searching supply chain related positions.

Three and a half years ago, I was a newly landed immigrant in Canada, immersed in a totally different world compared to my home country - China, I couldn’t imagine myself working in supply chain management, which is now a field that myself highly passionate about. I feel right at home working in supply chain management today.

Currently, I am under contract with an Ontario based industrial boiler designing, manufacturing and engineering firm, working in the strategic procurement sector globally outsourcing and purchasing heavy industrial equipment supplies and services. My primary responsibilities include outsourcing, vendor management, negotiation, order execution, expediting, inbound/outbound logistic administration and other tasks around project management.

My path to the SCM profession began with my own venture “Q&M Abrasive Engineering Canada” (www.qmabrasives.com), a sole-proprietor importing business I launched in early 2006. Q&M imports and distributes quality industrial diamond and CBN related tooling products in North America.  As a newcomer I learned everything from scratch including business plan preparation, financing & accounting, operations and marketing strategies needed to run a business in this new land. Although Q&M did not make a profit, I enjoyed the experience and process of learning as an entrepreneur. Even while overcoming huge language and culture barriers, I enjoyed creating my enterprise, using my knowledge of import/export and sharpening my skills in running a business.

As I operated my own small business, I gradually realized that my working knowledge, skill sets and world experience could contribute to global supply chain management in a very positive way. Prior to arriving in Canada, I worked for a large Hong Kong company (a direct exporting company) in supplier management arena. I have also served as a marketing/sales engineer for solar energy projects. My solid background in the manufacturing process, management and total quality control (TQM) are added strengths I bring to all my undertakings. After graduating from Material Science and Engineering, specializing in super-hard materials, I have worked as a technician, in quality assurance, and production management positions within the synthetic diamond manufacturing environment.

With globalization and a growing demand for outsourcing to international suppliers, my cross cultural business experience and multi language skills sets will definitely help in improving global supply chain management results. As Canadian manufacturing slows down, the need for a supply chain specialist will increase to effectively manage international business development, outsourcing and logistics.

My experience with PMAC has been enjoyable and beneficial. The newly designed MBA type Strategic Supply Chain Management Leadership Program (SSCMLP) not only provides practical knowledge of procurement, operations and logistics, but also teaches strategic thinking in supply chain management through professional in-class instruction, interactive workshops and group participation covering skill development in leadership, communication and ethics. All critical elements for future success as a practitioner in supply chain management. The two workshops I attended last year (Leadership and Professionalism, and Negotiation Skills) were very educational resulting in a high level of satisfaction from attendees.

With the soaring fuel cost and booming international trade, cross-continent logistics has become more complex. How we manage the process, people and technology in a global supply chain is vital for enabling any business to grow and succeed. As well the worlds’ new acceptance of “green supply chain” is something we all need to bear in mind as we promote sustainable business strategies. I look forward to the upcoming modules of Logistics & Transportation and Operation & Process Management for lasting solutions and reinforcement towards the new reality and attitude.